Psalms 119:15

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

בְּ פִקֻּדֶי ךָ
בְּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with
פִקֻּדֶי
Root word precepts, commandments, statutes
ךָ
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)
Dictionary form: פִּקּוּד · pik-KOOD

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: in thy precepts
thy precepts ×15 his commandments ×2 in thy precepts ×2 after thy precepts ×1 from thy precepts ×1 of thy precepts ×1 the statutes ×1 through thy precepts ×1
More options
precept — Closest modern equivalent; formal but widely understood.
commandment — Emphasizes binding authority; suits legal or covenantal contexts.
directive — Neutral, contemporary; good for non-liturgical translations.
instruction — Accessible and broad; suits didactic or wisdom contexts.
statute — Legal register; best when paired with law or covenant language.
order — Concise and direct; fits contexts stressing obedience.

BDB6739 H6490

BDB6738 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6740

[פִּקּוּד]24 noun masculinePs 19:9 precept (of ׳י; properly thing appointed, charge, compareB 2), in Psalms (compare Syriac , ); — only plural construct ׳פִּקּוּדֵי י Ps 19:9, and suffix פִּקּוּדָיו Ps 111:7, פִּקֻּדָיו Ps 103:18 elsewhere פִּקּוּדֶיךָ Ps 119:15; Ps 119:27 + 10 t. 119 + vPs 119:128 (for ᵑ0 פִּקּוּדֵי כֹל, ᵐ5 ᵑ9 and most); פִּקֻּדֶיךָ vPs 119:4 vPs 119:45 +6 t. 119.

precepts, commandments, statutes
piqqûd
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of God; plural only, collectively, for the Law)
  • precept, statute

אָשִׂ֑יחָה
אָשִׂ֑יחָה
Root word meditate, talk, speak, muse, pray, …
Dictionary form: שִׂיחַ · SEE-ah

Verb — Qal, Cohortative, first person singular simple action — "he did" a resolve — try "let me ___" / "let us ___" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: i will meditate
speak ×3 unto him talk ×2 and i will meditate ×1 and talk ×1 did meditate ×1 i commune ×1 i complained ×1 i muse ×1
More options
meditate — Best for inward, sustained reflection on God or his works.
muse — Thoughtful rumination; slightly more literary than 'meditate'.
speak — Use when the context is outward verbal expression.
pour out one's thoughts — Captures the free, unbounded nature of the speech act.
lament — Prefer when context is complaint or distress (e.g. Ps 77:3).
commune — Intimate dialogue tone; good for prayer or worship contexts.

BDB8220 H7878

BDB8219 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8221

שִׂיחַ verb denominative muse, complain, in poetry talk (of); —

Qal Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָשִׂיחַ Ps 119:23 3 feminine singular suffix תְּשִׂיחֶ֑ךָ Prov 6:22 1 singular אָשִׂיחַ Ps 119:78 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שִׂיחַ Job 12:8, masculine plural שִׂיחוּ Judg 5:10 +; Infinitiveconstruct שִׂיחַ Ps 119:148
1. complain: Ps 55:18; Ps 77:4 (both || הָמָה), Job 7:11 (בְּמַר נַפְשִׁי), + Ps 6:7 (read probably אָשִׁימָה for אַשְׁחֶה).
2. muse: עִםלְֿבָבִי Ps 77:7 with ב, meditate upon, study, God's עֲלִילוֺת vPs 77:13 (|| הָגָה); פִּקּוּדִים Ps 119:15; Ps 119:78 חֻפִּים vPs 119:23 vPs 119:48 נִפְלָאוֺת vPs 119:27 אִמְרָה vPs 119:148 with accusative דִּבְרֵי נִפְלְאֹתֶיךָ Ps 145:5.
3. a. talk (about), sing (of): absolute Judg 5:10 (ode); with ב, Ps 105:2 = 1Chr 16:9 (|| שִׁיר, זִמֵּר; so SS Gerber, but possibly = 2, so Dr), Ps 69:13 (ב person against; || נְגִינוֺת, of mocking words).
  b. with suffix person talk (with) Prov 6:22 (strike out Toy); with לְ speak to Job 12:8 (Di 'sprich sinnend'; Hi Bu read שֶׁרֶץ; Kau חַיַּת (so Bu as alternative), and others below II. שִׂיחַ). Pol`el meditate, consider: Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְשׂוֺחֵחַ Isa 53:8 (absolute); 1 singular אֲשׂוֺחֵחַ Ps 143:5 (ב of thing; || הָגָה). — Gen 24:63 see I. שׁוּמ.

