What does Psalms 119:58 mean?
"I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word." - Psalms 119:58

The verse Psalms 119:58 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word." This verse is a plea to God for his favor and mercy, and it is part of a longer passage in Psalm 119 that explores the theme of seeking God's guidance and protection through the word of God.
The whole of Psalm 119 is dedicated to extolling the virtues of God's law and the benefits of obeying it. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments, statutes, and precepts, and the blessings that come from walking in his ways. The verse 58 is a continuation of this theme, as the psalmist seeks God's favor and mercy in accordance with his word.
One of the main themes in this verse is the idea of seeking favor and mercy from God. The psalmist uses the word "intreated" to convey a sense of urgency and earnestness in his request. This word suggests that the psalmist is not simply asking for God's favor casually, but is pleading with all his heart for God to show him mercy. The psalmist acknowledges his own unworthiness and expresses a heartfelt desire for God's compassion and kindness.
The phrase "with my whole heart" is significant because it demonstrates the psalmist's sincerity and devotion in his request. It indicates that he is not just going through the motions or saying empty words, but is genuinely seeking God's favor with every fiber of his being. This aligns with the overarching theme of wholehearted devotion to God's word and law that is pervasive throughout Psalm 119.
The second part of the verse, "be merciful unto me according to thy word," shows the psalmist's reliance on the promises and character of God as revealed in his word. The psalmist is asking for God's mercy to be in line with his word, emphasizing the importance of God's faithfulness and reliability. This reflects a deep trust in God's nature and a belief that he will act in accordance with his own revealed truths.
The context of Psalm 119 is important for understanding the deeper meaning of this verse. The psalmist is facing opposition and persecution from his enemies, and he is seeking God's protection and guidance in the midst of these trials. This verse can be seen as a part of his larger plea for God to sustain him and uphold him in the face of adversity.
Symbolism plays an important role in understanding the verse as well. The use of the word "favor" suggests the psalmist's desire for God's grace and blessing, while "mercy" conveys his need for God's compassion and forgiveness. These concepts are central to the psalmist's understanding of his relationship with God and his reliance on God's character.
Overall, Psalm 119:58 is a powerful expression of the psalmist's faith and dependence on God. It illustrates the psalmist's deep desire for God's favor and mercy, his wholehearted devotion to seeking God in his word, and his confident trust in God's faithfulness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's favor with sincerity and of relying on his promises in times of need.
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Psalms 119:58 - "I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word."
"I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word." - Psalms 119:58
Psalms 119:153 - "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law."
Psalms 58:4 - "Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;"
Psalms 119:174 - "I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight."
Psalms 119:61 - "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law."
Psalms 119:32 - "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."
Psalms 58:2 - "Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth."
Psalms 58:11 - "So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth."
Psalms 58:5 - "Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely."
"So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth." - Psalms 58:11
"Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;" - Psalms 58:4
Psalms 58:6 - "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD."
"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalms 119:89
Psalms 78:58 - "For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images."
Psalms 58:3 - "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."
"The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." - Psalms 58:3
Psalms 119:176 - "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments."
"Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes." - Psalms 119:155
Psalms 58:10 - "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked."
Psalms 119:119 - "Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies."
"I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word." - Psalms 119:158
"Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments." - Psalms 119:137
Psalms 119:3 - "They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways."
"Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." - Psalms 119:138
"Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently." - Psalms 119:4
Psalms 119:24 - "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors."
Psalms 119:36 - "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness."
Psalms 119:70 - "Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law."
Psalms 119:56 - "This I had, because I kept thy precepts."