Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "seven times a day" is likely not a literal count, but a symbolic way of expressing "continually" or "very frequently," highlighting a heart overflowing with gratitude for God's perfect justice. This isn't just about acknowledging God during set times, but about a persistent, ever-present praise fueled by the revelation of His righteous decrees.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a deep dive into the psalmist's love for God's law, expressed through a series of meditations and prayers. In this section, the psalmist reflects on how the wickedness of others has driven him closer to God's word, finding solace and a guide for his life in its teachings. He concludes by affirming his continuous praise for God's righteous decrees, even amidst persecution.
Why 'seven' times a day? Was the psalmist really counting? Discover the rich meaning behind this specific number.
The number seven in Hebrew culture often symbolized completeness, perfection, or a full cycle. It wasn't just about a literal count but about expressing a devotion that permeated the entire day. Think of it like saying 'all day long' or 'throughout my entire day.'
What are 'righteous rules' and why are they the reason for praise? Unpack the core of the psalmist's worship.
The psalmist isn't just praising God randomly; his praise is specifically directed towards God's 'righteous rules' or 'judgments.' This points to a deep understanding and appreciation for God's character and His governing principles for life.
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Understand the original words
mishpatim · Hebrew Noun
God’s judgments, ordinances, or established legal standards that reflect His perfect righteousness and justice.
This verse also speaks of praying multiple times a day, showing a pattern of regular devotion that echoes the psalmist's frequent praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:17This New Testament passage directly commands believers to 'pray without ceasing,' which aligns with the spirit of 'seven times a day' as a marker for continuous praise.
Luke 18:1-8Jesus' parable of the persistent widow highlights the importance of not giving up in prayer and praise, illustrating the concept of 'seven times' as a dedication to persistent seeking.
Romans 12:1This verse calls for believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, a concept that extends to offering continuous praise as a form of worship rooted in God's righteous acts.
pulpitPsalms 119:164: "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments."
Verse 164. - Seven times a day do I praise thee; i.e. repeatedly, an indefinite number of times (comp. Psalm 12:6; Psalm 79:11; Proverbs 24:16). Because of thy righteous judgments (comp. vers. 137, 160).
ellicottPsalms 119:164: "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments."
(164) Seven times. —Some commentators think the number is used here only in a general way for “often,” “repeatedly;” but the number seven evidently had some sacred association for the Hebrews. (Comp. Leviticus 26:18 ; Proverbs 24:16 ; Matthew 18:21 , &c) No doubt the seven canonical hours were partly derived from this verse. Elsewhere we find three times as the stated occasions of prayer ( Psalm 55:17 ).
The phrase "seven times a day" is likely not a literal count, but a symbolic way of expressing "continually" or "very frequently," highlighting a heart overflowing with gratitude for God's perfect justice. This isn't just about acknowledging God during set times, but about a persistent, ever-present praise fueled by the revelation of His righteous decrees.
This psalm is a deep dive into the psalmist's love for God's law, expressed through a series of meditations and prayers. In this section, the psalmist reflects on how the wickedness of others has driven him closer to God's word, finding solace and a guide for his life in its teachings. He concludes by affirming his continuous praise for God's righteous decrees, even amidst persecution.
This psalm is a deep dive into the psalmist's love for God's law, expressed through a series of meditations and prayers. In this section, the psalmist reflects on how the wickedness of others has driven him closer to God's word, finding solace and a guide for his life in its teachings. He concludes by affirming his continuous praise for God's righteous decrees, even amidst persecution.
"Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules." — The phrase "seven times a day" is likely not a literal count, but a symbolic way of expressing "continually" or "very frequently," highlighting a heart overflowing with gratitude for God's perfect ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026