This fascinating psalm is like looking at the telescope as well as through it—the words in the Word.
Eight different words are used as synonyms for the Bible in Psalm 119, although each has a slightly different flavor. Dābār is often translated “ways,” and is the most general term for God’s truth, whether stated, promised, or commanded. Found in 32 verses, it refers to anything from God’s mouth, truths intended for us to follow. Tôrâh, in 25 verses, is the most common term for the Word of God in the Old Testament. It comes from a root meaning “instruction” and is mostly translated “law.” Ēdôt is rendered “testimonies” and is found in 23 verses. Often used synonymously with the 10 Commandments, it means “to bear witness.” Piqqūdîm is rendered 21 times by the word “precepts,” and comes from the language of an overseer or officer. It speaks of “what God has appointed to be done” and is synonymous with the concept of a covenant. Huqqîm is translated 22 times by the word “statutes” and is linked with the permanence and binding force of Scripture. Its base meaning is “to inscribe, or to cut,” with the idea of Scripture engraved on our hearts. Mitsvôt is given 24 times as “commandments” and emphasizes the authority of what is said. Mišhpātîm, in 24 verses, means “ordinances” or “rules,” often called “judgments”—what the Divine Judge has ruled as right. Imrâh is found in 43 verses and is rendered “promise” or “word.” It speaks of anything that God vows to do. We should note that the translators are not always consistent. For example, sometimes “word” is translated from dābār (v 9), or imrâh (v 11). Obviously the Word is precious. I only found two verses in Psalm 119 that don’t have one of these eight words in them (vv 90, 122). So let’s read, study, meditate, and enjoy God’s blessed Book!