meditate, talk, speak, muse, pray, …
śîaḥ
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
  • to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing
    • (Qal)
      • to complain
      • "to muse, meditate upon, study, ponder"to talk, sing, speak
      (Polel) to meditate, consider, put forth thoughts

וְ ֝אַבִּ֗יטָה
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝אַבִּ֗יטָה
Root word look, looked, behold, consider, regard, …
Dictionary form: נָבַט · naw-BAHT

Verb — Hiphil, Cohortative, first person singular causative — "he made (someone) do" a resolve — try "let me ___" / "let us ___" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: and have respect
look ×10 behold ×4 looked ×4 and consider ×2 and look ×2 and looked ×2 and they shall look ×2 look down ×2
More options
look — Most natural modern default; fits nearly every context.
gaze — Implies sustained, intentional looking; more vivid.
look out — Good when directed downward or outward spatially.
consider — Fits reflective, thoughtful observation rather than a glance.
regard — Useful when attention or esteem toward something is stressed.
take notice — Emphasizes awareness or acknowledgment of what is seen.

BDB4942 H5027

BDB4941 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4943

[נָבַט] verb Pi`el, Hiph`il look (Late Hebrew Pi`el id.; Arabic is well or issue forth (of water). Assyrian nabâ‰u is shine DlHWB 443; Sabean epithet נבט protector (?literally looking with consideration upon MordtZMG xxx. 1876, 37); proper name נבטאל God has seen, i.e. considered Levy-OsZMG xix. 1865, 231); —

Pi`el Perfect consecutive וְנִבַּט Isa 5:30 look (literally), followed by לְ. Hiph`il Perfect הִבִּיט Num 21:9 + 3 t.; וְהִבַּטְתָּ֫ 1Sam 2:32, etc.; Imperfect יַבִּיט Num 12:8 + 4 t.; וַיַּבֵּט 1Sam 17:42 + 4 t., etc.; Imperative הַבֵּט 1Kgs 18:43 +; הַבֵּיט Ps 142:5 (or Infinitive absolute), compare Lam 5:1 Kt; הַבִּ֫יטָה Ps 13:4 +, etc.; Infinitive construct הַבִּיט Exod 3:6 +, etc.; Participle מַבִּיט Ps 104:32look:
1. literally,
  a. human subject, followed by אֶלֿ Exod 3:6 (E), Num 21:9 (JE), Isa 8:22 (|| פָּנָה לְמָ֑עְלָה vIsa 8:21), compare Isa 51:6, Jonah 2:5 followed by עַלֿ Hab 2:15 followed by אַחֲרֵי Gen 19:17; Gen 19:26 (J), Exod 33:8 (E), 1Sam 24:9 followed by ָ  ה locative, Gen 15:5 (שָׁמַ֫יְמָה), compare Job 35:5 (שָׁמַיִם); followed by דֶּרֶחיָֿם 1Kgs 18:43 followed by accusative = look upon, behold Num 12:8 (E), Isa 38:11 absolute Job 6:19; 1Sam 17:42 (|| רָאָה), 1Kgs 18:43; 1Kgs 19:6 (followed by הִנֵּה), 1Chr 21:21 (|| רָאָה), so Ps 22:18.
  b. subject eagle, absolute Job 39:29 (followed by adverb לְמֵרָחוֺק).
2. figurative: followed by אֶל regard, shew regard to 1Sam 16:7 (אֶלמַֿרְאֵהוּ), compare 2Kgs 3:14 (|| רָאָה); pay attention to, followed by אֶלֿ Isa 22:8 = consider Isa 51:1; Isa 51:2 look unto ׳י, followed by אֶלֿ Ps 34:6 (read Imperative plural ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Che), Isa 22:11; Zech 12:10 compare Ps 119:6 followed by אֶלכָּֿלמִֿצְוֺת; compare also Job 36:25 (absolute, followed by מֵרָחוֺק); followed by accusative אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ Ps 119:15, compare vPs 119:18, Isa 5:12 followed by accusative אָוֶן Num 23:21 (|| רָאָה); subject עֵינִי, ׳וַתַּבֵּט בְּשׁוּרַי בְּ Ps 92:12 see its desire upon, gloat over (compare רָאָה בְּ), different 1Sam 2:32 followed by accusative adverb Ps 142:5 (יָמִין to the right; || רָאָה); absolute Isa 42:18 (followed by לִרְאוֺת of purpose); Isa 63:5; Hab 1:5 (|| רָאָה), so Ps 91:8 (בְּעֵינֶיךָ), compare Prov 4:25, followed by לְֹנכַח (subject עֵינֶיךָ; || יַיְשִׁרוּ נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ).
3. subject ׳י: followed by אֶל + מִשָּׁמַיִם Ps 102:20 followed by אֶלֿ = look upon, i.e. endure to see Hab 1:13 (|| רָאָה); so followed by accusative vHab 1:13, compare Hab 1:3 (or causative Ew; || תַּרְאֵנִי); followed by לְ, Ps 104:32; Job 28:24; Ps 74:20 (לַבְּרִיתּ); followed by accusative Isa 64:8 (|| הֵן), Lam 3:63; Ps 10:14 (|| רָאָה); = regard, shew regard to, Amos 5:22; Ps 84:10; Lam 4:16, compare Ps 13:4 followed by אֶלֿ id. Isa 66:2 absolute Ps 94:9 i.e. have power of sight, Isa 18:4 followed by מִשָּׁמַיִם Ps 33:13; Ps 80:15; Isa 63:15 ( || רָאָה), Lam 1:11 (|| רָאָה), so vLam 1:12; Lam 2:20; Lam 5:1.

