Psalm 125 5

Psalm 125:5 kjv

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

Psalm 125:5 nkjv

As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, The LORD shall lead them away With the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 125:5 niv

But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 125:5 esv

But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers! Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 125:5 nlt

But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD.
Take them away with those who do evil.
May Israel have peace!

Psalm 125 verses

Psalm 125 5 Meaning

Psalm 125:5 contrasts the destiny of the faithful with that of the unfaithful within God's people. It pronounces judgment upon those who deviate from the LORD's straight path, stating that they will face the same condemnation as overt evildoers. Conversely, it reaffirms the blessing of peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being for true Israel—those who remain steadfast in their trust in the LORD. This verse serves as both a warning against apostasy and a promise of divine protection for the righteous.

Psalm 125 5 Context

Psalm 125 is one of the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem for the major festivals. These psalms often express themes of trust, security, and longing for God's presence in Zion. Chapter 125 opens with a declaration of the unshakeable security of those who trust in the LORD, comparing them to Mount Zion. It reassures the righteous that God surrounds His people and that the rod of the wicked will not rest upon the heritage of the righteous forever. Verse 5 concludes this psalm by drawing a sharp distinction between two groups within the covenant community: those who genuinely remain steadfast in their devotion, and those who outwardly identify with Israel but inwardly revert to corrupt practices. The verse serves as a theological warning and a definitive summary, pronouncing different destinies based on the genuineness of their faith and conduct. It functions as an ultimate judgment, providing a clear boundary for God’s covenantal peace.

Psalm 125 5 Word analysis

• As for those who turn aside: The Hebrew verb is natah (נָטָה), meaning "to stretch out, incline, turn aside." Here, it carries the strong connotation of moral deviation, falling away from a straight path, or leaning towards wickedness. It implies a deliberate, persistent shift from righteousness and faithfulness to God's revealed will (Torah). This is not a stumble but a choosing of a different course.

• to their crooked ways: The Hebrew term is 'aqalqallotam (עֲקַלְקַלּוֹתָם), which intensifies the meaning of "crookedness" or "perversity." It denotes ways that are winding, distorted, indirect, morally perverse, or disingenuous, in stark contrast to God's straight and righteous path. This phrase emphasizes an ingrained, internal corruption that manifests in their actions. It implies deception and lack of integrity, going against the divine order.

• the LORD: In Hebrew, this is YHWH (יהוָה), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His unchanging character, faithfulness to His promises, and supreme authority as the righteous Judge of all the earth. This designation ensures the absolute certainty and justice of the pronouncement that follows.

• will lead them forth with: The Hebrew verb is yolichem (יוֹלִיכֵם), from yalak, "to go, walk, lead." Here, it signifies the LORD Himself guiding their destiny. It does not mean leading them into crookedness, but rather leading them to their inevitable end, aligning their fate with the very type of people they have become associated with morally. It implies an act of divine judgment and separation, ensuring that those whose ways are crooked are removed from the truly faithful and destined alongside those with whom they share spiritual kinship.

• the evildoers: In Hebrew, po'alei 'awen (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן) means "workers of iniquity" or "those who practice wickedness." This phrase refers to individuals whose very actions define them as perpetrators of injustice, unrighteousness, and moral corruption. They are characterized by habitually working evil, distinguishing them from the genuinely faithful.

• Peace be upon Israel: The Hebrew word is shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Shalom is more than just absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmonious relationships – particularly a right relationship with God. The blessing 'al Yisrael (עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל), "upon Israel," distinguishes the true Israel—those who genuinely trust in the LORD and remain steadfast—from those who have deviated. It functions as a benediction, a prayer, and a declarative promise of God's favor and ultimate blessing on His faithful remnant.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "As for those who turn aside to their crooked ways": This phrase precisely defines the group facing judgment. It indicates that the condemnation is not random but directly consequent upon their internal moral disposition and outward actions. It highlights a personal, responsible choice of deviation, a betrayal of the covenant's principles even if they maintain an external religious facade. Their "crooked ways" are intrinsically theirs, defining their character.
  • "the LORD will lead them forth with the evildoers": This powerful statement establishes divine accountability and righteous judgment. It declares that God Himself will ensure the appropriate consequence, separating those with inward corruption from His faithful people. The "leading forth" is a definitive act of aligning their destiny with those who are explicitly defined as wicked, showing that hypocrisy within the community will result in the same outcome as overt, open wickedness outside of it. Their actions effectively remove them from the 'true' Israel.
  • "Peace be upon Israel": This closing benediction serves as a sharp contrast to the previous clause. It ensures that while judgment falls on the unfaithful, true shalom remains for the genuinely faithful community of God's people. It reinforces the protective hand of the LORD over His obedient covenant partners, distinguishing the recipients of God's holistic well-being and favor. This part offers reassurance and blessing to those who have remained loyal.

Psalm 125 5 Bonus section

The tension described in Psalm 125:5, between nominal belonging and true adherence to God's ways, is a recurrent theme throughout biblical history. It subtly speaks to a polemic against superficial religious observance, challenging the idea that mere ethnic identity or temple presence guarantees divine favor. Instead, it underscores the requirement of internal integrity and steadfastness to the covenant. This distinction resonates deeply with prophetic critiques against Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and with New Testament warnings against those who claim Christ but do not bear spiritual fruit, like the "weeds" among the "wheat." The "crooked ways" are those that prioritize self-interest, injustice, or moral compromise over the divine law, thus actively countering the very righteousness the community is called to embody.

Psalm 125 5 Commentary

Psalm 125:5 provides a definitive and contrasting conclusion to the psalm's themes of security in the LORD. It warns against a specific type of unfaithfulness: not overt paganism, but the subtle yet persistent deviation by those who claim allegiance to the LORD but inwardly adopt "crooked ways." This speaks to hypocrisy or internal corruption within the visible community of God's people. The LORD's action to "lead them forth with the evildoers" underscores His impeccable justice. This is not about His sending them to wickedness, but separating them from the true righteous, causing their true identity as "workers of iniquity" to be revealed and their destiny to align with such, despite any pretense of piety. The ultimate fate for those who abandon the divine path, even through subtle moral compromise, is spiritual alignment with the overtly wicked.

Conversely, the concluding phrase, "Peace be upon Israel," acts as a blessed assurance and a prayer for the preservation and well-being of the true, faithful remnant. It clarifies that God's unwavering peace and protection are reserved exclusively for "Israel"—understood as those who genuinely trust Him and walk in His straight paths. This differentiates between a nominal "Israel" and a true "Israel," signifying that the promise of peace and security in God (as described earlier in the psalm) applies only to those who faithfully abide by the covenant. This verse holds immense theological weight, defining the boundaries of God's peace and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to righteousness within His chosen people, while simultaneously affirming the dire consequences of spiritual deviancy. It calls for introspection and authentic faithfulness, serving as a powerful call to integrity for God's covenant community across all generations.