Psalm 27 11

Psalm 27:11 kjv

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Psalm 27:11 nkjv

Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

Psalm 27:11 niv

Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Psalm 27:11 esv

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Psalm 27:11 nlt

Teach me how to live, O LORD.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.

Psalm 27 verses

Psalm 27 11 Meaning

Psalm 27:11 is a fervent prayer of David, seeking divine guidance and protection in the face of adversaries. It expresses a deep reliance on the Lord to illuminate the right course of action and conduct. The psalmist requests a clear, unobstructed path, free from moral pitfalls or tactical errors, primarily motivated by the desire not to give his enemies any occasion to mock or gain an advantage through his stumbling. It is a plea for righteous and discerning guidance amidst duress.

Psalm 27 11 Context

Psalm 27 opens with a declaration of profound trust and fearlessness in God's presence, despite fears and the reality of war. The psalmist confidently asserts that the Lord is his light, salvation, and strength (Ps 27:1-3). His deepest desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty (Ps 27:4). Amidst threats from enemies (Ps 27:2, 6, 12), David finds refuge and stability in God (Ps 27:5-6). He then transitions to a heartfelt prayer for God's continued presence, teaching, and protection (Ps 27:7-10). Verse 11 specifically expresses the need for clear divine direction because of the ever-present danger posed by his adversaries, setting up a clear motivation for his request for guidance before concluding with an expression of enduring hope. The verse emphasizes that even those who trust profoundly still need specific, ongoing divine direction in practical life.

Psalm 27 11 Word analysis

• Teach (הוֹרֵנִי - hōrēnī): A direct imperative from the root יָרָה (yara), meaning "to cast," "to point out," "to instruct," "to show the way." This word is closely related to "Torah" (תּוֹרָה - torah), which means "instruction" or "law." It's not just about conveying information but about leading someone along a path, implying active demonstration and training. It denotes the comprehensive divine instruction that encompasses moral precepts, wise counsel, and the practical discernment needed to navigate life righteously.
• me: Singular, personal, highlights the psalmist's individual and urgent need for guidance.
• thy way (דַּרְכֶּךָ - darkeka): Derech (דרך) refers to a path, a course, a journey, a manner of life, or a prescribed custom. "Thy way" refers to God's own character, His righteous principles, His will, His established order for human conduct, and His providential leading. It's not a mere technique but a reflection of divine wisdom and holiness.
• O LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The tetragrammaton, God's covenant name. It underscores His relational aspect, His faithfulness, and His personal commitment to His people. It invokes God as the one true sovereign and trustworthy guide.
• and lead me (וּנְחֵנִי - ūnəḥēnī): From the root נָחָה (naḥah), meaning "to lead," "to guide," "to conduct." It implies gentle yet firm guidance, like a shepherd leading his flock. It emphasizes God's active, direct role in directing the psalmist's steps, not merely offering general instruction but personal superintendence.
• in a plain path (בְּאֹרַח מִישׁוֹר - bə’ōraḥ mîšôr):
  • path (אֹרַח - ōraḥ): A well-trodden way, a highway, often suggesting a public or common route, implying a chosen course of life or action.
  • plain (מִישׁוֹר - mîšôr): This is a rich term. It means "level ground," "plain," "smooth," "upright," "equitable," "righteous." It suggests a path that is:
    • Clear and unambiguous: Not crooked, hidden, or confusing.
    • Safe and stable: Free from traps, stumbling blocks, or treacherous terrain.
    • Righteous and just: A morally upright path, avoiding sinful compromise or deception.
    • Prosperous: Implies a path that leads to good outcomes, free from the harm and trouble that enemies might wish.It contrasts sharply with "crooked paths" (Ps 125:5, Prov 2:15).
• because of mine enemies (צוֹרְרָי - ṣōrəray): The literal meaning is "those who oppress me," "my adversaries," "my tormentors." They are those who cause distress, hem in, and harass. This phrase is the urgent motivation for the psalmist's request. It suggests:
  • Vulnerability: The psalmist acknowledges the danger and his own susceptibility to error under pressure.
  • Reproach: Enemies seek to accuse, slander, or rejoice in his downfall. A plain path ensures he does not stumble and provide them cause for accusation.
  • Strategic necessity: A clear, righteous path also denies them an opportunity to ensnare or exploit his missteps.The fear is not just physical harm but also moral failure and reputational damage.

Psalm 27 11 Bonus section

The concept of the "plain path" (mishor) echoes throughout Scripture, particularly in wisdom literature, contrasting sharply with "crooked paths" or "dark paths." A plain path is aligned with truth, justice, and righteousness (Prov 4:18-19), while a crooked path represents deceit, evil, and stumbling (Prov 2:15). This choice of terminology implies that divine guidance is inherently righteous and straightforward, making it harder for malevolent forces to confuse or tempt the one who follows it. It also signifies the integrity of God's ways, which are always transparent and just. Furthermore, this verse highlights the tension between reliance on God's strength (declared in Ps 27:1-3) and the practical need for moment-by-moment discernment, reminding believers that faith does not negate the need for active engagement with God for wisdom.

Psalm 27 11 Commentary

Psalm 27:11 distills a fundamental prayer for direction rooted in the recognition of external threats. David's plea for God to "teach" and "lead" reveals a deep spiritual dependence, acknowledging that true guidance, especially in difficult times, comes only from the divine. His request for a "plain path" (a mishor path) speaks to a yearning for clarity, integrity, and safety—a way of life that is straightforward, righteous, and free from the deceptive twists and turns that could lead to spiritual or practical downfall. This is not merely about physical safety, but about living blamelessly so that his enemies, who would seek to expose any flaw or misstep, find no grounds for accusation or triumph. It exemplifies that even for the righteous, continuous and precise divine instruction is essential for maintaining integrity and effectiveness amidst spiritual warfare and worldly opposition.