Psalms 119:39

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 119:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.
Psalms 119:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 119

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Turn away my reproach - The reproach which is likely to come upon me from being a professed worshipper of God. In all ages good men have been exposed to this reproach. Which I fear - Which I have reason to apprehend will come upon me. This may not mean that he was personally afraid of it, but merely that he had reason to apprehend that he was exposed to it. The prayer is proper, for there is nothing which our nature makes us shrink back from more than reproach. Compare Psalms 119:22; Psalms 69:9, Psalms 69:20; Romans 15:3; 2 Corinthians 12:10. The word repreach in the original is the same which denotes shame or dishonor. For thy judgments are good - Thy statutes; thy laws. I know they are…”
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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
“I fear - For my instability in thy ways; which in respect to my own weakness, I have great cause to fear. Psalms 119:40”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Turn: Psa 119:22, Psa 119:31, Psa 39:8, Psa 57:3; Sa2 12:14; Ti1 3:7, Ti1 5:14; Tit 2:8 for thy: Psa 119:20, Psa 119:43, Psa 119:75, Psa 119:123, Psa 119:131, Psa 19:9; Deu 4:8; Isa 26:8; Rom 2:2; Rev 19:2 Psalms 119:40”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification