The Bible — World English Bible

Psalm 19

In brief

Psalm 19 is a psalm of David in three movements. The heavens and the sun declare God's glory without words (verses 1 to 6). The law of the Lord, by contrast, reveals his will precisely: perfect, sure, right, pure (verses 7 to 11). Facing this light, David sees his own weakness and prays to be cleansed (verses 12 to 14). It ends with a prayer often used before a sermon.

The chapter in 3 parts

  1. v. 1-6The heavens declare the glory of God
  2. v. 7-11The law of the Lord: perfect and more precious than gold
  3. v. 12-14Forgiveness, protection and a closing prayer

1The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.

2Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

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.

7Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.

8Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’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.

11Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.

12Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

Key verses

Verse 1
The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.

Creation is a language: the sky does not simply exist, it bears witness to the glory of its Creator. This is the basis of what is called general revelation.

Verse 7
Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.

The psalmist moves from creation to the Word. The law of the Lord is called perfect and it restores the soul, meaning it brings life and strength back to the one who receives it.

Verse 10
They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

God's words are compared to gold and to honey: they have value and sweetness. Desiring them is not a duty but a taste that God gives.

Verse 12-13
Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

David admits that he does not see all his faults. He asks forgiveness for those he does not know about and to be kept from pride.

Verse 14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

The closing prayer asks that the words of the mouth and the thoughts of the heart please God. It suits any moment of meditation.

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What the sermons say

Psalm 19: God Reveals Himself Through Creation and Through His WordHery Garcia starts from a solar eclipse: looking at the sky means contemplating a work that bears its Creator's mark. The psalm goes further, from creation to the Word of God.Read the summary →The Nature and Purpose of Salvation: Living Transformed by the Word (2)The preacher builds on verse 7: the law of the Lord restores the soul. He urges us to be watchful toward the currents of the world and not to open our hearts without defense.Read the summary →There's Honey Where You Fought the LionThe preacher follows the trail of honey through the Bible, from manna to Samson. She reminds us that the Word is sweeter than honey, according to Psalm 19.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Psalm 19

What does Psalm 19 mean?

Psalm 19 says that God makes himself known in two ways: through creation, which speaks to everyone without words, and through his Word, which makes his will clear. David concludes by asking God to cleanse him. The central message is that God reveals himself, and that his Word is precious and sweet.

Who wrote Psalm 19?

The title attributes it to David, who kept flocks under the open sky before becoming king. That gives depth to his images: the sun that runs like a strong man, the night that teaches the night. Some commentators think the two parts were composed at different times, but the psalm reads as a whole.

How can I meditate on Psalm 19?

Start outside if you can, under the sky, reading verses 1 to 6. Then reread verses 7 to 11 slowly, noting the qualities David gives to God's Word. Finish with verses 12 to 14 as a personal prayer: ask forgiveness and ask that your words and thoughts please God.

Articles quoting Psalm 19

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World English Bible translation — public domain.