Psalms 25:4 — Word Study
WLCדְּרָכֶ֣יךָ יְ֭הוָה הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ לַמְּדֵֽנִי׃
BSAShow meyâdaʻ Your waysderek [path of life, journey] O LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the Lord God] teach melâmad Your pathsʼôrach [road to righteousness, manner of action]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| דְּרָכֶ֣יךָ | ways your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| יְ֭הוָה | O Yahweh | Noun proper |
| הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי | make known to me | Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ | paths your | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| לַמְּדֵֽנִי׃ | teach me | Verb piel imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. |
| KJV | Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. |
| ASV | Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths. |
| YLT | Thy ways, O Jehovah, cause me to know, Thy paths teach Thou me. |
| WEB | Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths. |
| BBE | Make your steps clear to me, O Lord; give me knowledge of your ways. |
All translations agree on the essence of the psalmist's request for guidance.
The verse consists of two main requests, each with a verb and its corresponding object, emphasizing the psalmist's desire for both revelation and instruction.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 25:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Prayer for Guidancegenerated
Psalm 25:4 is a heartfelt plea for divine guidance, where the psalmist expresses a desire to understand God's ways and paths. This request reflects a deep yearning for wisdom and direction in life, acknowledging the importance of following God's will. The surrounding verses emphasize the theme of waiting on the LORD and trusting in His goodness, as seen in Psalm 25:3 and Psalm 25:5.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 5:1–8 | Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. |
| 2 | Psalm 27:11 | Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors. |
| 3 | Psalm 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 | Psalm 119:27 | Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders. |
| 5 | Psalm 143:8 | 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — דְּרָכֶ֣יךָ, de.ra.Khei.khagenerated
The word דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) refers to a way, road, or journey. It can denote both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. The parsing as a noun common masculine plural construct with a suffix indicates that it is speaking of multiple ways belonging to someone.
This term encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character. It highlights the nature of one's conduct, often used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses show and teach for the key verbs, aligning with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two main clauses governed by the verbs הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי (make known to me) and לַמְּדֵֽנִי (teach me), each followed by their respective objects. The structure emphasizes the psalmist's plea for both revelation and instruction.
The word order places the requests at the forefront, highlighting the urgency and importance of the psalmist's prayer for divine guidance.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי as γνώρισόν, which conveys a sense of making known or revealing. This choice emphasizes the psalmist's desire for clarity and understanding from God.
The use of γνώρισόν suggests a more personal and intimate revelation, aligning with the psalmist's plea for direct guidance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 25:4 is a prayer where the psalmist asks God to show His ways and teach His paths. This reflects a desire for guidance in life and understanding of God's direction, emphasizing the importance of following His lead.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist refers to God's guidance and the moral path He sets for His followers, seeking to understand how to live according to God's will.
Asking God to teach signifies a humble recognition of one's need for divine instruction and wisdom in navigating life's journey.
This verse captures the essence of the psalm, which is a plea for guidance, trust in God's goodness, and a desire for righteousness.
The psalmist's request encourages us to seek God's guidance in our lives and to be open to learning from Him.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need God's guidance and teaching?
- How can I be more attentive to God's ways and paths in my daily decisions?
- What steps can I take to seek wisdom and understanding from God?
