Deal bountifully with Your servantThis phrase is a plea for God's generous provision and grace. The psalmist identifies as a servant, indicating humility and submission to God's will. The concept of God dealing bountifully is rooted in the understanding of God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in the lives of patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who experienced God's abundant blessings. The term "servant" is often used in the Old Testament to describe those who are devoted to God, such as Moses (
Deuteronomy 34:5) and David (
2 Samuel 7:5). This request for bountiful dealings reflects a trust in God's character as a provider and sustainer.
that I may live
The desire to live is not merely about physical survival but encompasses a life enriched by spiritual vitality and purpose. In the biblical context, life is often associated with obedience to God's commandments and the resulting blessings (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). The psalmist's request implies that true life is found in relationship with God and adherence to His word. This echoes the sentiment found inJohn 10:10, where Jesus speaks of giving life abundantly, pointing to the deeper, eternal life found in Him.
and keep Your word
The psalmist's ultimate goal is to keep God's word, which signifies obedience and faithfulness. This reflects the central theme ofPsalm 119, which is a meditation on the beauty and importance of God's law. Keeping God's word is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of not just hearing but doing (James 1:22). The psalmist's request for God's bountiful dealings is not for personal gain but to enable a life of obedience. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of abiding in His word (John 8:31-32) and the connection between love for Him and keeping His commandments (John 14:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The PsalmistThe author of
Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who is expressing a deep desire for God's guidance and sustenance.
2.
GodThe divine being to whom the Psalmist is praying, seeking His favor and provision.
3.
ServantThe term used by the Psalmist to describe himself, indicating humility and submission to God's will.
Teaching Points
Dependence on God’s ProvisionThe Psalmist acknowledges his need for God’s bountiful dealings. We, too, must recognize our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance.
Purpose of LifeThe request to "live and keep Your word" suggests that true life is found in obedience to God. Our purpose should align with living out God's commandments.
Humility in PrayerBy referring to himself as a servant, the Psalmist models humility. Our prayers should reflect a humble heart, recognizing our position before God.
Commitment to God’s WordThe desire to keep God's word indicates a commitment to Scripture. We should strive to study, memorize, and live out the teachings of the Bible.
God’s Bountiful DealingsThe term "deal bountifully" (Hebrew: gamal) implies generosity and kindness. We can trust in God's abundant grace and provision in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 119:17?
2.How can we "live and keep" God's word in our daily lives?
3.What does it mean to be "dealt bountifully" by God in Psalm 119:17?
4.How does Psalm 119:17 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience?
5.In what ways can we seek God's guidance to "keep Your word"?
6.How can Psalm 119:17 inspire us to deepen our commitment to Scripture?
7.What does "Deal bountifully with Your servant" mean in Psalm 119:17?
8.How does Psalm 119:17 relate to the concept of divine grace?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 119?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119?
11.How can I earnestly seek and find God?
12.What does the Bible teach about discernment?
13.What does Psalm 119:89 signify about God's word?
14.What is the mission of Promise Keepers?What Does Psalm 119:17 Mean
Deal bountifully“Deal bountifully” is a bold, faith-filled request for God’s generous favor.
• The psalmist is not asking for scraps but for overflow, trusting the Lord’s character as “good” and “rich in mercy” (Psalm 103:2).
• Similar cries appear elsewhere: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me” (Psalm 13:6).
• Abundance from God is never merely material; it is the fullness of His presence, protection, and provision.
• Knowing the Lord’s past kindness emboldens present petitions—“Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7).
with Your servantThe petitioner identifies as God’s servant, highlighting humility and belonging.
• Servant language shows submission to God’s authority (Psalm 119:49).
• It also conveys privilege: the servant benefits from the Master’s resources (Luke 1:38).
• Calling oneself “Your servant” reminds the heart of true identity—loved, owned, and commissioned by the Lord.
that I may liveBlessing is sought with life as the immediate goal.
• Life itself is a gift sustained by God: “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
• The psalmist desires more than survival—he wants vitality that proclaims God’s works: “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done” (Psalm 118:17).
• Jesus echoes this heartbeat: “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
and keep Your wordThe ultimate motive for receiving bounty and life is obedience.
• Blessing is never an end in itself; it equips believers to walk in God’s statutes (Psalm 119:11).
• Obedience proves love: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
• Mere listening is insufficient—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
• When God deals bountifully, His servant gains strength, time, and clarity to live out His truth in daily practice.
summaryPsalm 119:17 blends request and resolve: “Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.” The psalmist asks for God’s generous favor, acknowledges humble servant status, seeks ongoing life from the Giver, and pledges to channel every blessing into faithful obedience. This verse models a God-centered prayer that prizes His goodness, depends on His sustenance, and commits to honoring His Word.
GIMEL.
(17)Deal bountifully . . . that I may live.--Comp.Psalm 13:3;Psalm 13:6;Psalm 116:7-8, where we see, as here, the same connection between this Hebrew word and preservation from death.Lifeis connected with obedience to the Divine law throughout the Bible (Leviticus 18:5;Deuteronomy 6:24;Psalm 41:1-2;Luke 10:28). . . .
Verse 17. -
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy Word; rather,
grant unto thy servant that I may live. Give me the blessing of a long life, that so my keeping of thy Word may be long. The psalmist seems to be praying especially for himself; but the argument of his prayer will extend to all "servants of the Lord."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Deal bountifullyגְּמֹ֖ל(gə·mōl)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1580:To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripenwithעַֽל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstYour servant,עַבְדְּךָ֥(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantthat I may liveאֶֽחְיֶ֗ה(’eḥ·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 2421:To live, to reviveand keepוְאֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה(wə·’eš·mə·rāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toYour word.דְבָרֶֽךָ׃(ḏə·ḇā·re·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
Links
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Psalm 119:17 BibleApps.comPsalm 119:17 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 119:17 Chinese BiblePsalm 119:17 French BiblePsalm 119:17 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 119:17 Do good to your servant (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
