Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
NIV · New International Version
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
WEB · World English Bible
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
What does Psalms 119:105 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 119:105
NUN.--The Fourteenth Part. NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,.... The same Solomon says of the law and commandment, the preceptive part of the word, Proverbs 6:23; and the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it "law" here.
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 119:105
Observe here, 1. The nature of the word of God, and the great intention of giving it to the world; it is a lamp and a light. It discovers to us, concerning God and ourselves, that which otherwise we could not have known; it shows us what is amiss, and will be dangerous; it directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. It is a lamp which we may set up by us, and take into our hands for our own particular use, Pro 6:23.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 119:105–112
105. Thy word is a lamp to my feet. In this verse the Psalmist testifies that the Divine Law was his schoolmaster and guide in leading a holy life. He thus, by his own example, prescribes the same rule to us all; and it is highly necessary to observe this rule; for while each of us follows what seems good in his own estimation, we become entangled in inextricable and frightful mazes.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 119:102–108 (WEB)
102I have not turned away from your ordinances, for you have taught me. 103How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! 104Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. NUN 105Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. 106I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances. 107I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word. 108Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. LORD, teach me your ordinances.
Cross references
- Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
- Psalms 43:3
- Psalms 18:28
- 2 Peter 1:19
We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts,
- Job 29:3
when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,
- Psalms 19:8
- Ephesians 5:13
But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.