Psalm 19:10
New International Version
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

New Living Translation
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

English Standard Version
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Berean Standard Bible
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

King James Bible
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

New King James Version
More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

New American Standard Bible
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold; Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

NASB 1995
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

NASB 1977
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Legacy Standard Bible
They are more desirable than gold, even more than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Amplified Bible
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Christian Standard Bible
They are more desirable than gold — than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb.

American Standard Version
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

Contemporary English Version
They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.

English Revised Version
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb.

Good News Translation
They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey.

International Standard Version
They are more desirable than gold, even much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb.

Majority Standard Bible
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

NET Bible
They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.

New Heart English Bible
More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

Webster's Bible Translation
More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.

World English Bible
They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
They are more desirable than gold, "" Indeed, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, "" Even liquid honey of the comb.

Young's Literal Translation
They are more desirable than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, Even liquid honey of the comb.

Smith's Literal Translation
Being desirable above gold, and above much pure gold, and being sweet above honey, and the dropping of honey-combs.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

Catholic Public Domain Version
desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

New American Bible
More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb.

New Revised Standard Version
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They are more to be coveted than gold; yea, than precious stones; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They are more desirable than gold and precious stones, and are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
To be desired more than gold, and much precious stone: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. 10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.…

Cross References
Proverbs 8:10-11
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

Psalm 119:72
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Psalm 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!

Proverbs 3:13-15
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

Job 28:15-19
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. / It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. ...

Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Psalm 119:127
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Psalm 119:14
I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:111
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

Proverbs 2:4-5
if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, / now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Psalm 63:5
My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!


Treasury of Scripture

More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

than gold

Psalm 119:72,127
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver…

Job 28:15-17
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof…

Proverbs 3:13-15
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…

sweeter

Psalm 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

Psalm 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

honeycomb [heb.

1 Samuel 14:26-29
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath…

Jump to Previous
Comb Desirable Desired Drippings Dropping Droppings Extract Fine Gold Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Liquid Precious Pure Shining Sweeter
Jump to Next
Comb Desirable Desired Drippings Dropping Droppings Extract Fine Gold Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Liquid Precious Pure Shining Sweeter
Psalm 19
1. The creatures show God's glory
7. The excellence of the divine law
12. David prays for grace














More precious than gold
The phrase "more precious than gold" emphasizes the supreme value of God's Word and His commandments. In the ancient world, gold was the most valuable and sought-after material, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The Hebrew word for "precious" here is "ḥāmad," which conveys the idea of something that is highly desired or treasured. This comparison highlights that the spiritual wealth found in God's Word surpasses even the greatest material wealth. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief that spiritual riches and divine wisdom are of far greater importance than earthly possessions.

than much pure gold
The repetition and intensification with "than much pure gold" further accentuates the incomparable worth of God's statutes. "Pure gold" refers to gold that is refined and free from impurities, representing the highest quality. The Hebrew term "pāz" is used here, which denotes the finest gold. This suggests that even the most refined and valuable earthly treasures cannot compare to the purity and perfection of God's Word. Historically, gold was a standard of wealth and power, yet the psalmist declares that divine wisdom is far superior, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.

sweeter than honey
The phrase "sweeter than honey" uses the imagery of taste to convey the delight and satisfaction found in God's commandments. Honey was the sweetest substance known in the ancient Near East, often used as a symbol of pleasure and abundance. The Hebrew word "māṯôq" means sweet, indicating something that is pleasant and desirable. This metaphor suggests that engaging with God's Word brings joy and fulfillment that surpasses even the most delightful earthly experiences. For conservative Christians, this highlights the joy and satisfaction that comes from living in accordance with God's will.

than honey from the comb
The addition of "than honey from the comb" emphasizes the natural and pure sweetness of God's Word. Honey directly from the comb is unprocessed and in its most natural state, symbolizing purity and authenticity. The Hebrew term "nōp̄eṯ" refers to the dripping honeycomb, which was considered a delicacy. This imagery suggests that the teachings of the Lord are not only sweet but also pure and unadulterated, offering nourishment and delight to the soul. In a conservative Christian view, this reinforces the belief that God's Word is the ultimate source of truth and joy, providing spiritual sustenance that is both pure and satisfying.

(10) Honeycomb.--(See margin.) The honey that drops from the comb is the finest and purest.

Verse 10. - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. (For the difference between "gold" (זהב) and "fine gold" (פז), see the 'Homiletic Commentary on Job,' p. 458.) God's Law is a far greater good to man, and therefore far more to be desired, than any amount of riches; much more must it be preferable to honey and the honeycomb.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They are more precious
הַֽנֶּחֱמָדִ֗ים (han·ne·ḥĕ·mā·ḏîm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2530: To desire, take pleasure in

than gold,
מִ֭זָּהָב (miz·zā·hāḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

than much
רָ֑ב (rāḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

pure gold;
וּמִפַּ֣ז (ū·mip·paz)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6337: Refined, pure gold

they are sweeter
וּמְתוּקִ֥ים (ū·mə·ṯū·qîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 4966: Sweet, sweetness

than honey,
מִ֝דְּבַ֗שׁ (mid·də·ḇaš)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup

than honey
צוּפִֽים׃ (ṣū·p̄îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6688: Comb of honey

from the comb.
וְנֹ֣פֶת (wə·nō·p̄eṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5317: Flowing honey, honey from the comb


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OT Poetry: Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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