Psalms 27:11
Psalms 27:11 in Multiple Translations
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path, Because of mine enemies.
Make your way clear to me, O Lord, guiding me by the right way, because of my haters.
Lord, teach me your way and lead me along the right path, because my enemies are against me —
Teache mee thy way, O Lord, and leade me in a right path, because of mine enemies.
Shew me, O Jehovah, Thy way, And lead me in a path of uprightness, For the sake of my beholders.
Teach me your way, LORD. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies.
Yahweh, teach me to do what you want me to do, and lead me on a safe path because I have many enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 27:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 27:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֤וֹרֵ֥/נִי
יְהוָ֗ה
דַּ֫רְכֶּ֥/ךָ
וּ֭/נְחֵ/נִי
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
מִישׁ֑וֹר
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
שׁוֹרְרָֽ/י
ה֤וֹרֵ֥/נִי
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דַּ֫רְכֶּ֥/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וּ֭/נְחֵ/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Prep | N-cs
מִישׁ֑וֹר
mîyshôwr
H4334
plain
N-ms
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
שׁוֹרְרָֽ/י
shârar
H8324
enemy
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 27:11
ה֤וֹרֵ֥/נִי
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
דַּ֫רְכֶּ֥/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וּ֭/נְחֵ/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Prep | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
מִישׁ֑וֹר
mîyshôwr
H4334
"plain"
N-ms
This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.
Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שׁוֹרְרָֽ/י
shârar
H8324
"enemy"
N-mp | Suff
This word describes an enemy or opponent, someone who is hostile towards others, like the enemies of Israel in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Qal) to be an enemy
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: Psalms 5:9; Psalms 54:7; Psalms 27:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 27:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 27:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
- Sermons on Psalms 27:11
Context — The LORD Is My Salvation
9Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
12Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. 13Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 25:4–5 | Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. |
| 2 | Psalms 5:8 | Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. |
| 3 | Psalms 86:11 | Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. |
| 4 | Psalms 26:12 | My feet stand on level ground; in the congregations I will bless the LORD. |
| 5 | Psalms 143:8–10 | Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. |
| 6 | Proverbs 2:6–9 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:10 | With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. |
| 8 | Psalms 64:6 | They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. |
| 9 | Isaiah 35:8 | And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. |
| 10 | Isaiah 30:20–21 | The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him. And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” |
Psalms 27:11 Summary
In Psalms 27:11, the psalmist is asking God to guide him and protect him from his enemies. He wants to follow God's path and be safe from harm. This is like asking for directions on a journey, but instead of using a map, we are asking God to show us the way. Just like the psalmist, we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalms 23:4, where we are told that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us, and in Jeremiah 29:11, where we are told that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to ask God to 'teach me Your way' in Psalms 27:11?
Asking God to teach us His way means we are seeking to understand and follow His will for our lives, just as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Why does the psalmist ask to be led on a 'level path'?
The psalmist asks to be led on a level path because he is seeking a safe and stable journey through life, free from the obstacles and challenges posed by his oppressors, as seen in Psalms 27:11, and this is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:4, where every valley is lifted up and every mountain is made low.
How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in the face of opposition?
We can apply this principle by praying for God's guidance and protection, just as the psalmist does in Psalms 27:11, and by trusting in His sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good to those who love God.
What role does faith play in the psalmist's request for God's guidance?
Faith plays a crucial role in the psalmist's request, as he is expressing his trust in God's ability to guide and protect him, even in the midst of opposition, as seen in Psalms 27:11, and this is in line with Hebrews 11:6, where we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's guidance and protection, and how can I apply the principles of Psalms 27:11 to those situations?
- How can I balance my desire for a 'level path' with the reality of living in a fallen world, where challenges and opposition are inevitable?
- What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, and how can I cultivate that trust in my own life?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and follow God's will for my life, and what role does prayer and scripture play in that process?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O Lord,.... Of providence, grace, and duty; [See comments on Psalms 25:4]; and lead me in a plain path: as the path of truth is to those that understand and find knowledge; and as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Thy way - i:e., the way of safety, as opposed to the dangers now surrounding David.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
Thy way, i.e. what course I shall take to please thee, and to discharge my duty, and to save myself from ruin. A plain path; of which See Poole "", where the Hebrew words are the same. Because of mine enemies; that I may neither open their mouths against me or religion by my miscarriages, nor fall into their hands by my folly, nor give them any occasion of triumphing over me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
Psalms 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Ver. 11. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me, &c.] Deus non deserit suos, dum eos docet ac ducit, God shows that he forsaketh not his (whatever other friends do) so long as he teacheth and leadeth them. See Psalms 25:4-5. In a plain path] Heb. In a way of plainness, wherein I may escape mine enemies’ ambushes. Because of mine enemies] Or, Because of mine observers; so it may be read ( propter insidiatores meos); such as Saul and Doeg were, who looked upon David with an evil eye, and watched for his halting. It was the wisdom of the Lacedaemonians always to send two ambassadors together which disagreed among themselves; that so they might mutually eye one another’ s actions (Aristot. Polit. lib. ii. cap. 7). The wicked will be eyeing and prying into the practices of good people, who must therefore watch and pray.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
(11) Enemies.—Comp. Psalms 56:2; Psalms 54:7; Psalms 59:10-11. Ewald, “malignant liers in wait”; so Aquila.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
Verse 11. Teach me thy way] Let me know the gracious designs of thy providence towards me, that my heart may submit to thy will. And lead me in a plain path] In the path of righteousness, because of mine enemies, who watch for my halting.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:11
11. Cp. Psalms 5:8; Psalms 25:12. In the course of life designed for him by God he will be safe. He prays that it may be like a path along a level open plain, free from pitfalls and places where enemies may lurk in ambush. Plain is the same word as even in Psalms 26:12; and mine enemies means literally, those that lie in wail for me, as in Psalms 5:8. Cp. Mark 12:13 for illustration.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O Lord - See the notes at Psalms 25:4-5. And lead me in a plain path - Margin, “a way of plainness.” That is, a straight or smooth path.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 27:11
11. A plain path—This even or straight path is the Lord’s “way,” as in the preceding member of the verse. See Psalms 26:12. In it there are no dangers. Isaiah 35:8. Because of mine enemies—Who watch all my steps for evil.
Sermons on Psalms 27:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Trapped by Fear by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing death and how it tested his trust in the Lord. He recounts a situation where someone aimed a gun at him, but it t |
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a.w. Tozer Audio Prayers - Part 4 by A.W. Tozer | This sermon is a heartfelt prayer for a deep spiritual connection with God, seeking His glory, guidance, and mercy. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and exper |
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Psalm 27 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the power of faith, which leads to strong professions and earnest prayers, ultimately guiding believers towards eternal life. The sermon delves into the trium |
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The Choice of Faith by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of choosing faith in the midst of challenges and enemies, emphasizing the need to believe in the goodness of the Lord in every situatio |
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Keep in Touch by Howard Barnes | Howard Barnes emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship as great privileges for Christians on earth. Prayer involves various components like intercession, meditation, petitio |
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Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual Communion With God by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of maintaining a devout, spiritual, and heavenly character in daily life, emphasizing the need for self-examination, prayer, and devo |
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Speak a Word to Bring Back the King by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin in order to bring back the King, symbolizing Jesus Christ, to reign in our hearts. He delves into |