Psalms 119:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 119:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.
Psalms 119:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 119

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, etc.] The whole word of God, the Scriptures of truth, are his testimonies: they testify of the mind of God, and of his love and grace in the method of salvation by Christ; they testify of Christ, his person, offices, and grace; of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow; and of all the happiness that comes to the people of God thereby. The law is called a testimony, which being put into the ark, that had the name of the ark of the testimony. This is a testimony of the perfections of God, his holiness, justice, and goodness displayed in it; and of his good and perfect will, what should or should not be done. The Gospel is the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies - His commandments or laws, considered as what he bears witness to concerning that which is just, wise, good. Every law of a parent is to his children a testimony on his part of what is wise and right and good; and so every law of God is his solemn testimony as to what is right and good for man. See Psalms 19:7, note; Psalms 25:10, note. And that seek him with the whole heart - With a sincere desire to know his will and to do it; without hypocrisy or guile; with no selfish or sinister aims. As God knows the heart, all other modes of “seeking” him must be in vain. It is impossible for man to impose on him by appearances. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“keep: Psa 119:22, Psa 119:146, Psa 25:10, Psa 105:45; Deu 6:17; Kg1 2:3; Pro 23:26; Eze 36:27; Joh 14:23; Jo1 3:20 seek: Psa 119:10; Deu 4:29; Ch2 31:21; Jer 29:13 Psalms 119:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification