Old Testament
Psalms 89:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is expressing the consequences of disobedience to His laws.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
if they break my statutes and do not keep my commandments,
If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing the consequences of disobedience to His laws. The 'statutes' and 'commandments' refer to the guidelines and moral principles that God has established for His people. When individuals or a community choose to disregard these divine instructions, they are essentially breaking their covenant with God. This verse serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. It highlights the importance of obedience and the potential repercussions of turning away from God's ways. The context suggests that God is emphasizing the seriousness of following His laws, as they are meant for the well-being and guidance of His people. Disobedience can lead to a breakdown in the relationship between God and His followers, which is a central theme throughout the Psalms.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 89:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we uphold God's commandments. It challenges us to prioritize obedience in our daily actions, recognizing that our relationship with God is strengthened through faithfulness to His teachings. We should strive to align our choices with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 89:31 mean?
Psalms 89:31 conveys that if people break God's laws and fail to follow His commandments, they are violating their covenant with Him. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to maintain a good relationship with God.
What is the significance of statutes and commandments in Psalms 89:31?
In Psalms 89:31, 'statutes' and 'commandments' refer to God's moral guidelines for His people. They are essential for guiding behavior and ensuring a faithful relationship with God.
How does Psalms 89:31 relate to obedience?
Psalms 89:31 highlights that obedience to God's commandments is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. It stresses that faithfulness to His laws is necessary for spiritual well-being.
What can we learn from Psalms 89:31?
From Psalms 89:31, we learn the importance of adhering to God's commandments in our daily lives. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and prioritize obedience to strengthen our relationship with God.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
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