What does Psalms 119:68 mean?
"Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:68

Psalms 119:68 (KJV) says, "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." This verse comes from the longest chapter in the Bible, which is dedicated to praising the word of God and its importance in the lives of believers. The psalmist, who is believed to be King David, expresses his deep reverence for God's goodness and righteousness. In this verse, he acknowledges God's goodness and acknowledges that all that God does is good. The psalmist also asks God to teach him His statutes, recognizing that God's ways are higher than his own and seeking to align his life with God's principles.
The theme of God's goodness is central to this verse. The Bible consistently teaches that God is inherently good and that everything He does is good. In the book of Genesis, after creating the world, God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:31). Throughout the Bible, God's goodness is demonstrated through His love, mercy, and faithfulness towards His people. The psalmist's confession of God's goodness reflects the deep trust and faith he has in God's character. It also serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's goodness, especially in times of struggle or doubt.
The psalmist's plea for God to teach him His statutes also reflects the theme of seeking after God's wisdom and instruction. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of knowing and obeying God's word. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commands His people to "Impress [His] commandments on [their] children. Talk about them when [they] sit at home and when [they] walk along the road, when [they] lie down and when [they] get up." The psalmist's desire to be taught by God demonstrates his humility and recognition of his need for divine guidance. This theme serves as a reminder for believers to seek after God's wisdom through diligent study of His word and through prayer.
The context of this verse within Psalm 119 is also important to consider. The entire psalm is dedicated to extolling the virtues of God's word and the impact it has on the lives of believers. The psalmist uses various synonyms for God's precepts, including law, statutes, commandments, and ordinances, highlighting the multifaceted nature of God's word. The psalm is structured as an acrostic, with each section corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's word. In this context, the psalmist's plea to be taught by God's statutes is a natural extension of his reverence for God's word and his deep desire to live in accordance with it.
Symbolism in this verse can be found in the contrast between God's goodness and the fallen nature of humanity. The psalmist's acknowledgment of God's goodness serves as a stark contrast to the shortcomings of humanity. Throughout the Bible, humanity's sinful nature is contrasted with God's holiness. Romans 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The psalmist's recognition of God's goodness is a testament to the grace and mercy that God extends to His people despite their failings.
In conclusion, Psalms 119:68 (KJV) acknowledges God's inherent goodness and the psalmist's desire to be taught by His statutes. This verse reflects the theme of God's goodness and the importance of seeking after God's wisdom and instruction. It is a reminder for believers to trust in God's goodness, seek after His wisdom, and align their lives with His word. The context of Psalm 119 and the symbolism of God's goodness in contrast to humanity's fallen nature further enrich the meaning of this verse. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's character and an exhortation for believers to pursue a deeper understanding of His word.
Have questions about Psalms 119:68?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 119:68 Artwork
Psalms 119:68 - "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes."
"Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:68
Psalms 68:29 - "Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee."
"When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon." - Psalms 68:14
Psalms 68:11 - "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
Psalms 68:14 - "When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon."
Psalms 68:5 - "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."
Psalms 68:15 - "The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan."
Psalms 78:68 - "But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved."
Psalms 68:26 - "Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel."
"Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee." - Psalms 68:29
Psalms 68:27 - "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
Psalms 68:12 - "Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil."
"Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil." - Psalms 68:12
Psalms 119:153 - "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law."
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 68:23 - "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
Psalms 68:32 - "Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:"
Psalms 68:19 - "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."
Psalms 68:20 - "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death."
Psalms 68:34 - "Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds."
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - Psalms 68:19
Psalms 68:21 - "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses."
Psalms 68:24 - "They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary."
Psalms 68:25 - "The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."
Psalms 68:10 - "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor."
Psalms 68:3 - "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."
Psalms 68:17 - "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place."