- How does trusting in God's guidance impact my relationship with Him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers comment on this verse to illustrate the moral implications of following God's ways and paths, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Now the ways of the Lord are, we may say, certain courses taken in a good life, guided by Christ, who says, “I am the way, and the truth and the life.” The way, then, is the surpassing power of God, for Christ is our way, and a good way,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
As he refers by “way” to people’s actions and exploits (as in that verse, “I have run in the way of your commands,” as if to say, I determined to do and observe your commands),Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
"Let them be confounded who do vain things unrighteously." Let them be confounded who act unrighteously for the acquiring things that pass away.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 25:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleShow me thy ways, O Lord,.... Either those which the Lord himself took and walked in; as those of creation and providence, in which he has displayed his power, wisdom, and goodness; and which are
Read John Gill on Psalms 25 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryShew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Show me thy ways - namely, the ways of "salvation" from all dangers and temptations. David has in mind the prayer of Moses (Exodus 33:13). Teach me - by thy Spirit.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 25 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy ways, i.e. the way of thy precepts, which I ought to do in my circumstances and difficulties; by what methods I may obtain thy favour and help. Whatsoever thou dost with me as to other things, grant me this favour, teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations to the contrary.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 25 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.Ver. 4. Show me thy ways, O Lord] q.d. However other men walk towards me, yet my desire is to keep touch with thee; for which purpose I humbly beg thy best direction. See Exodus 33:13 Isaiah 2:3. Teach me thy paths] Assuefac me ; inure me to thy paths, Sicut parvulus ad ambulandum assuetus, saith Kimchi, as a little one is taught to find his feet.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 25 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. Show me thy ways] The psalmist wishes to know God's way, to be taught his path, and to be led into his truth. He cannot discern this way unless God show it; he cannot learn the path unless God teach it; and he cannot walk in God's truth unless God lead him: and even then, unless God continue to teach, he shall never fully learn the lessons of his salvation; therefore he adds, "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me;" Psalms 25:5. That he may get this showing, teaching, and leading, he comes to God, as the "God of his salvation;" and that he may not lose his labour, he "waits on him all the day." Many lose the benefit of their earnest prayers, because they do not persevere in them. They…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 25 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. Shew me thy ways] Lit. make me to know thy ways: the prayer of Moses in a moment of perplexity (Exodus 33:13). Cp. Psalms 27:11. God’s ‘ways’ and ‘paths are the purposes and methods of His Providence; or more specifically, the course of life and conduct which He prescribes for men. Cp. Psalms 27:11; Psalms 143:8.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 25 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleShow me thy ways, O Lord - The “ways” of God are His methods of administering the affairs of the world; His dispensations; the rules which He has prescribed for Himself in the execution of His plans;
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 25 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. Show me thy ways—Thy methods of grace and judgment with man, thy plan of government and salvation. Knowing these, he desired to adjust himself to them, and act in harmony with God.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 25 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
Make me understand your ways, O Lord! Teach me your paths!
Tyndale line
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Shew me thy waies, O Lord, and teache me thy paths.
Strictly literal
Make me to know thy ways, O Jehovah; teach me thy paths.
Thy ways, O Jehovah, cause me to know, Thy paths teach Thou me.
Your ways, O YHWH, cause me to know, || You teach me Your paths.
Show me, O Lord, thy ways; teach me thy paths.
Make known to me your ways, Yahweh; teach me your paths.
From the Latin
I have not sat with the council of vanity: neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.
Simplified
Show me your ways, Lord; teach me to follow your paths.
Make your steps clear to me, O Lord; give me knowledge of your ways.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is consistent with the Septuagint, as all five words match in meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some variations, with certain words supplied by editors, indicating damage but not disagreement with the Masoretic Text.
דְּרָכֶ֣יךָ יְ֭הוָה הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ לַמְּדֵֽנִי׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[דרכי׳כה] [יהוה] [הודיע׳ני] [אורחותי׳כה] [למד׳ני]
nothing on the leather here — 5 supplied entire by an editor.
דרכי׳ך יהוה [הודיע׳ני] [ארחותי׳ך] [למד׳ני]
nothing on the leather here — 2 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 25:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
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.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
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.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: 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.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
N-cp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to)
discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel,
can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause
to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have
(knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVhv2ms/Sp1bs
אֹ֫רַח (orach) means 'way' or 'path,' and can refer to both literal and figurative routes in life, including one's manner of living or character. It also denotes a traveler or wayfarer. The word is derived from a root meaning a well-trodden road, and it encompasses various aspects of life’s journey.
אֹ֫רַח n.m. way, path
lit.
fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life
fig. way, of mode of living, or character
by meton. traveller, wayfarer
base
H734 אֹ֫רַח way, path . lit.
. fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life
. fig. way, of mode of living, or character
. by meton. traveller, wayfarer
734 'orach o'-rakh
from 732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively);
also a caravan:--manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop,
(by-, high-)way.
see HEBREW for 0732
אֹ֫רַח (o.rach) — way.
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)
N-cp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2ms
לָמַד (lamad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to learn or teach. It encompasses the ideas of exercising in a skill, being trained, and instructing others. The root suggests a connection to motivation or incentive, as seen in the context of teaching with a rod. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal (to learn), Piel (to teach), and Pual (to be taught).
לָמַד vb. exercise in, learn
Qal learn something
Piel teach
Pual trained; taught
base
H3925 לָמַד exercise in, learn .learn something
.teach
.trained; taught
3925 lamad law-mad'
a primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to
teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive):(un-) accustomed,
X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -
ing).
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: teach.
: teach
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: learn.
: learn
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb piel imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVpv2ms/Sp1bs