Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. New Living Translation They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. English Standard Version More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Berean Standard Bible They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. King James Bible More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. New King James Version More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. New American Standard Bible They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold; Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. NASB 1995 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. NASB 1977 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Legacy Standard Bible They are more desirable than gold, even more than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Amplified Bible They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Christian Standard Bible They are more desirable than gold — than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. Holman Christian Standard Bible They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. American Standard Version More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. Contemporary English Version They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb. English Revised Version More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. GOD'S WORD® Translation They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. Good News Translation They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey. International Standard Version They are more desirable than gold, even much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. NET Bible They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb. New Heart English Bible More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Webster's Bible Translation More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. World English Bible They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey are more desirable than gold, "" Indeed, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, "" Even liquid honey of the comb. Young's Literal Translation They are more desirable than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, Even liquid honey of the comb. Smith's Literal Translation Being desirable above gold, and above much pure gold, and being sweet above honey, and the dropping of honey-combs. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMore to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb. New Revised Standard Version More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey are more to be coveted than gold; yea, than precious stones; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They are more desirable than gold and precious stones, and are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Brenton Septuagint Translation To be desired more than gold, and much precious stone: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Heavens Declare the Glory of God…9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. 10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.… Cross References Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Psalm 119:72 The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. Psalm 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth! Proverbs 3:13-15 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Job 28:15-19 It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. / It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. ... Matthew 13:44-46 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. Psalm 119:127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Psalm 119:14 I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Proverbs 2:4-5 if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. 1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, / now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. Psalm 63:5 My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Treasury of Scripture More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. than gold Psalm 119:72,127 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver… Job 28:15-17 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof… Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding… sweeter Psalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: Psalm 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. honeycomb [heb. 1 Samuel 14:26-29 And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath… Jump to Previous Comb Desirable Desired Drippings Dropping Droppings Extract Fine Gold Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Liquid Precious Pure Shining SweeterJump to Next Comb Desirable Desired Drippings Dropping Droppings Extract Fine Gold Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Liquid Precious Pure Shining SweeterPsalm 19 1. The creatures show God's glory7. The excellence of the divine law 12. David prays for grace They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; This phrase emphasizes the incomparable value of God's laws and commandments. Gold, especially pure gold, has been a symbol of wealth and value throughout history, often used in the construction of sacred objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-11). The psalmist's comparison suggests that spiritual wealth surpasses material wealth. In biblical times, gold was a standard of wealth and power, yet the psalmist elevates God's word above even the finest gold. This reflects the biblical theme that spiritual riches are eternal, unlike earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). The phrase also connects to the wisdom literature, where the pursuit of wisdom and understanding is often valued above material wealth (Proverbs 3:13-15). they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 19, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. His writings often reflect a deep reverence for God's law and creation. 