Psalms 119:167 Meaning: Loving God’s Word with All My Soul

The Hebrew verb for ‘kept’ is shamar, meaning to guard or treasure like a sentry watching over a city. The psalmist doesn’t glance at God’s testimonies; he protects them in his heart. Then ‘my soul’ comes from nephesh, the whole inner self, not just outward behavior. This is heart-work, as Matthew Henry puts it. And ‘exceedingly’ is me’od, a word that means force, abundance, muchness. His love is not mild appreciation but powerful, all-consuming attachment. That kind of love is a gift from God, not something we manufacture.

Reformed commentator Matthew Henry insists this is not the boast of a Pharisee but the honest profession of a good conscience. John Calvin saw the whole psalm as teaching God’s children to devote themselves wholly to the study of the Law. Baptist expositor John Gill noted the love here is ‘not cold nor lukewarm, but ardent and fervent.’ The Cambridge Bible describes it as awe, joy, love, and gratitude. Across traditions, Christians agree: this is the language of a heart transformed by grace.

Some read this verse as self-righteous pride, a person patting himself on the back for being so obedient. In fact, the psalmist isn’t claiming perfection or earning God’s favor. Both the keeping and the love are responses to God’s prior mercy. As the surrounding verses show, he is also aware of his need for continued deliverance and understanding. This is honest confession, not arrogant boasting.

This week, ask yourself: Do I love God’s Word, or just read it out of duty? The psalmist doesn’t just obey, he loves exceedingly. That kind of love can’t be forced. But you can ask God to warm your heart toward His testimonies. Try reading a short passage slowly, paying attention to one phrase that strikes you. Stay with it. Let it sit in your soul. You might find that keeping His word becomes less about trying and more about treasuring.