Old Testament
Psalms 119:48
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
My hands also I will lift up to your commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Compare translations
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
What Psalms 119:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep love and reverence for God's commandments. Lifting hands is a gesture of worship and surrender, indicating a desire to honor God's laws. The psalmist not only loves these commandments but also commits to meditating on God's statutes, reflecting on their meaning and how they apply to life. This meditation signifies a thoughtful engagement with God's word, suggesting that understanding and internalizing these teachings is essential for spiritual growth. The act of lifting hands can also symbolize a readiness to receive guidance and strength from God, reinforcing the importance of being open to His direction. Overall, this verse highlights the relationship between love for God's word and the active pursuit of understanding it through meditation, which leads to a more profound spiritual life.
How to apply Psalms 119:48 to your life
To apply this verse, set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture. Consider keeping a journal to reflect on what you learn and how it applies to your life. Make a habit of expressing your love for God's teachings through prayer and worship.
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 119:48
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 119:48
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 119:48 mean?
Psalms 119:48 expresses the psalmist's love for God's commandments and a commitment to meditate on them. Lifting hands symbolizes worship and a desire to honor God's laws, while meditation signifies a thoughtful engagement with His teachings.
What is the significance of lifting hands in Psalms 119:48?
Lifting hands in Psalms 119:48 represents a gesture of worship and surrender to God. It indicates the psalmist's readiness to honor God's commandments and receive guidance from Him.
How can I meditate on God's statutes as mentioned in Psalms 119:48?
To meditate on God's statutes, set aside quiet time to read Scripture, reflect on its meaning, and consider how it applies to your life. Journaling your thoughts can also enhance your understanding and engagement.
What themes are present in Psalms 119:48?
Psalms 119:48 includes themes of worship, love for God's commandments, meditation, spiritual growth, and reflection on God's word. These themes highlight the importance of actively engaging with Scripture.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.