2. Israel The nation to whom the Psalms were originally given, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His laws and commandments. 3. The Law of the Lord Refers to God's commandments and teachings, which are the focus of Psalm 19. The law is depicted as perfect and life-giving. Teaching Points Value of God's WordGod's commandments are more valuable than the most precious earthly treasures. Believers should prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth. Sweetness of Obedience Obeying God's laws brings a sweetness to life that surpasses any earthly pleasure. This sweetness is akin to the satisfaction and joy found in a close relationship with God. Pursuit of Holiness Just as gold is refined and honey is pure, believers are called to pursue holiness and purity in their lives, reflecting the character of God's perfect law. Transformation through Scripture Engaging with God's word transforms our hearts and minds, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His will for our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 19:10?2. How can we desire God's laws more than "much pure gold" in daily life? 3. What steps help us find God's words "sweeter than honey" in our hearts? 4. How does Psalm 19:10 connect with Jesus' teachings on valuing God's word? 5. In what ways can we prioritize God's commandments over worldly treasures today? 6. How can Psalm 19:10 inspire our approach to Bible study and meditation? 7. How does Psalm 19:10 compare the value of God's words to gold and honey? 8. Why are God's words described as sweeter than honey in Psalm 19:10? 9. What historical context influenced the imagery in Psalm 19:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 19? 11. Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills? 12. What guidance does the Bible offer for overcoming depression? 13. Why does Psalm 46 present God's protection differently compared to other biblical passages that depict divine interventions more explicitly? 14. Proverbs 27:7 – Does the imagery of a “honeycomb” rely on outdated scientific knowledge about dietary needs or sweetness? What Does Psalm 19:10 Mean They are more precious than gold• David has just finished describing “the judgments of the LORD” (Psalm 19:9). Now he stacks their worth against the world’s most trusted standard of value: gold. • Scripture repeatedly treats God’s word—and the wisdom it imparts—as wealth beyond earthly currency (Job 28:15-17; Proverbs 3:13-15; Psalm 119:72). • Gold can purchase comforts for the body; the word secures life for the soul (James 1:21). • Markets rise and fall, but “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Than much pure gold • Not just ordinary gold, but refined, abundant, shimmering “pure gold.” Even this is eclipsed. • Quantity (much) and quality (pure) are both surpassed by the perfect sufficiency of Scripture. • 1 Peter 1:7 contrasts perishable gold with faith proven through the word—hinting that the believer’s trust in God’s message carries eternal yield. • The repetition underlines certainty: however high you stack the bullion, God’s word outvalues it. They are sweeter than honey • Ancient Israel prized honey as its richest natural sweetener (Proverbs 24:13-14). Saying the word is sweeter paints it as delight, not drudgery. • Psalm 119:103 echoes, “How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!” A heart tuned to God finds pleasure in His commands. • Ezekiel 3:3 and Revelation 10:9-10 picture prophets literally tasting God’s message—sweet on the tongue, nourishing within. • The imagery invites us to experience Scripture, not merely study it: open, read, savor. Than honey from the comb • Fresh honey straight from the comb is the pinnacle of sweetness—unprocessed, overflowing. • God’s word comes to us pure and immediate, without need for human refinement (Psalm 12:6). • Just as honey drips freely, Scripture offers ready access to all who will “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). • Obedience then spreads the sweetness outward, “pleasant words… sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). summary Psalm 19:10 stacks superlatives to affirm that God’s word is both our greatest treasure and our deepest delight—worth more than vast stores of refined gold, tasting better than the freshest honey. Nothing on earth can rival its value or match the pleasure it brings to the trusting heart. (10) Honeycomb.--(See margin.) The honey that drops from the comb is the finest and purest.Verse 10. - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. (For the difference between "gold" (זהב) and "fine gold" (פז), see the 'Homiletic Commentary on Job,' p. 458.) God's Law is a far greater good to man, and therefore far more to be desired, than any amount of riches; much more must it be preferable to honey and the honeycomb.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They are more preciousהַֽנֶּחֱמָדִ֗ים (han·ne·ḥĕ·mā·ḏîm) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 2530: To desire, take pleasure in than gold, מִ֭זָּהָב (miz·zā·hāḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky than much רָ֑ב (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great pure gold; וּמִפַּ֣ז (ū·mip·paz) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6337: Refined, pure gold they are sweeter וּמְתוּקִ֥ים (ū·mə·ṯū·qîm) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 4966: Sweet, sweetness than honey, מִ֝דְּבַ֗שׁ (mid·də·ḇaš) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup than honey צוּפִֽים׃ (ṣū·p̄îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6688: Comb of honey from the comb. וְנֹ֣פֶת (wə·nō·p̄eṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5317: Flowing honey, honey from the comb Links Psalm 19:10 NIVPsalm 19:10 NLT Psalm 19:10 ESV Psalm 19:10 NASB Psalm 19:10 KJV Psalm 19:10 BibleApps.com Psalm 19:10 Biblia Paralela Psalm 19:10 Chinese Bible Psalm 19:10 French Bible Psalm 19:10 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than (Psalm Ps Psa.) |