Psalms 119:18

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 119:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law.
Psalms 119:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 119

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Open thou mine eyes - Margin, “Reveal.” So the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate. The Hebrew word means to be naked; then to make naked, to uncover, to disclose, to reveal. Here it is the same as “uncover;” that is, take away from the eyes what is before them to prevent clear vision. Compare Numbers 22:31; Numbers 24:4, Numbers 24:16. That I may behold wondrous things - Things which are suited to excite wonder and amazement: that is, things which are secret or hidden from the common view; the deep, spiritual meaning of the word of God. By natural vision he might see the surface - the letter; to see the deep, hidden, real, meaning, he needed the special influence of God. Compare 1 Corinthians…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Open - Enlighten my mind by the light of thy Holy Spirit, and dispel all ignorance and error. Behold - Those great and marvellous depths of Divine wisdom and goodness, and those profound mysteries of Christ, and God's grace to mankind, and of that everlasting state, which are not to be known but by Divine illumination. Psalms 119:19”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Open: Heb. Reveal, Isa 29:10-12, Isa 29:18, Isa 32:3, Isa 35:5; Mat 13:13, Mat 16:17; Joh 9:39; Act 26:18; Co2 3:14-18, Co2 4:4-6; Eph 1:17, Eph 1:18; Rev 3:18 wondrous: Psa 119:96; Hos 8:12; Co2 3:13; Heb 8:5, Heb 10:1 Psalms 119:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification