What does Psalm 119:43 mean by "word of truth" in a biblical context? Text and Translation Psalm 119:43 : “Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.” The Hebrew phrase is דְּבַר־אֱמֶת (devar ’emet)—literally, “word of truth.” Immediate Literary Context Psalm 119 is an alphabetic acrostic celebrating God’s Torah. Verse 43 belongs to the ו (waw) stanza (vv. 41-48), a unit emphasizing steadfast love, salvation, and fearless public testimony. The psalmist has just prayed, “Then I can answer him who taunts, for I trust in Your word” (v. 42). He now pleads that God would not withdraw the very message he intends to proclaim. Canonical Usage of “Word of Truth” Old Testament parallels • 2 Samuel 7:28—“Your words are truth.” • Proverbs 22:21—“to show you the certainty of the words of truth.” New Testament development • John 17:17—“Your word is truth.” • Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18—“word of truth” becomes shorthand for the gospel. The psalm anticipates this fuller revelation, binding Torah and gospel into one inseparable testimony. Covenant and Legal Overtones “Judgments” (mišpāṭîm) in v. 43 invoke covenant case-law. The psalmist trusts God’s verdicts; therefore, the loss of truthful testimony would sabotage his covenant role as witness (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Isaiah 43:10). Christological Fulfillment The Logos incarnate embodies the “word of truth” (John 1:14; 14:6). Jesus’ resurrection validated His claim and guarantees that God will never retract His self-revelation (Acts 17:31). Thus believers today echo the psalmist’s plea, assured that the risen Christ is the eternal anchor of truth. Public Testimony and Evangelism “From my mouth” underscores verbal proclamation. The psalmist longs to keep heralding God’s reliable message before a skeptical audience (cf. Psalm 40:9-10). This anticipates apostolic boldness (Acts 4:20) and contemporary evangelism: truth spoken, not merely privately believed. Cross-References for Study • Psalm 51:15; 71:15—open lips to declare righteousness • Isaiah 59:21—Spirit-given words that never depart • Romans 10:8—“the word is near you, in your mouth” • 1 Peter 1:23-25—word that lives and remains forever Practical Exhortation Believers today should pray Psalm 119:43, committing to: 1. Internalize Scripture so it is ever “in the mouth.” 2. Rely on God’s unchanging verdicts amid cultural flux. 3. Speak the gospel—the ultimate “word of truth”—with clarity and compassion, confident that the Author of truth preserves both His message and His messengers. |
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