Old Testament
Psalms 119:88
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Revive me according to your lovingkindness, and I will keep the testimony of your mouth.
Compare translations
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
What Psalms 119:88 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to bring him back to life or restore him through His lovingkindness. The term 'revive' suggests a need for spiritual renewal or strength, indicating that the psalmist feels weak or in need of help. The psalmist expresses a commitment to follow God's teachings, referred to as the 'testimony of your mouth.' This shows a relationship between receiving God's grace and the desire to obey His commands. The lovingkindness of God is a central theme, emphasizing His mercy and compassion. The psalmist recognizes that it is through God's kindness that he can find the strength to live according to God's will. This verse highlights the importance of divine assistance in maintaining faithfulness to God's word, suggesting that human effort alone is insufficient without God's help.
How to apply Psalms 119:88 to your life
When feeling spiritually drained or distant from God, seek His lovingkindness through prayer and reflection on His word. Acknowledge your need for His help to revive your spirit and strengthen your commitment to live according to His teachings. Trust in His mercy to guide you.
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 119:88
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 119:88
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 119:88 mean by 'revive me'?
In Psalms 119:88, 'revive me' refers to a plea for spiritual renewal and restoration. The psalmist is expressing a deep need for God's intervention to restore his strength and vitality in faith. This revival is linked to God's lovingkindness, indicating that the psalmist recognizes that true renewal comes from God's mercy and compassion.
How does God's lovingkindness relate to obedience in this verse?
The verse connects God's lovingkindness to the psalmist's commitment to obeying His teachings. The psalmist acknowledges that experiencing God's mercy and grace empowers him to keep the 'testimony of your mouth,' which refers to God's commandments. This highlights the relationship between receiving divine assistance and the motivation to live according to God's will.
What is the significance of 'the testimony of your mouth'?
'The testimony of your mouth' in Psalms 119:88 refers to God's teachings and commandments. It signifies the importance of adhering to God's word as a guide for living a faithful life. The psalmist's commitment to keeping this testimony reflects a desire to align his life with God's principles, demonstrating obedience and reverence for divine instruction.
How can I apply Psalms 119:88 in my daily life?
To apply Psalms 119:88, start by acknowledging your need for God's help in your spiritual journey. Spend time in prayer, asking for His lovingkindness to revive your spirit, especially during challenging times. Reflect on His word and commit to living according to His teachings, trusting that His grace will empower you to remain faithful.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.