The fear of the LORD is pureThe "fear of the LORD" refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His holiness and authority. This concept is foundational in wisdom literature, such as
Proverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The term "pure" suggests something untainted and morally clean, emphasizing the sincerity and integrity of this fear. In biblical context, purity is often associated with ritual cleanliness and moral uprightness, as seen in Leviticus. This fear leads to a life aligned with God's will, reflecting a heart transformed by His presence.
enduring forever
The eternal nature of the fear of the LORD highlights its unchanging and everlasting quality. Unlike human emotions or societal norms that fluctuate, this reverence is constant and timeless. This phrase connects to the eternal nature of God's Word, as seen inIsaiah 40:8, which states that the word of our God stands forever. It underscores the enduring relevance and stability of living in awe of God, transcending generations and cultures.
the judgments of the LORD are true
"Judgments" here refer to God's decrees, laws, and decisions. They are described as "true," indicating their reliability and faithfulness. In a biblical context, truth is not just factual accuracy but also faithfulness and trustworthiness. This aligns withPsalm 119:160, which declares that all God's righteous laws are eternal. The truth of God's judgments assures believers of His just and fair governance over creation, providing a foundation for trust and obedience.
being altogether righteous
The phrase "altogether righteous" emphasizes the complete and perfect nature of God's judgments. Righteousness in the Bible is often associated with justice and moral integrity. This reflects God's character, as seen inDeuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as a Rock whose works are perfect and all His ways are just. The righteousness of God's judgments assures believers that His ways are always right and just, providing a model for human conduct and a standard for moral living. This righteousness is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's perfect justice and mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
David- Traditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 19, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. His psalms often reflect his deep relationship with God and his understanding of God's laws and creation.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)- The covenant name of God used in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.
3.
The Law of the LORD- Refers to God's commandments and statutes given to His people, which are central to the psalm's theme of divine revelation and righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Purity of ReverenceThe "fear of the LORD" is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and awe for God. This reverence is described as pure, indicating it is untainted and sincere.
Endurance of God's TruthGod's judgments are not temporary or changeable; they endure forever. This teaches us about the eternal nature of God's truth and righteousness.
Righteousness of God's JudgmentsThe judgments of the LORD are described as true and righteous. This assures believers that God's decisions and commands are just and trustworthy.
Living in Awe of GodUnderstanding the fear of the LORD as pure and enduring encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, aligning their lives with His righteous standards.
Application of God's WordBelievers are called to apply God's judgments in their daily lives, trusting in their truth and righteousness to guide their actions and decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 19:9?
2.How does Psalm 19:9 emphasize the purity and permanence of God's decrees?
3.In what ways can we implement the "fear of the LORD" in daily life?
4.How does Psalm 19:9 connect with Proverbs 9:10 about wisdom and understanding?
5.Why is it important to view God's judgments as "righteous altogether"?
6.How can recognizing God's eternal decrees impact our decision-making and moral choices?
7.How does Psalm 19:9 define the fear of the LORD as pure and enduring forever?
8.What does Psalm 19:9 mean by "the judgments of the LORD are true"?
9.How does Psalm 19:9 relate to the concept of divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 19?
11.What does the Bible say about angels?
12.What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?
13.Are there any historical or archaeological evidences supporting Elihu’s claim that God always judges fairly in Job 35?
14.Is God unjust or does He pervert justice?What Does Psalm 19:9 Mean
The fear of the LORD• “Fear” here speaks of reverent awe, not terror, the same posture Moses modeled when he “trembled with fear” yet drew near (Hebrews 12:21).
• This attitude recognizes God’s greatness and authority, just asProverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”
• It guards the heart against pride and sin; compare how Joseph resisted temptation by stating, “How then could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
is pure• Nothing corrupt or self-serving contaminates true fear of God; it is unmixed devotion.
•Psalm 24:3-4 links purity and worship: “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”
• Because God Himself is holy (Isaiah 6:3), any fear that flows from Him must reflect His holiness.
enduring forever• Unlike human emotions that fade, reverent fear remains because God is eternal (Psalm 90:2).
•Isaiah 33:6 notes, “The fear of the LORD is His treasure,” suggesting a lasting, valuable possession.
• Throughout eternity redeemed saints will still revere God (Revelation 15:4), proving this quality never expires.
the judgments of the LORD• “Judgments” refers to God’s rulings, decisions, and revealed standards, encompassing Scripture’s commands and God’s providential acts.
•Psalm 119:160 affirms, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.”
• Each judgment displays His character, as seen when He judged Egypt yet spared Israel (Exodus 12:12-13).
are true• Every divine verdict aligns with reality; God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).
• Jesus prayed, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), echoing this certainty.
• Believers can rely on His promises of salvation (John 3:16) and warnings of wrath (John 3:36) with equal confidence.
being altogether righteous• God’s judgments are not merely accurate; they are morally perfect.
•Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “All His ways are just. A faithful God, without injustice, righteous and upright is He.”
• Because His standards are flawless, they expose human sin (Romans 3:20) and point to the need for Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
summaryPsalm 19:9 celebrates two unchanging realities: a reverent, pure, everlasting fear that honors God, and perfectly true, righteous judgments that flow from Him. Together they call us to trust His Word, submit to His authority, and walk in holiness, confident that every divine decree is faultless and eternally reliable.
(9)
The fear of the Lord.--Here plainly not a moral quality of the individual, but, as in
Proverbs 15:33 (comp.
Deuteronomy 17:19), religion, the service demanded by the Law, which, being
"pure and undented," endures, while the false systems of idolatrous nations perish. Based on the eternal principle of right, the judgments of God, it is eternal as they are.
Verse 9. -
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever. Hengstenberg explains "the fear of the Lord" in this place as "the instruction afforded by God for fearing him." And certainly, unless we adopt some such explanation, we shall find it difficult to account for the intrusion of the clause into its present position. The Law, the testimony, the statutes (or precepts), the commandment (vers. 7, 8), and the judgments (ver. 9), are external to man, objective; the fear of the Lord. as commonly understood, is internal, subjective, a "settled habit of his soul." It is not a thing of the same kind with the other five nominatives, and appears out of place among them. Hence it seems best, with Professor Alexander, to adopt Hengstenberg's explanation. The Law, viewed as teaching the fear of God, is undoubtedly "clean " -
i.e. pure, perfect - and "endures for ever," or is of perpetual obligation.
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. In "judgments" we have another of the recognized synonyms for the entire Law (
Psalm 119:7, 13, 43, 52, 62), which is from first to last "exceeding righteous and true" (
Psalm 119:138, Prayer-book Version).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The fearיִרְאַ֤ת(yir·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORDיְהוָ֨ה ׀(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelis pure,טְהוֹרָה֮(ṭə·hō·w·rāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2889:Clean, pureenduring forever;עוֹמֶ֪דֶת(‘ō·w·me·ḏeṯ)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsthe judgmentsמִֽשְׁפְּטֵי־(miš·pə·ṭê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleof the LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelare true,אֱמֶ֑ת(’ĕ·meṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571:Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthinessbeing altogetherיַחְדָּֽו׃(yaḥ·dāw)Adverb
Strong's 3162:A unit, unitedlyrighteous.צָֽדְק֥וּ(ṣā·ḏə·qū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6663:To be just or righteous
Links
Psalm 19:9 NIVPsalm 19:9 NLTPsalm 19:9 ESVPsalm 19:9 NASBPsalm 19:9 KJV
Psalm 19:9 BibleApps.comPsalm 19:9 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 19:9 Chinese BiblePsalm 19:9 French BiblePsalm 19:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean enduring (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
