Psalm 139 24

Psalm 139:24 kjv

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:24 nkjv

And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:24 niv

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:24 esv

And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:24 nlt

Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139 verses

Psalm 139 24 Meaning

Psalm 139:24 is a profound prayer from the psalmist, inviting God to conduct a deep, penetrating examination of his innermost being. It requests God to reveal any "grievous way" within him—any path, thought, or disposition that is morally offensive, causes distress, leads to sin, or is an aberration from God's righteous standards. Following this divine scrutiny and identification of wrong, the prayer transitions into a plea for God's active guidance, asking Him to lead the psalmist onto "the way everlasting"—the path of eternal truth, righteousness, and life that aligns with God's perfect and unending will. It signifies a humble surrender to divine authority and an earnest desire for moral purity and eternal alignment.

Psalm 139 24 Context

Psalm 139 stands as a pinnacle of Israelite devotional poetry, traditionally attributed to David. It opens with a profound affirmation of God's omnipresence (139:1-12) and omniscience regarding David’s innermost thoughts and future (139:1-6), culminating in the majestic confession that no one can flee from God's Spirit or presence. This flows into an awe-filled acknowledgement of God's omniscient creation and intricate weaving of David’s physical being in the womb (139:13-16). After praising God's uncountable thoughts (139:17-18) and a brief interlude expressing intense hatred for God's enemies (139:19-22)—a common feature in lament psalms where righteous indignation against evil is linked to devotion to God—the psalm culminates in the humble and powerful prayer of verses 23-24. These closing verses logically follow from the preceding celebration of God’s complete knowledge: since God already knows everything, the psalmist actively invites His divine search to cleanse him and ensure his path aligns with eternal truth, preventing any personal defect from hindering his relationship with the all-knowing God. The historical context roots this in David’s personal spiritual life, a man after God's own heart, yet acknowledging his fallibility and constant need for divine examination and guidance amidst a world of both moral pitfalls and divine callings.

Psalm 139 24 Word analysis

• and see (וּרְאֵה, u-r'eh): A direct, emphatic plea for divine observation. Derived from ra'ah, meaning to see, look, perceive, but here implying a meticulous, divine scrutiny and comprehensive discernment, akin to "examine" or "search thoroughly." It assumes God's existing omniscience and actively invites His application of it to the psalmist's personal walk.
• if (אִם־, im-): A simple conditional particle, but in this context, it opens a space for the discovery of hidden faults. It implies the psalmist's recognition that there might be something amiss, even if he is unaware of it, thus underscoring profound humility and dependence on God's perfect sight.
• there be any grievous way (דֶּרֶךְ עֹצֶב, derekh ‘otzev):
  • דֶּרֶךְ (derekh): Literally "way" or "path." Metaphorically, it refers to one's course of life, conduct, behavior, or moral trajectory. It encapsulates habits, thoughts, decisions, and overall lifestyle, encompassing one's walk before God and man.
  • עֹצֶב (otzev): A crucial term meaning "grievous," "painful," "idolatrous," "hurtful," "offensive," "sorrowful." It derives from ‘atsav, to hurt, vex, or grieve. This isn't merely a path causing personal sorrow but one that is inherently wrong, causing God grief or displeasure. Scholarly interpretations often link ‘otzev to "idolatry" or "sorrowful images," suggesting a potential polemic against engaging in pagan worship or anything that distracts from monotheistic devotion. It denotes a path leading to moral anguish, divine displeasure, or even destructive consequences.
• in me (בִּי, bi): Precisely indicates an internal focus, asking for the divine search to probe the heart, motives, intentions, and character, not just outward actions. This highlights the desire for deep inward purity that often eludes self-examination.
• and lead me (וּנְחֵנִי, u-n'cheni): A fervent petition for divine direction. From nachah, meaning to guide, lead, or conduct. It portrays God as a trusted shepherd or navigator, actively providing precise navigation away from danger and towards the correct destination. This highlights the psalmist's utter dependence on God for every daily step and ethical orientation.
• in the way everlasting (בְּדֶרֶךְ עוֹלָם, b'derekh ‘olam):
  • בְּדֶרֶךְ (b'derekh): "in the way of." Reiterates the concept of a chosen or divinely directed path for living. It emphasizes the active pursuit of this way.
  • עוֹלָם (‘olam): "Everlasting," "eternal," "perpetual," "ancient." This signifies a path rooted in God's unchanging nature and truth, leading to eternal life and blessed communion. It's not merely a path that lasts forever, but a path of eternal quality—a way of ultimate truth, intrinsic righteousness, and abundant life that originates from the eternal God and conforms to His timeless standards. It stands in stark contrast to the destructive, temporary nature of the "grievous way." It speaks to the ultimate purpose and end of one's life's trajectory, leading to God's eternal kingdom.

Psalm 139 24 Bonus section

The psalmist’s confidence in praying this verse is rooted in the prior assertions of God’s intimate knowledge and loving creation, rather than in his own perceived sinlessness. It's a prayer born of trust, not despair. The transition from intense personal intimacy with God to righteous zeal against His enemies (Ps 139:19-22) preceding this prayer suggests a desire for absolute moral consistency; the psalmist yearns for the same purity within himself that he demands God apply to the wicked. This makes the prayer even more potent and sincere. The concept of "way everlasting" hints at a continuity not merely of existence, but of character and purpose in God's eternal realm, embodying life that is truly abundant and divine in quality, distinct from mere temporal existence. This 'way' is unchanging and enduring because God, who is Himself eternal, defines it.

Psalm 139 24 Commentary

Psalm 139:24 is a powerful conclusion to a psalm extolling God's omniscient presence and creative power. It signifies the psalmist's humility and active submission, transforming passive acknowledgment of God’s knowledge into an urgent plea for purification and guidance. The request for God to "see if there be any grievous way" reveals a deep desire for holiness that surpasses mere human self-awareness, inviting the flawless divine light to expose hidden faults—whether they be active sin, ungodly thoughts, or idolatrous leanings. The phrase "grievous way" implies not only a path that brings sorrow to oneself but, more importantly, causes pain or offense to God, potentially encompassing rebellion or false worship. This necessary spiritual surgery is immediately followed by a profound dependence on God's guidance: "lead me in the way everlasting." This is the path of divine truth and eternal life, aligned with God's perfect and timeless will. It’s a dynamic pathway leading to lasting righteousness and communion, fundamentally different from paths of human folly. The verse, therefore, models a continuous, Spirit-led journey of sanctification, where a believer perpetually seeks God’s scrutiny and surrenders to His sovereign direction towards an eternally fruitful walk.

• Practical Examples: One might pray this prayer when facing a moral dilemma, asking God to illuminate any hidden biases or self-deceptions that could lead to a "grievous way." Similarly, during a time of spiritual stagnation, this verse can be a potent prayer for revival, seeking God's gentle exposure of complacency and re-direction onto a vibrant "everlasting way."