Psalms 89:31

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 89:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If they break my statutes, And keep not my commandments;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If they break my statutes, And keep not my commandments;
Psalms 89:31 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 89

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31If they break my statutes, And keep not my commandments;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If they break my statutes, etc.] Fixed, settled, appointed ordinances; such as are baptism and the Lord’s supper, under the New Testament dispensation; which are the things that are unshaken, and will remain until the second coming of Christ: these are to be kept as they were first delivered; no change and alteration ought to be made in them; so to do is to break and violate them, or “profane” them, as the word f1279 here used signifies; and which may be done by an unbecoming, irreverent, and indecent attendance on them; as was by some in the Corinthian church, of which the apostle complains, and who for it were taken notice of, and chastened by the Lord, (<461102>1 Corinthians…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If they break my statutes - Margin, “profane.” The Hebrew word means to pollute or defile; and the idea is, If they practically contemn them; if they regard them as things of nought, or treat them with disdain as a polluted or defiled thing. It is in this way that the mass of mankind do regard the commands of God. They treat them with no respect; they practically class them among objects that are polluted, and that are to be avoided as defiled and defiling. And keep not my commandments - If they do not regulate their conduct by my laws. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“break: Heb. profane, Psa 55:20 \*marg. Psalms 89:32”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification