What is the meaning of Psalms 119:155?

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

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Psalms 119:155 Bible Verse Meaning

Psalms 119:155 - Understanding the Meaning

Verse: "Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes."

Overview

This verse from Psalms highlights the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that those who do not seek God's law distance themselves from salvation. The insights drawn from prominent public domain commentaries such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a rich background for understanding this scripture.

Bible Verse Meanings

Psalms 119:155 addresses the theme of spiritual salvation in the context of obedience to God's commandments. The psalmist reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between righteousness and access to salvation:

1. Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the desperate state of the wicked, stating that salvation remains unreachable for those who disregard God’s statutes. He points out that true salvation is inextricably linked to a reverence of God’s word, which provides guidance for living a life pleasing to Him.

2. Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes expands on the idea that salvation is not just deliverance from sin, but also a relationship with God. He interprets the word 'wicked' as those who neither follow God nor show desire to embrace His teachings, making it clear that ignorance of scripture is not an excuse for separation from divine grace.

3. Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke highlights the importance of acknowledgment of God's laws for salvation. He notes that for anyone to receive God’s salvation, there must first be a sincere effort to study, understand, and apply the statutes laid out in scripture. Clarke adds that God’s word is the pathway that leads to true understanding and redemption.

Key Themes

  • Separation from God: The verse indicates a clear separation between the wicked and salvation. Those who live in rebellion to God’s commandments create a chasm that makes accessing salvation difficult, if not impossible.
  • Seeking God's Statutes: The psalmist stresses that seeking God’s laws is paramount. It implies that knowing and following God’s teachings is instrumental in experiencing salvation.
  • Righteousness vs. Wickedness: This theme reinforces the biblical dichotomy between those who pursue righteousness through divine guidance and those who reject it, leading to their own spiritual demise.

Bible Verse Explanations

This verse serves as a stark reminder that spiritual apathy can distance individuals from the grace and salvation that God offers. The commentary notes concur that recognition of divine law is crucial for any believer. A thorough understanding of this scripture involves:

1. Historical Context

Understanding the historical backdrop of Psalms 119 reveals the significant role of God's laws in the life of the Israelites. These statutes were not merely rules but a covenant that defined their relationship with God.

2. Practical Application

The practical application of this verse encourages believers to engage in Bible study. By actively seeking the meaning of Bible verses, Christians gain insights that guide their lives according to God’s will.

Bible Study Insights

Engaging in Bible study groups can further illuminate the meanings of such verses. Learning together brings different perspectives, enriching the understanding of scripture. Online Bible study resources and materials can also facilitate deeper insights into passages like Psalms 119:155.

Cross References

  • Psalms 1:6 - "For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
  • Psalms 19:7 - "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."
  • Isaiah 59:2 - "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

Conclusion

Psalms 119:155 serves as a profound reminder of the necessity of adhering to God's teachings for salvation. By deepening our understanding of scripture through commentary and study, believers can navigate their faith journey with clarity and purpose. This verse, echoing the sentiments of various biblical scholars, encourages a genuine pursuit of God’s law as essential for experiencing his salvation.

Psalms 119 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 119:1 Psalms 119:2 Psalms 119:3 Psalms 119:4 Psalms 119:5 Psalms 119:6 Psalms 119:7 Psalms 119:8 Psalms 119:9 Psalms 119:10 Psalms 119:11 Psalms 119:12 Psalms 119:13 Psalms 119:14 Psalms 119:15 Psalms 119:16 Psalms 119:17 Psalms 119:18 Psalms 119:19 Psalms 119:20 Psalms 119:21 Psalms 119:22 Psalms 119:23 Psalms 119:24 Psalms 119:25 Psalms 119:26 Psalms 119:27 Psalms 119:28 Psalms 119:29 Psalms 119:30 Psalms 119:31 Psalms 119:32 Psalms 119:33 Psalms 119:34 Psalms 119:35 Psalms 119:36 Psalms 119:37 Psalms 119:38 Psalms 119:39 Psalms 119:40 Psalms 119:41 Psalms 119:42 Psalms 119:43 Psalms 119:44 Psalms 119:45 Psalms 119:46 Psalms 119:47 Psalms 119:48 Psalms 119:49 Psalms 119:50 Psalms 119:51 Psalms 119:52 Psalms 119:53 Psalms 119:54 Psalms 119:55 Psalms 119:56 Psalms 119:57 Psalms 119:58 Psalms 119:59 Psalms 119:60 Psalms 119:61 Psalms 119:62 Psalms 119:63 Psalms 119:64 Psalms 119:65 Psalms 119:66 Psalms 119:67 Psalms 119:68 Psalms 119:69 Psalms 119:70 Psalms 119:71 Psalms 119:72 Psalms 119:73 Psalms 119:74 Psalms 119:75 Psalms 119:76 Psalms 119:77 Psalms 119:78 Psalms 119:79 Psalms 119:80 Psalms 119:81 Psalms 119:82 Psalms 119:83 Psalms 119:84 Psalms 119:85 Psalms 119:86 Psalms 119:87 Psalms 119:88 Psalms 119:89 Psalms 119:90 Psalms 119:91 Psalms 119:92 Psalms 119:93 Psalms 119:94 Psalms 119:95 Psalms 119:96 Psalms 119:97 Psalms 119:98 Psalms 119:99 Psalms 119:100 Psalms 119:101 Psalms 119:102 Psalms 119:103 Psalms 119:104 Psalms 119:105 Psalms 119:106 Psalms 119:107 Psalms 119:108 Psalms 119:109 Psalms 119:110 Psalms 119:111 Psalms 119:112 Psalms 119:113 Psalms 119:114 Psalms 119:115 Psalms 119:116 Psalms 119:117 Psalms 119:118 Psalms 119:119 Psalms 119:120 Psalms 119:121 Psalms 119:122 Psalms 119:123 Psalms 119:124 Psalms 119:125 Psalms 119:126 Psalms 119:127 Psalms 119:128 Psalms 119:129 Psalms 119:130 Psalms 119:131 Psalms 119:132 Psalms 119:133 Psalms 119:134 Psalms 119:135 Psalms 119:136 Psalms 119:137 Psalms 119:138 Psalms 119:139 Psalms 119:140 Psalms 119:141 Psalms 119:142 Psalms 119:143 Psalms 119:144 Psalms 119:145 Psalms 119:146 Psalms 119:147 Psalms 119:148 Psalms 119:149 Psalms 119:150 Psalms 119:151 Psalms 119:152 Psalms 119:153 Psalms 119:154 Psalms 119:155 Psalms 119:156 Psalms 119:157 Psalms 119:158 Psalms 119:159 Psalms 119:160 Psalms 119:161 Psalms 119:162 Psalms 119:163 Psalms 119:164 Psalms 119:165 Psalms 119:166 Psalms 119:167 Psalms 119:168 Psalms 119:169 Psalms 119:170 Psalms 119:171 Psalms 119:172 Psalms 119:173 Psalms 119:174 Psalms 119:175 Psalms 119:176