What does Psalms 119:79 mean?
"Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies." - Psalms 119:79

The Bible verse Psalms 119:79 from the King James Version (KJV) reads as follows: "Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies."
This verse is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is a psalm of praise and trust in God's word. The entirety of Psalm 119 is dedicated to extolling the virtues of God's law and the benefits of following it faithfully. The psalmist uses various synonyms for God's word, such as law, statutes, precepts, commands, and testimonies, to emphasize the multifaceted nature of God's instructions for living. The verse in question seems to be a plea for fellowship and support from those who also fear and honor God.
To fully grasp the meaning of Psalms 119:79, it is important to understand the context in which it is situated. The psalmist is expressing his deep devotion to God's word and his reliance on it for guidance and strength. Throughout the entire psalm, the psalmist's focus is on the themes of obedience, righteousness, and the transformative power of God's word. He acknowledges the challenges and persecutions he faces, but remains committed to God's law. This verse is an appeal for solidarity and encouragement from others who share his reverence for God and his commandments.
The first part of the verse, "Let those that fear thee turn unto me," can be understood as a call for companionship and support from fellow believers. The psalmist desires to be surrounded by those who share his reverence for God. He yearns for a community of like-minded individuals who can provide him with spiritual fellowship and encouragement. The psalmist understands the importance of surrounding oneself with those who share a common faith and values, as it can strengthen one's own resolve and faith.
The second part of the verse, "and those that have known thy testimonies," speaks to the importance of shared experiences and understanding of God's word. The psalmist wants to be in the company of those who have a deep knowledge and understanding of God's testimonies. This indicates a desire for fellowship with those who have a strong foundation in their faith and are able to provide wise counsel and support based on their knowledge of God's word.
The themes present in this verse are fellowship, community, and the mutual support and encouragement that comes from sharing a reverence for God and his word. The psalmist recognizes the importance of surrounding oneself with those who can provide spiritual guidance and companionship. This is a universal longing for believers across time and space, as the desire for fellowship and communal support in one's faith journey is a fundamental aspect of human spirituality.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the image of believers turning towards one another in a gesture of solidarity and support. The act of "turning" signifies a deliberate and intentional movement towards one another, signifying a willingness to form bonds of fellowship and support. This turning also suggests a shared direction and purpose in following God's word, as believers come together to bolster each other on their respective spiritual journeys.
In conclusion, Psalms 119:79 is a heartfelt plea for fellowship and support from those who share a reverence for God and his word. The verse underscores the universal human longing for community and spiritual companionship, and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance based on their shared faith. The symbolism of "turning" towards one another signifies a deliberate and intentional movement towards forming bonds of fellowship and support. This verse resonates with believers across generations, reminding us of the significance of communal support in our individual faith journeys.
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Psalms 119:79 - "Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies."
"Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies." - Psalms 119:79
Psalms 79:7 - "For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place."
Psalms 79:3 - "Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them."
Psalms 79:4 - "We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us."
Psalms 79:5 - "How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?"
Psalms 79:12 - "And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord."
Psalms 79:11 - "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;"
Psalms 79:1 - "O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps."
"How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?" - Psalms 79:5
Psalms 79:6 - "Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name."
"And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord." - Psalms 79:12
Psalms 79:8 - "O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low."
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."
"For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place." - Psalms 79:7
Psalms 79:13 - "So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations."
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 79:10 - "Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed."
"Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name." - Psalms 79:6
"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalms 119:89
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
"O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low." - Psalms 79:8
Psalms 119:119 - "Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies."
"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake." - Psalms 79:9
"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
"We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us." - Psalms 79:4