look, looked, behold, consider, regard, …
nābaṭ
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
  • to look, regard
    • (Piel) to look
    • "(Hiphil)
      • to look
      • "to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider"to look upon, regard, show regard to

אֹרְחֹתֶֽי ךָ
אֹרְחֹתֶֽי
Root word way, paths, path, ways, race, …
ךָ
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)
Dictionary form: אֹרַח · oh-RA

Noun — Common, both plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: unto thy ways
the paths ×6 in the way ×4 the way ×4 way ×4 the path ×3 in his paths ×2 my paths ×2 a race ×1
More options
path — Most direct modern equivalent; literal or metaphorical.
road — Prefer when a physical, traveled route is in view.
way — Modernized KJV form; broad literal and figurative use.
course — Fits figurative or life-direction contexts well.
track — Suits narrow, worn, or well-trodden routes.
traveler — Use only when the word refers to a person en route.

BDB749 H734

BDB748 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB750

אֹ֫רַח noun masculineJob 6:18 (feminineProv 15:19) way, path (Assyrian ur—u COTGloss, Aramaic אֹרַח, ) — ׳א absolute Ps 19:6 +; construct Prov 4:18 +; suffix אָרְחִי Job 19:8; Ps 139:3 < Infinitive construct, and || רִבְעִי (Infinitive construct of II. רבע), not דרכי, compare Bae. etc.; plural absolute אֳרָחוֺת Judg 5:6 (twice in verse) construct אָרְחוֺת Job 8:13 +; suffix אָרְחֹתָ֑י Job 13:27; Job 33:11 אָרְחוֺתָם Joel 2:7; Prov 9:15 אָרְחֹתֵיהֶם Prov 2:15 also אֹרְחֹתָיו Isa 2:3 +; אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ Ps 119:15 + etc.; — way, path (in Hebrew mostly poetry)

