Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
NIV · New International Version
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
WEB · World English Bible
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
What does Psalms 119:11 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart,.... Not only heard and read it, but received it into his affections; mixed it with faith, laid it up in his mind and memory for future use; preserved it in his heart as a choice treasure, where it might dwell richly, and be of service to him on many occasions; and particularly be of the following use: that I might not sin against thee; the word of God is a most powerful antidote against sin, when it has a place in the heart; not only the precepts of it forbid sin, but the promises of it influence and engage to purity of heart and life, and to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of the Lord; and all the doctrines of grace in it effectually teach the…
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 119:11
Here is, 1. The close application which David made of the word of God to himself: He hid it in his heart, laid it up there, that it might be ready to him whenever he had occasion to use it; he laid it up as that which he valued highly, and had a warm regard for, and which he was afraid of losing and being robbed of. God's word is a treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safely but in our hearts; if we have it only in our houses and hands, enemies may take it from us; if only in our heads, our memories may fail us: but if our hearts be delivered into the mould of it, and the impressions of it remain on our souls, it is safe. 2. The good uses he designed to make of it: That I…
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 119:9–16
11. I have hid thy word in my heart. This psalm not being composed for the personal and peculiar use of the author only, we may therefore understand, that as frequently as David sets before us his own example, under this model he points out the course we ought to pursue. Here we are informed that we are well fortified against the stratagems of Satan when God's law is deeply seated in our hearts.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 119:8–14 (WEB)
8I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me. BETH 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10With my whole heart I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. 11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes. 13With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth. 14I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Cross references
- Psalms 37:31
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
- Psalms 40:8
- Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, LORD, God of Armies.
- Psalms 1:2
- Job 22:22
Please receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
- Proverbs 2:10–11
For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
- Psalms 119:97
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q96. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation.
- Q97. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?
That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it in faith and love, lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives.