Old Testament
Psalms 119:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
Compare translations
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
What Psalms 119:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to show kindness and generosity towards him. The request for God to 'deal bountifully' suggests a desire for abundant blessings that would enable the psalmist to live fully and adhere to God's teachings. The connection between receiving blessings and keeping God's word highlights the importance of divine support in living a righteous life. The psalmist recognizes that to truly follow God's commands, he needs strength and sustenance from God. This plea reflects a deep reliance on God’s grace and a commitment to obedience. The verse encapsulates the relationship between divine favor and human responsibility, emphasizing that spiritual life and adherence to God's word are intertwined. The psalmist's request is not just for personal gain but for the ability to fulfill his role as a servant of God, indicating a desire to live in a way that honors God’s commandments.
How to apply Psalms 119:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's blessings in our lives so that we can live according to His word. We should pray for strength and guidance to follow His teachings, recognizing that our ability to obey comes from His generosity and support.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 119:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 119:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 119:17 mean?
Psalms 119:17 expresses a heartfelt plea from the psalmist for God to show kindness and generosity. The phrase 'deal bountifully' indicates a desire for abundant blessings that would empower the psalmist to live fully and adhere to God's teachings. This verse highlights the connection between receiving divine support and the ability to follow God's commands, emphasizing the importance of God's grace in living a righteous life.
How can I apply Psalms 119:17 in my life?
To apply Psalms 119:17, you can start by praying for God's blessings and guidance in your daily life. Acknowledge your dependence on God for strength and sustenance to follow His teachings. This verse encourages you to seek a deeper relationship with God, recognizing that your ability to obey His word comes from His generosity. Make it a habit to reflect on how you can live in a way that honors God's commandments.
What is the significance of 'servant' in Psalms 119:17?
In Psalms 119:17, the term 'servant' signifies a relationship of humility and dedication to God. It reflects the psalmist's commitment to serving God faithfully and highlights the importance of obedience to His word. By identifying as a servant, the psalmist acknowledges his reliance on God's blessings to fulfill his role, emphasizing that spiritual life is about serving and honoring God through adherence to His teachings.
Why does the psalmist ask for blessings in order to keep God's word?
The psalmist asks for blessings to keep God's word because he understands that divine support is essential for living a righteous life. This request illustrates the belief that spiritual sustenance and strength come from God, enabling the believer to obey His commands. It highlights the interdependence between receiving God's generosity and the ability to live according to His teachings, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness requires divine assistance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.