Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

Psalm 119:37

Is there more to this verse than meets the eye?

THE VERSE
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

THE STUDY
Turn away [Hebrew term: āḇar]. “To cause to pass over.” The form of the verb is a command to a male recipient (i.e., David is speaking to [commanding, as it were] YHWH).

Beholding [Hebrew term: rā’â]. “To see, to look at.” This word — in addition to the verse’s preceding noun, eye — may have double meanings (i.e., literal and figurative). The Hebrew lends itself to both a physical “looking” as well as a “looking” within the heart.

Vanity [Hebrew term: šāv’ ]. “Emptiness, literal ruin”; derives from the root term indicating desolation, ravage or wasteness.

Quicken [Hebrew term: ḥāyâ]. “To keep, preserve or give life; to revive, refresh.” The form of the verb is “perfect 3rd person singular.” This form is normally employed to describe actions that have occurred in the past or actions that are seen as completed.

Way [Hebrew term: dereḵ]. “A trodden road, a course of action” which is derived from the root, “to tread.”

TAKEAWAY THOUGHT
The verse confirms the need to be cautious of what is seen with physical eyes, as well as what is “seen” in hearts and minds. Not taking heed of personal actions leads to “ruin,” “desolation,” “wasteness.” YHWH provides and sustains Life (i.e., His is the perfect way). Each person is responsible for staying close to His “keeping” or “vivification.” How? By guarding our literal and spiritual senses. This verse complements 1 Corinthians 10:13!