Psalms 119:53 Meaning and Explanation
“Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist is filled with dread at the sight of wicked people who reject God's law.
The Context of Psalms 119:53
Spiritual horror at the willful rejection of God's law by the wicked.
What Does Psalms 119:53 Mean?
'Horror hath taken hold upon me' expresses visceral spiritual distress. The psalmist is gripped by fear and revulsion—not fear for himself alone but spiritual alarm at wickedness.
'Because of the wicked that forsake thy law' identifies the source. What appalls the psalmist is not evil in general but specifically the willful rejection of God's law by those who have access to it. This deliberate apostasy generates horror.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 119:53
What does Psalms 119:53 mean?
The psalmist is filled with dread at the sight of wicked people who reject God's law.
What is the context of Psalms 119:53?
Spiritual horror at the willful rejection of God's law by the wicked.