Psalm 26 12

Psalm 26:12 kjv

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

Psalm 26:12 nkjv

My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.

Psalm 26:12 niv

My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.

Psalm 26:12 esv

My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

Psalm 26:12 nlt

Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the LORD.

Psalm 26 verses

Psalm 26 12 Meaning

Psalm 26:12 declares a confident state of spiritual stability and firm moral footing, affirmed by divine grace. It expresses the psalmist's assurance that his life is lived on a secure and upright path, unswayed by the snares or temptations that often affect the wicked. This steadfastness in integrity empowers and obligates him to publicly bless the LORD in the assembled community of believers, transforming private piety into communal praise and testimony to God's faithfulness.

Psalm 26 12 Context

Psalm 26 is a fervent prayer of David, expressing his unwavering integrity and devotion to the LORD. It stands as a profound plea for vindication, wherein the psalmist asks God to judge him based on his blameless walk and consistent trust. Throughout the psalm, David differentiates himself sharply from the wicked and deceitful, affirming his separation from their destructive paths and their sinful assemblies. He highlights his desire to dwell in God's house and to associate only with those who revere the LORD. Verse 12 serves as the climactic expression of David's confidence and a solemn commitment. Having presented his case for righteous living and trusted in God's steadfast love (Ps 26:1-8), he is now assured that his path is secure and stable, allowing him to joyfully fulfill his vow of public praise. This verse encapsulates the foundational principle that a walk of integrity leads to and necessitates communal worship and open adoration of God.

Psalm 26 12 Word analysis

• My foot (רֶ֫גֶל, regel): This Hebrew term literally means "foot," but frequently symbolizes one's life, path, or actions. Here, it denotes the entire direction and conduct of the psalmist's life. The singular "foot" emphasizes the personal commitment and consistent step-by-step walk.
• stands (עָמַד, 'amad): Signifies being established, fixed, enduring, or firm. It implies a steady, secure position, not wavering or slipping. This stability is presented as an accomplished fact, demonstrating confidence in divine preservation despite challenges.
• on level ground (מִישׁוֹר, mishor): Literally "a plain," "a straight place," or "evenness." Figuratively, it represents integrity, uprightness, justice, and a life free from pitfalls or deceit. It contrasts sharply with "slippery paths" or "stumbling blocks" often associated with the wicked. The concept conveys spiritual and moral stability provided by God's guiding hand.
• in the great congregation (קָהָל רָב, qahal rab): Qahal refers to a convoked assembly, the collective body of Israel, often meeting for worship. Rab means "great," "numerous," or "much." This phrase denotes the large, public assembly of God's people, most likely referring to worship gatherings at the Tabernacle or later, the Temple. It highlights the corporate and visible aspect of the believer's worship and testimony.
• I will bless (אֲבָרֵךְ, 'abarek): From the verb barak, meaning "to bless," "to praise," or "to kneel." Here, it signifies the act of rendering homage and praise to God, acknowledging His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness. The future tense implies a solemn vow or settled intention, rooted in present experience.
• the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. The psalmist specifically blesses Yahweh, the God of Israel who makes and keeps covenant promises.

Psalm 26 12 Bonus section

The structure of Psalm 26 reveals a deliberate movement from earnest supplication and a declaration of blamelessness to a settled confidence and a resolute commitment to public praise. Verse 12 is the hopeful resolution, an act of faith despite ongoing external threats or internal struggles mentioned in earlier parts of the psalm. The mention of the "great congregation" is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, underscoring the vital importance of communal worship in the life of a believer. True integrity naturally leads to a desire to participate actively and audibly in the worship of God among His people. It implicitly counters any form of private piety that might shy away from public proclamation or neglect the assembly of believers. The "level ground" is antithetical to the "slippery ways" of the wicked, representing God's active establishment of His servant on a secure moral and spiritual path, in contrast to those who devise evil.

Psalm 26 12 Commentary

Psalm 26:12 serves as a confident and climactic declaration within David's plea for vindication. It powerfully connects a believer's inner walk with their outer worship. The phrase "My foot stands on level ground" speaks to an unwavering integrity, a life characterized by spiritual stability and adherence to God's ways, not based on self-righteousness but on God's steadfast love and enabling grace. This "level ground" implies both moral uprightness and divine protection from spiritual pitfalls. It's a foundation of trust and consistent obedience. Because the psalmist's life is established in truth and secured by God, he can then confidently and unashamedly declare, "in the great congregation I will bless the LORD." This is a public affirmation of faith, a corporate act of worship that flows naturally from a private walk of integrity. It signifies that genuine godliness is not confined to private devotion but overflows into communal praise, serving as a public witness to God's faithfulness and the beauty of a righteous life. The verse underscores that personal spiritual health is foundational for authentic corporate worship.