1. literal Judg 5:6 (twice in verse) song of Deborah (alone = highways, opposed to עֲקַלְקַלּוֺת ׳א crooked (by- paths;) compare also הֹלְכֵי נְתִיבוֺת ib.); Isa 33:8 ׳עֹבֵר א = wayfarer (|| מְסִלּוֺת), see also Gen 49:17 (blessing of Jocob) (|| דֶּרֶךְ) & הֵמְיַשְּׁרִים אָרְחוֺתָם those who make straight their ways (|| עֹבְרֵי דָרֶ֑ךְ) Prov 9:15, ׳בּוֺא א go (tread) a path Isa 41:3 of course of locusts Joel 2:7 ׳לֹא יְעַבְּטוּן א they confuse not their paths (|| דְּרָכִים); יַמִּים ׳א paths of the seas Ps 8:9 רוּץ אֹרַח run along a path, figurative of sun Ps 19:6.
2. figurative path, way, of course & fortunes of life = Job 33:11; Job 19:8 (|| נְתִיבוֺת) Ps 139:3 (|| דֶּרֶךְ) Ps 142:4 (|| נְתִיבָה) Prov 3:6 (|| דֶּרֶךְ) Prov 4:18; Prov 15:19 (both || id.) Isa 26:7 (|| מַעְגָּל) so דֶּרֶךְ אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ Isa 3:12 plain or even path מִישׁוֺר ׳א Ps 27:11 in two cases with a special reference (1) אֹרַח כַּנָּשִׁים Gen 18:11 (J) of menstruation; (2) אֹרַח לֹא אָשׁוּב אֶהֱלֹךְ a path (which) I shall not return, I am going Job 16:22 i.e. to Sh®°ôl, compare Assyrian name of lower world irƒit lâ târat, land without return, see Jr10; Jr65.
3. figurative way, of mode of living, or of character Job 34:11 (|| פֹּעַל) Ps 119:9. Specifically:
  a. ways of ׳י, his mode of action Ps 25:10
  b. of man's righteousness, called ways of ׳י Ps 25:4 (|| דְּרָכִים) Ps 44:19; Ps 119:15 (|| פִּקּוּדִים) Isa 2:3 = Mic 4:2 (|| דְּרָכִים) compare מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ ׳א Isa 26:8 also way of justice, uprightness, etc. מִשְׁפָּט ׳א Prov 2:8 (|| דֶּרֶח) Prov 17:23; Isa 40:14 (|| דֶּרֶח), ישֶׁר ׳א Prov 2:13 (|| id.), צְדָקָה ׳א Prov 8:20 (|| נְתִיבוֺת), Prov 12:28 (|| דֶּרֶךְ נְתִיבָה); so אֹרַה alone Isa 30:11 (|| דֶּרֶךְ) Prov 15:10 note especially אֹרַח חַיִּים, path of life, in righteousness & enjoyment of God Ps 16:11; Prov 2:19; Prov 5:5; Prov 15:24 (opposed to שְׁאוֺל), also לְחַיִּים ׳א Prov 10:17 (on these compare Str Prov 14:32);
  c. of wickedness, פָּרִיץ ׳א way, path of the violent Ps 17:4, compare also Prov 22:25 רְשָׁעְים ׳א Prov 4:14 (|| דֶּרֶךְ), בֹּצֵעַ ׳א Prov 1:19 followed by abstract שָׁ֑קֶר ׳א Ps 119:104, so vPs 119:128 (|| פִּקּוּדִים), also with adjective רָע ׳א Ps 119:101 compare Prov 2:15 (עִקְּשִׁים crooked) called עלָוֺם ׳הָא Job 22:15 note also אֵידָם ׳א their destructive ways, i.e. ways that cause destruction Job 30:12 (compare Job 19:12).
4. by meton. traveler, wayfarer Job 31:32 (compare חֵלֶךְ 2Sam 12:4) & in plural caravans 2Sam 6:18; 2Sam 6:19 but read perhaps לָאֹרֵחַ 2Sam 31:32, אֹרְחוֺת 2Sam 6:18; 2Sam 6:19.

way, paths, path, ways, race, …
ʾōraḥ
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
  • way, path
    • path, road
    • "the path, way, passing of life (figuratively)"way of living (figuratively)"traveller, wayfarer (metonymy)

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
בְּפִקּוּדֶ֥יךָ אָשִׂ֑יחָה Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝אַבִּ֗יטָה Revia Mugrash — a lesser break אֹרְחֹתֶֽיךָ Silluq — end of the verse

בְּפִקּוּדֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה וְאַבִּיטָה אֹרְחֹתֶֽיךָ׃
15
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Cross References

Psalms 1:2

כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יְהוָה חֶפְצוֹ וּֽבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָֽיְלָה׃
2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

James 1:25

δὲ παρακύψας εἰς νόμον τέλειον τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας καὶ παραμείνας οὗτος οὐκ ἀκροατὴς ἐπιλησμονῆς γενόμενος ἀλλὰ ποιητὴς ἔργου οὗτος μακάριος ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ ἔσται
25
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Psalms 119:148

קִדְּמוּ עֵינַי אַשְׁמֻרוֹת לָשִׂיחַ בְּאִמְרָתֶֽךָ׃
148
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Psalms 119:97

מָֽה-אָהַבְתִּי תוֹרָתֶךָ כָּל-הַיּוֹם הִיא שִׂיחָתִֽי׃
97
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

Psalms 119:78

יֵבֹשׁוּ זֵדִים כִּי-שֶׁקֶר עִוְּתוּנִי אֲנִי אָשִׂיחַ בְּפִקּוּדֶֽיךָ׃
78
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

Psalms 119:48

וְאֶשָּֽׂא-כַפַּי אֶֽל-מִצְוֹתֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר אָהָבְתִּי וְאָשִׂיחָה בְחֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
48
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Psalms 119:131

פִּֽי-פָעַרְתִּי וָאֶשְׁאָפָה כִּי לְמִצְוֹתֶיךָ יָאָֽבְתִּי׃
131
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

Psalms 119:117

סְעָדֵנִי וְאִוָּשֵׁעָה וְאֶשְׁעָה בְחֻקֶּיךָ תָמִֽיד׃
117
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Psalms 119:23

גַּם יָֽשְׁבוּ שָׂרִים בִּי נִדְבָּרוּ עַבְדְּךָ יָשִׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
23
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

Psalms 119:6

אָז לֹא-אֵבוֹשׁ בְּהַבִּיטִי אֶל-כָּל-מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
6
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.