Old Testament

Psalms 119:18

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

What Psalms 119:18 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to open his eyes so that he can see and understand the amazing truths found in God's law. The request highlights the importance of divine insight and revelation in comprehending spiritual matters. The law, which refers to God's teachings and commandments, contains profound wisdom and guidance for living a righteous life. The psalmist recognizes that human understanding is limited and that only through God's help can one truly appreciate the depth and beauty of His word. This plea reflects a desire for a deeper relationship with God and a longing to grasp the significance of His instructions. It emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening and enlightenment, suggesting that the study of scripture is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative experience that requires God's intervention. By seeking God's help, the psalmist demonstrates humility and dependence on divine wisdom to navigate life's complexities and to find joy in God's truth.

How to apply Psalms 119:18 to your life

To apply this verse, we should regularly pray for God to open our eyes to His truths as we read the Bible. This means approaching scripture with a humble heart, seeking understanding beyond mere words. By doing so, we can discover the richness of God's teachings and how they apply to our lives.

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.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

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

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 119:18

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 119:18

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 119:18 mean?

Psalms 119:18 expresses a plea for God to grant understanding and insight into His law. The psalmist seeks to see the profound truths within God's teachings, recognizing that true comprehension requires divine assistance.

What is the significance of 'open my eyes' in Psalms 119:18?

The phrase 'open my eyes' signifies a request for spiritual enlightenment and clarity. It highlights the need for God's help to perceive and appreciate the deeper meanings of His commandments.

How can I apply Psalms 119:18 in my life?

To apply this verse, regularly pray for God to help you understand His word as you read the Bible. Approach scripture with humility, seeking deeper insights that can guide your daily life.

What does 'wondrous things' refer to in Psalms 119:18?

'Wondrous things' refers to the amazing truths and insights found in God's law. It suggests that there are profound lessons and guidance within scripture that can transform one's understanding and life.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.