Psalm 19/Overview/Structure

Psalm 19 At-a-Glance

These sections divide the content of the psalm into digestible pieces , and are determined based on information from many of our layers, including Semantics, Poetics, and Discourse. The columns, left to right, contain: the verse numbers; the main title of the section; a brief summary of the content of that section (quote marks indicate the text is taken directly from the English text of the psalm (as per our Close-but-Clear translation); and an icon to visually represent and remember the content.

v. 1 For the director. A psalm. By David.	Superscription
v. 2 The sky is declaring God’s honor, and the firmament is telling about the workmanship of his hands.	The Words of the Sky	The sky declares God's honor. Not a word of the sky's speech goes unheard.		awe
v. 3 Day after day pours out speech, and night after night imparts knowledge.
v. 4 There is no speech, and there are no words whose sound is not being heard.
v. 5 Its verse line has gone forth throughout the whole earth, and its words [have gone forth] throughout the edge of the world. He has set up in it a home for the sun,		The most brilliant part of the sky is the sun. Nothing is hidden from its heat.		joy & vulnerability
v. 6 and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his tent. He is glad, like a warrior, to run his course.
v. 7 His starting point is from the edge of the sky, and his turning point is at its edges, and nothing is hidden from his heat.
v. 8 YHWH’s instruction is perfect, restoring life. YHWH’s testimony is reliable, making simpletons wise.	The Words of YHWH	YHWH's perfect instruction is like the sun.		joy & vulnerability
v. 9 YHWH’s commandments are just, causing the heart to rejoice. YHWH’s command is flawless, giving light to the eyes.
v. 10 Fearing YHWH is pure, enduring forever. YHWH’s rules are true; they are altogether right;
v. 11 those which are more desirable than gold, even much pure gold, and sweeter than honey, even virgin honey from the honeycomb.
v. 12 Furthermore, your servant is warned by them. There is great reward in keeping them.	The Words of My Mouth	I, your servant, feel the effect of your perfect instruction (just as everything feels the heat of the sun). Make your servant blameless!		distress
v. 13 Who can discern mistakes? Clear me from the guilt of hidden sins!
v. 14 Also, prevent your servant from committing presumptuous sins! Do not let them rule over me! Then I will be blameless and innocent of great crime.
v. 15 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before you, YHWH, my rock and my redeemer!		Let my words be acceptable, YHWH, my rock and my redeemer!		hope