Psalm 5 8

Psalm 5:8 kjv

Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Psalm 5:8 nkjv

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.

Psalm 5:8 niv

Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies? make your way straight before me.

Psalm 5:8 esv

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.

Psalm 5:8 nlt

Lead me in the right path, O LORD,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

Psalm 5 verses

Psalm 5 8 Meaning

Psalm 5:8 expresses a fervent prayer by the Psalmist, likely David, for God's righteous guidance and direction, particularly given the scrutinizing presence and hostile intentions of his enemies. It is a plea for God to illuminate and smooth the path he walks, not just for his safety but also for his vindication and the demonstration of God's perfect justice. The "straight way" implies a path free from stumbling, moral deviation, or even the appearance of impropriety, thus silencing the accusations of adversaries and upholding God's honor.

Psalm 5 8 Context

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer attributed to David, a heartfelt cry for God to hear his petition. It contrasts the righteous character of God with the deceitful and violent nature of the wicked. The Psalmist pours out his complaint against adversaries who are an affront to God's holy character, and he seeks God's intervention not out of personal vengeance, but out of a desire for divine justice and vindication. The immediate verses preceding verse 8 (vv. 5-7) condemn the wicked and their fate, highlighting God's abhorrence of evil, thus setting the stage for the Psalmist's urgent request for God's righteous leading amidst such wickedness. Historically, David frequently faced conspiratorial enemies and false accusations, making the plea for a "straight way" particularly poignant, signifying both clear moral guidance and public vindication in the face of scrutiny.

Psalm 5 8 Word analysis

• Lead me (נחה nachah): This Hebrew verb signifies not just general direction but intimate guidance, bringing forth, or conducting, often through difficult terrain. It suggests God as a Shepherd carefully guiding His flock. The Psalmist is requesting God's active superintendence over his steps.
• O Lord (יהוה YHWH): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature, His faithfulness, and His covenant relationship with His people. The Psalmist appeals to God's character and His committed power.
• in Your righteousness (בצדקתך b'tzidkatcha): "Righteousness" here (צדקה tzedaqah) refers primarily to God's own character, His perfect justice, moral integrity, and covenant faithfulness. It implies that God's guidance is not arbitrary but flows from His just and upright nature, and aims to manifest His truth. The path itself will embody His righteousness.
• because of my enemies (למען שוררי l'ma'an shoreray): shoreray (from שרר sharar) denotes enemies who lie in wait, observe closely, watch with hostility, or oppress. The phrase "because of" (lema'an) indicates the reason or purpose for the request: the very presence and scrutiny of these enemies necessitate God's clear, unimpeachable guidance. The Psalmist wants his conduct to be undeniably upright, so enemies have no ground for accusation or triumph.
• make Your way straight (ישר דרכך yashar darkecha):
  • make straight (ישר yashar): Means to make level, plain, smooth, right, or upright. It suggests removing obstacles, making the path clear and unambiguous, and ensuring moral rectitude.
  • Your way (דרכך darkecha): Refers to God's path, direction, or manner of acting. It can be interpreted as God's moral directives for the Psalmist, or God making His path clear for the Psalmist to follow, or God acting in a straightforward way that reveals His justice. The plea is for a clear, unobstructed path that allows no room for stumbling or accusations from enemies.

Psalm 5 8 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "Your righteousness" is crucial; the Psalmist does not ask to be led according to his own imperfect understanding or efforts, but by God's perfect standard. This places the burden and confidence squarely on God's nature and actions.
• The "straight way" implies a pathway of integrity, authenticity, and clear conscience, which God's leading alone can provide. It's a holistic guidance affecting both moral conduct and outward circumstances.
• This verse can be practically applied by believers facing moral dilemmas, difficult decisions, or public scrutiny. It teaches us to pray for God to guide us in ways that honor Him and reveal His character, especially when our actions might be misinterpreted or maligned.

Psalm 5 8 Commentary

Psalm 5:8 is a profound prayer reflecting a core need of believers: divine guidance rooted in God's holy character. The Psalmist seeks not just general direction, but a path made conspicuously clear and morally upright by God Himself, specifically for the purpose of demonstrating His truth and the Psalmist's integrity before scrutinizing enemies. This "straight way" ensures that the believer avoids any stumble or moral compromise that could give adversaries grounds for accusation or dishonor God. It's a recognition that even our personal walk has public implications, especially when under attack, requiring God's active intervention to align our steps perfectly with His righteousness and ultimately secure our vindication. It speaks to the active and faithful involvement of a just God in the daily lives of His children.