I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God here emphasizes that His promises aren't just words, but commitments sealed with an oath, making them utterly irrevocable. The phrase "alter the word" suggests He wouldn't even tweak or change the essence of what He declared, highlighting His unwavering faithfulness. This isn't just about keeping promises; it's about the unchangeable nature of His character that underpins every single word He speaks.
I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage occurs within a lament where the psalmist is grappling with the apparent failure of God's promises to David, specifically the promise of an everlasting dynasty. Despite God's earlier declarations of faithfulness and power, the current state of the kingdom seems to contradict these assurances, leading to a deep sense of crisis. The verse itself represents God's direct response, affirming His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even amidst the perceived unfaithfulness of His people.
Ever wonder what it means for God's promises to be truly unbreakable? This verse reveals that God's covenant is not just a declaration, but a sacred commitment.
The psalmist declares, 'My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.'
A Sacred Bond
God's covenant is presented as something sacred, something He will not 'profane' or 'violate.' This isn't like human agreements that can be bent or broken. It's a deep, unbreakable commitment. Think of it like a sacred vow that carries immense weight.
The Power of His Word
'The thing that is gone out of my lips' emphasizes the authority and finality of God's spoken word. Once God speaks it, it is established. This means His promises are not subject to change based on our circumstances or His own feelings. His faithfulness is rooted in His character, not our performance.
Life throws curveballs, and people change. But what if God's love and faithfulness are the constant we can always count on?
Psalms 89:34 states, 'My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.' This declaration comes after acknowledging that human actions, even those of David's descendants, can falter.
Steadfast Love Despite Human Failure
Ask a follow-up
Even when 'his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments' (v. 30), God's response is not to break His covenant. Instead, He promises discipline ('visit their transgression with the rod') but not abandonment. His 'lovingkindness will I not withdraw' (v. 33).
Divine Immutability
This verse is a powerful testament to God's unchanging nature. Unlike the shifting sands of human loyalty, God's promises are fixed. He does not 'alter' His word. This immutability is a cornerstone of His faithfulness, ensuring that His covenant, especially the promise of a lasting kingdom through David's line (fulfilled in Christ), stands secure.
Understand the original words
beriyth · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or formal relationship between God and humanity, characterized by mutual obligations, divine promises, and covenantal seals.
This psalm was likely composed during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when the destruction of Jerusalem and the seeming end of the Davidic dynasty severely tested faith in God's promises. The verse assures that despite human unfaithfulness and the collapse of earthly kingdoms, God's covenant and word remain eternally secure, pointing beyond the present devastation to a future fulfillment in the Messiah.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant Established
God promises King David an everlasting dynasty and kingdom, establishing a foundational covenant with his lineage.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Dedication
David's son Solomon inherits the throne, building the First Temple in Jerusalem and dedicating it to God's glory.
c. 931 BC
Divided Monarchy
After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south), weakening the Davidic line's influence.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers and deports the northern kingdom of Israel, leaving only Judah with the Davidic king.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile its people.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
This passage is the foundational promise to David that God reiterates in Psalm 89, assuring him that His steadfast love will not be withdrawn, even if David's descendants sin. This highlights the unbreakable nature of God's covenant mentioned in Psalm 89:34.
Jeremiah 31:31-34Jeremiah describes a 'new covenant' that God will make, emphasizing forgiveness and an inward law. This connects to Psalm 89:34 by showing God's unwavering commitment to His people through new, enduring promises, even when they falter.
James 1:17This verse states that 'every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.' It directly parallels the immutability of God's covenant and word mentioned in Psalm 89:34.
Hebrews 6:17-18The author of Hebrews uses God's oath to Abraham as an example of God's desire to show the unchangeable nature of His purpose. This echoes the certainty of God's unbreakable word and covenant found in Psalm 89:34.
clarkePsalms 89:34: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."
My covenant will I not break - My determination to establish a spiritual kingdom, the head of which shall be Jesus, the son of David, shall never fail. My prophets have declared this, and I will not alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.
pulpitPsalms 89:34: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."
Verse 34. - My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips (comp. ver. 28, and the comment ad loc.). With God is "no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).
God here emphasizes that His promises aren't just words, but commitments sealed with an oath, making them utterly irrevocable. The phrase "alter the word" suggests He wouldn't even tweak or change the essence of what He declared, highlighting His unwavering faithfulness. This isn't just about keeping promises; it's about the unchangeable nature of His character that underpins every single word He speaks.
This passage occurs within a lament where the psalmist is grappling with the apparent failure of God's promises to David, specifically the promise of an everlasting dynasty. Despite God's earlier declarations of faithfulness and power, the current state of the kingdom seems to contradict these assurances, leading to a deep sense of crisis. The verse itself represents God's direct response, affirming His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even amidst the perceived unfaithfulness of His people.
This passage occurs within a lament where the psalmist is grappling with the apparent failure of God's promises to David, specifically the promise of an everlasting dynasty. Despite God's earlier declarations of faithfulness and power, the current state of the kingdom seems to contradict these assurances, leading to a deep sense of crisis. The verse itself represents God's direct response, affirming His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even amidst the perceived unfaithfulness of His people.
"I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips." — God here emphasizes that His promises aren't just words, but commitments sealed with an oath, making them utterly irrevocable. The phrase "alter the word" suggests He wouldn't even tweak or change th…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026