Let's Do Some Word Study

"I study my Bible as I gather apples. First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall . Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch and every twig. Then I look under every leaf .” - Martin Luther

 

With that in mind, let's shake some branches and twigs and look under some leaves.  We have been noticing throughout our study the different words that are used in Psalm 119 for the Word of God.  Today we will begin a closer examination of these words.

There are 8 key Hebrew words that are used in Psalm 119 to refer to God's Word.  I have listed them below as they are translated in the NASB, along with the original Hebrew word.  This should help get you started.  Remember that if you are using a different Bible translation, the English word may be different, although the Hebrew word is the same.

These eight words are:

• Law (torah)
• Testimonies (edah)
• Precepts (piqqud)
• Statues (choq)
• Commandments (mitsvah)
• Ordinances [also translated judgments] (mishpat)
• Word (dabar) or (imrah)

There are two other Hebrew words that are also used, although less frequently than the preceding eight......
both are translated "way".....derek and orach.

If you have not already done so along the way, examine each of these words closely.  What does the word mean in the original language?  How does the use of that particular word aid in understanding the message the psalmist is trying to convey?  Where else is that word used in the Old Testament?  How do these other references (cross-references) aid in helping you to understand the message of Psalm 119?

If you have already been doing these word studies along our journey, go back and review your findings, or dig a little deeper.  Check additional cross-references, for example.

You may have a library of word study tools available to you.  If not, there are numerous on-line, easy-to-use resources:  http://www.blueletterbible.org/ and http://www.biblegateway.com/ are two such resources. 

Because this is a time-intensive process, let's take a few days to work on it.  If you have insights from your research you would like to share, please leave them in the "comments" section.  We would love to hear from you!