Psalm 25 4

Psalm 25:4 kjv

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Psalm 25:4 nkjv

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

Psalm 25:4 niv

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Psalm 25:4 esv

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.

Psalm 25:4 nlt

Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.

Psalm 25 verses

Psalm 25 4 Meaning

Psalm 25:4 is a heartfelt prayer for divine direction, born out of a profound sense of human frailty and the necessity of God's wisdom. It expresses a deep yearning for the Almighty to reveal His character, His decrees, and His preferred course of action for human conduct. The verse embodies humility, recognizing that true knowledge for life’s journey comes not from self-will or worldly counsel, but directly from the Lord. It is a plea for personal, intimate instruction on how to live righteously and in alignment with His will, not just in general direction, but in specific steps.

Psalm 25 4 Context

Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm, likely composed by David, in which he pours out his heart to God amidst personal distress, the machinations of enemies, and the burden of his past sins. The psalmist expresses deep trust in the Lord and appeals to His covenant faithfulness. Verse 4 appears within this broader plea, following David's appeal for God to prevent his enemies from triumphing over him and a confession that no one who waits on the Lord will be put to shame (Ps 25:2-3).

Historically, the prayer reflects a life lived under God's covenant, where knowing and following the divine "ways" and "paths" were crucial for blessing and deliverance. In ancient Israel, "ways" (dereḵ) and "paths" (ʾoraḥ) were common metaphors for a person's life course, their moral conduct, or even God's established dealings with humanity. David, as a king, recognized his need for divine governance in his leadership and personal life, underscoring that even powerful figures must humbly seek God's leading. The psalm indirectly stands in contrast to relying on human strategies or following the wicked's destructive "paths," emphasizing instead complete reliance on Yahweh for guidance, justice, and salvation.

Psalm 25 4 Word analysis

• Show me (הוֹדִיעֵ֤נִי - hôḏî‘ēnî): From the Hebrew verb יָדַע (yāda‘), in the Hiphil imperative. It means "to cause to know," "to make known," "to inform," or "to instruct." This is more than merely intellectual knowledge; it implies a deep, experiential revelation of God's character and principles. It's a plea for divine initiative to enlighten.
• Your ways (דְרָכֶ֖יךָ - də·rā·ḵe·ḵā): The plural of דֶּרֶךְ (dereḵ), meaning "way," "road," "journey," "manner," or "custom." In a theological sense, it refers to God's settled character, His moral laws, His established conduct in history, or the general course of action He ordains. It encompasses God's ethical requirements and His modus operandi.
• O LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH, Yahweh): The sacred, personal, covenantal name of God. This address highlights the psalmist's reliance on God's unchanging faithfulness, self-existence, and power as the covenant keeper who relates intimately with His people. It signifies a request rooted in a relational bond.
• Teach me (לַמְּדֵֽנִי - lamməḏēnî): From the Hebrew verb לָמַד (lāmaḏ), in the Piel imperative. While yāda‘ is about "knowing," lāmaḏ is specifically about "learning" or "teaching," implying instruction, discipline, and training. It denotes a continuous process of internalizing knowledge so that it transforms behavior. This plea suggests a deeper, more intentional and personal impartation of truth, leading to practical application.
• Your paths (אָרְחֹֽתֶיךָ - ’ārəḥōṯeḵā): The plural of אֹרַח (’ōraḥ), also meaning "path" or "road," often specifically a well-trodden, customary track. This term often parallels dereḵ, reinforcing the idea of a defined course. While "ways" might denote God's broad principles or nature, "paths" can imply more specific routes or concrete actions, or the steps God intends for His servant to take. The pairing of "ways" and "paths" creates a parallelism that emphasizes a comprehensive and thorough understanding of God's divine will and His methods. It covers both the overall direction and the specific steps along that direction, signifying a holistic desire for divine guidance.

Psalm 25 4 Bonus section

The Hebrew imperfect acrostic nature of Psalm 25 (where some letters are omitted or repeated) has led some scholars to suggest that the psalmist's deep distress may have impacted the perfection of the structure, further underscoring the raw, unfiltered cry for help and guidance that permeates the psalm. This subtle detail about the psalm's composition reflects the human struggle while seeking divine perfection.

The request in Ps 25:4 also implies a commitment on the part of the petitioner to actually follow what is shown and taught. It is not a casual inquiry, but an earnest petition to become a disciple who walks in the revealed will of God. This prayer, therefore, requires a surrendered will and a readiness for obedience, distinguishing it from a mere search for answers. The subsequent verses in Psalm 25 confirm this, speaking of waiting on the Lord (v. 5) and His teaching the humble and meek (v. 9). God guides those whose hearts are genuinely humble and ready to walk His revealed way.

Psalm 25 4 Commentary

Psalm 25:4 is a cornerstone expression of total dependence on God for direction in life. It's not a cry for mere information, but for transformative wisdom. "Show me Your ways" is a humble admission that humanity, left to its own devices, is prone to error and self-destruction. It is a request for God to pull back the veil and reveal His perfect will and character. This knowledge is not theoretical but practical, aiming to shape the believer's walk. "Teach me Your paths" amplifies this desire, stressing a disciplined process of learning and internalizing God's decrees so that one's daily conduct aligns with divine standards.

The combination of "show" (Hiphil of yāda‘) and "teach" (Piel of lāmad) is crucial. "Show" implies revelation that originates from God, while "teach" implies the ongoing work of discipleship where the recipient learns and applies what has been revealed. It implies that understanding God's "ways" leads to walking in His "paths." The Psalmist recognizes that God's ways and paths are distinct from the world's, providing true security and preventing shame (Ps 25:3). This verse serves as a model prayer for any believer seeking clarity, wisdom, and the assurance of walking according to God's design in a complex and often confusing world.

Practical usage:

• When faced with a significant life decision (career, marriage, moving), this verse becomes a prayer for divine clarity.
• In times of moral dilemma, it's a cry for God to illuminate the righteous course of action.
• When feeling lost or confused about God's purpose, this verse expresses a desire for His guiding hand.