Psalm 119:157
New International Version
Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.

New Living Translation
Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.

English Standard Version
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

Berean Standard Bible
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.

King James Bible
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

New King James Version
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.

New American Standard Bible
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.

NASB 1995
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.

NASB 1977
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Thy testimonies.

Legacy Standard Bible
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.

Amplified Bible
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn away from Your testimonies.

Christian Standard Bible
My persecutors and foes are many. I have not turned from your decrees.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My persecutors and foes are many. I have not turned from Your decrees.

American Standard Version
Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies.

Contemporary English Version
I have a lot of brutal enemies, but still I never turn from your laws.

English Revised Version
Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; yet have I not swerved from they testimonies.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have many persecutors and opponents, [yet] I have not turned away from your written instructions.

Good News Translation
I have many enemies and oppressors, but I do not fail to obey your laws.

International Standard Version
Though my persecutors and adversaries are numerous, I do not turn aside from your decrees.

Majority Standard Bible
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.

NET Bible
The enemies who chase me are numerous. Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.

New Heart English Bible
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.

Webster's Bible Translation
Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet I do not decline from thy testimonies.

World English Bible
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
My pursuers and adversaries are many, "" I have not turned aside from Your testimonies.

Young's Literal Translation
Many are my pursuers, and adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not turned aside.

Smith's Literal Translation
Many are they pursuing me and pressing me: I declined not from thy testimonies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Many are those who persecute me and who trouble me. I have not turned away from your testimonies.

New American Bible
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I do not turn from your testimonies.

New Revised Standard Version
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, yet I do not swerve from your decrees.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
My persecutors and my enemies have increased and I have not departed from your testimonies.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not turned aside from Thy testimonies.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Many are they that persecute me and oppress me: but I have not declined from thy testimonies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet
156Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances. 157Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies. 158I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Hebrews 12:3
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 John 3:13
So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.

Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

Isaiah 51:7
Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.

Jeremiah 20:10-11
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” / But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.


Treasury of Scripture

Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet do I not decline from your testimonies.

many

Psalm 3:1,2
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me…

Psalm 22:12,16
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round…

Psalm 25:19
Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

yet do I

Psalm 119:51,110
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law…

Psalm 44:17
All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

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Adversaries Decline Declined Enemies Foes Great Oppressors Persecute Persecutors Statutes Swerve Swerved Testimonies Turn Turned Unchanging Word
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Adversaries Decline Declined Enemies Foes Great Oppressors Persecute Persecutors Statutes Swerve Swerved Testimonies Turn Turned Unchanging Word
Psalm 119
1. This psalm contains various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience.
2. Aleph.
9. Beth
17. Gimel
25. Daleth
33. He
41. Waw
49. Zayin
57. Heth
65. Teth
73. Yodh
81. Kaph
89. Lamedh
97. Mem
105. Nun
113. Samekh
121. Ayin
129. Pe
137. Tsadhe
145. Qoph
153. Resh
161. Sin and Shin
169. Taw














Though my persecutors and foes are many
This phrase acknowledges the reality of opposition faced by the psalmist, which is a common theme throughout the Psalms. Historically, Israel often faced numerous enemies, both external and internal. The psalmist's experience can be likened to that of King David, who faced persecution from Saul and other adversaries. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous facing trials, as seen in the lives of Joseph, Daniel, and the early Christians. The mention of "many" indicates the overwhelming nature of the opposition, yet it also highlights the psalmist's resilience and faith.

I have not turned from Your testimonies
The psalmist's commitment to God's testimonies, or decrees, underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith. In the context of the Old Testament, "testimonies" refers to God's laws and commandments given to Israel. This phrase emphasizes obedience and loyalty to God's word despite external pressures. It echoes the sentiment found in Joshua 1:8, where adherence to the law is linked to success and prosperity. The psalmist's unwavering dedication serves as a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and remained obedient to the Father even unto death. This commitment is a call for believers to remain faithful to God's word, drawing strength from it in times of adversity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses his devotion to God's law despite facing numerous adversaries.

2. Persecutors and Foes
These are the adversaries or enemies of the psalmist, representing those who oppose or challenge his faith and commitment to God's word.

3. God's Testimonies
Refers to the decrees, laws, and commandments of God as revealed in the Scriptures, which the psalmist remains faithful to despite opposition.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness Amidst Adversity
The psalmist's commitment to God's testimonies despite many adversaries teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God's word, even when facing challenges or opposition.

The Power of God's Word
The psalmist's reliance on God's testimonies highlights the sustaining power of Scripture in the life of a believer. It serves as a reminder to immerse ourselves in God's word for strength and guidance.

Perseverance in Faith
Just as the psalmist did not turn away from God's testimonies, we are called to persevere in our faith, trusting that God will uphold us through trials.

Identifying Modern-Day Persecutors
In today's context, persecutors may not always be people but can be societal pressures, ideologies, or personal struggles that challenge our faith. Recognizing these helps us to stand firm in our beliefs.

Encouragement in Community
The psalmist's experience encourages us to seek support and encouragement from fellow believers when facing adversities, reinforcing the importance of Christian community.Verse 157. - Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Hitherto this had been implied (vers. 22, 23, 51, 61, etc.) rather than expressed. Now the thought of Psalm 25:18 comes over the writer, "Consider mine enemies, for they are many." Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. Repeated from ver. 51.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Though] my persecutors
רֹדְפַ֣י (rō·ḏə·p̄ay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

and foes
וְצָרָ֑י (wə·ṣā·rāy)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6862: Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent

are many,
רַ֭בִּים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

I have not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turned
נָטִֽיתִי׃ (nā·ṭî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

from Your testimonies.
מֵ֝עֵדְוֺתֶ֗יךָ (mê·‘ê·ḏə·wō·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5715: Testimony


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OT Poetry: Psalm 119:157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 119:156
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