Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 19:7
“The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
NIV · New International Version
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
WEB · World English Bible
The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.
What does Psalms 19:7 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect,.... By which is meant, not the law of Moses, or the ten commandments, but the "doctrine" of the Lord; as the word "torah", signifies, even the whole word of God, as in Isaiah 8:20. All the Scriptures of truth, which are profitable for doctrine; for setting doctrine in a clear light, and for the vindication and establishment of it, and are the rule of doctrine both to preachers and hearers; and which are "perfect", contain the whole mind and will of God, both with respect to faith and practice; whereby the man of God is made perfect, and thoroughly furnished to all good works, 2 Timothy 3:16; and especially the Gospel part of the word of God may be designed…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 19:7–9
7. The law of the Lord. Here the second part of the psalm commences. After having shown that the creatures, although they do not speak, nevertheless serve as instructors to all mankind, and teach all men so clearly that there is a God, as to render them inexcusable, the Psalmist now turns towards the Jews, to whom God had communicated a fuller knowledge of himself by means of his word.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 19:4–10 (WEB)
4Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5which is as a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course. 6His going out is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends. There is nothing hidden from its heat. 7The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. 8The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. 10They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Cross references
- Psalms 119:130
- Psalms 111:7
- 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.
- Proverbs 1:4
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man—
- Psalms 23:3
- 2 Timothy 3:15–17
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 119:105
- Deuteronomy 32:4
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q5. How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?
The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, its power to convert sinners and to edify saints; but the Spirit of God only, bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in our hearts, is able fully to persuade us that the Bible is the Word of God.
- Q89. What then is the purpose of the law since the fall?
The purpose of the law, since, the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God, that His people may know his will for their lives and the ungodly, being convicted of their sin, may be restrained therein and brought to Christ for salvation.
- 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.