IiNdumiso 119:141

Izhibhalo Ezingcwele

141 Ndimncinane, ndideliwe, Noko andizilibali iziyalezo zakho.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

small: Psalms 22:6, Psalms 40:17, Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 16:8, Proverbs 19:1, Isaiah 53:3, Luke 6:20, Luke 9:58, 2 Corinthians 8:9, James 2:5

yet do: Psalms 119:109, Psalms 119:176, Proverbs 3:1

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 26:13 - forgotten 1 Samuel 18:23 - and lightly Psalms 119:16 - not forget Psalms 119:153 - for I Galatians 4:14 - ye

Gill's Notes on the Bible

I [am] small and despised,.... Or, "I have been" x. Some versions render it "young" y; as if it had respect to the time of his anointing by Samuel, when he was overlooked and despised in his father's family, 1 Samuel 16:11; but the word here used is not expressive of age, but of state, condition, and circumstances; and the meaning is, that he was little in his own esteem, and in the esteem of men, and was despised; and that on account of religion, in which he was a type of Christ, Psalms 22:6; and which is the common lot of good men, who are treated by the world as the faith of it, and the offscouring of all things;

[yet] do not I forget thy precepts; to observe and keep them: the ill treatment of men on account of religion did not cause him to forsake it, or to leave the ways, word, and worship of God; see

Psalms 119:83.

x אנכי "ego fui, et adhuc sum", Michaelis. y צעיר νεωτερος, Sept. "adolescentulus", V. L.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I am small and despised - The word here rendered “small” may mean “small” in respect to number - that is, “few,” Micah 5:2; Isaiah 60:22; or in respect to age - “young,” Genesis 19:31; or in respect to dignity - “low;” least in rank or esteem. The language here may be applied to the church as comparatively few; to one who is young; or to one in humble life. Either of these may be a reason why one is regarded as of little consequence, or may be subject to reproach and ridicule. It is not possible to determine in which of these senses the word is used here, or in which sense it was applicable to the psalmist. The word “despised” means treated as unworthy of notice; passed by; looked upon with contempt. This might be on account of age, or poverty, or ignorance, or humble rank: or it might be simply on account of his religion, for the friends of God have been, and often are, despised simply because they are religious. The Saviour was despised by people; the apostles were; the most excellent of the earth in all ages have been. Compare Hebrews 11:36-38; 1 Corinthians 4:13.

Yet do not I forget thy precepts - I am not ashamed of them. I am not deterred from keeping them, and from avowing my purpose to obey them, because I am despised for it. This is often one of the severest tests of religion, and to be faithful in such circumstances is one of the clearest proofs of true attachment to God. There are few things which we are less able to bear than contempt, and one of the best evidences of attachment to principle is when we adhere to what we regard as right and true, though we are despised for it by the frivolous, the worldly, the rich - by those who claim to be “wise.” He who can bear contempt on account of his opinions, can usually bear anything.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Psalms 119:141. I am small and despised — And on these accounts have every thing to fear. Being small, I cannot resist; being despised, I am in danger; but even all this does not induce me to start aside, or through the fear of man to be unfaithful to thee.