Psalm 94 12

Psalm 94:12 kjv

Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Psalm 94:12 nkjv

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law,

Psalm 94:12 niv

Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law;

Psalm 94:12 esv

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law,

Psalm 94:12 nlt

Joyful are those you discipline, LORD,
those you teach with your instructions.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 12 Meaning

Psalm 94:12 declares a profound blessing upon the individual whom God, the LORD, personally disciplines or instructs, and to whom He imparts knowledge from His divine law or teaching. This verse highlights that true happiness and flourishing are not found in worldly success or self-reliance, but in humble submission to God's corrective guidance and direct teaching derived from His revealed will, the Torah. It implies a transformative relationship where God actively shapes and educates His people.

Psalm 94 12 Context

Psalm 94:12 stands as a powerful declaration amidst a psalm predominantly characterized by a fervent appeal to God for justice against arrogant and ungodly oppressors. The preceding verses (Psa 94:3-11) vividly depict the wicked who scoff at God's awareness and authority, boasting in their evil deeds and dismissing the idea of divine accountability. The psalmist directly challenges their folly, reminding them of God's omniscient nature as the Creator who implants knowledge in humanity, thereby possessing all knowledge Himself. In this immediate flow, verse 12 contrasts the "senseless" and "fools" who deny God's judgment with the blessed state of those who willingly receive God's discipline and instruction from His "Torah." Historically, this reflects a tension common in ancient Israel between those who revered God's covenant and those who acted presumptuously, ignoring divine laws and justice. It served as a polemic against the practical atheism of those who thought God was distant or unaware of their deeds, asserting that divine engagement in human life is active, comprehensive, and ultimately leads to blessing for the humble and righteous, distinct from the downfall awaiting the proud.

Psalm 94 12 Word analysis

• Blessed: Hebrew אשׁרי (ashrei). This term denotes more than mere happiness; it signifies a state of deep well-being, divine favor, and spiritual prosperity. It is often a declarative pronouncement of favor from God, marking someone as truly fortunate or in a privileged state due to their relationship with Him.
• man: Hebrew הגבר (ha'gever). Refers to a specific individual, often a strong or mighty man. In this context, it particularizes the recipient of the blessing, indicating that it is not a general condition but applies to specific human beings.
• You instruct: Hebrew תיסרנו (teisrenu), derived from the root יסר (yasar). This word encompasses discipline, training, correction, and instruction. It implies a process of teaching through correction, sometimes involving trials or suffering for the purpose of moral and spiritual refinement. It is parental-like guidance, aiming to improve character and behavior, not merely punishment.
• O LORD: Hebrew יהוה (Yahweh), the personal, covenant name of God. Its inclusion emphasizes that this instruction and blessing come from the sovereign, faithful God of Israel, who enters into a personal relationship with His people and is intimately involved in their lives.
• And teach him: Hebrew תלמדנו (telamdenu), from the root למד (lamad). This word specifically means "to teach" or "to instruct," implying the impartation of knowledge and understanding. While yasar (instruct) can include corrective training, lamad focuses more directly on didactic teaching.
• out of Your law: Hebrew ומתוכתך (umi'toratecha). The term "law" is תורה (Torah). Torah signifies much more than mere legal codes; it refers to God's complete instruction, teaching, guidance, and revealed will. It encompasses divine truth, principles, wisdom, and life-giving direction given for humanity's well-being and moral guidance.

• [Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD]: This phrase emphasizes the source of true blessing: it is not self-derived or earthly, but originates from divine interaction. God's disciplinary teaching is viewed as a gift and a mark of His favor, rather than solely a punitive action. It contrasts with the self-reliant foolishness of the wicked mentioned earlier in the psalm.
• [You instruct... and teach him out of Your law]: These two verbs, "instruct" (yasar) and "teach" (lamad), together paint a comprehensive picture of divine education. Yasar suggests the method of guidance—sometimes through trials or corrective experiences—while lamad points to the content and process of direct spiritual learning. The source, "Your law" (Torah), underscores that God's revealed word is the means and foundation for both His corrective and informative teaching, providing the framework for understanding His discipline and receiving His wisdom.

Psalm 94 12 Bonus section

• The pairing of "discipline/instruction" (yasar) and "teaching" (lamad) is significant. It implies a holistic divine education that involves both formative training (often through experience or correction) and cognitive understanding through direct revelation. One prepares the heart to receive the other, and together they lead to profound transformation.
• This verse serves as an antidote to the despair present earlier in Psalm 94. While the wicked boast and believe God is indifferent, this verse reassures believers that God is actively engaged, knowing their thoughts, correcting their paths, and guiding them toward ultimate blessing. It highlights God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His faithful ones.
• The active role of "You" (God) in "instruct" and "teach" is prominent. This emphasizes that divine knowledge and wisdom are not earned by human effort alone, but are gracious gifts imparted directly by the LORD to those who humbly yield to Him. It establishes God as the supreme and indispensable educator of humanity.

Psalm 94 12 Commentary

Psalm 94:12 articulates a profound truth that challenges worldly perceptions of happiness and success. In a psalm crying out against the perceived prosperity and impunity of the wicked, this verse redirects focus to the enduring blessing bestowed upon those who submit to God's transformative work in their lives. The "blessedness" (ashrei) described is an inner state of divine favor and spiritual flourishing, contrasting sharply with the fleeting triumph of the unrighteous. This blessing is granted specifically to the individual whom the LORD personally "instructs" (yasar), signifying His intentional, loving, and often corrective discipline, akin to a father refining a child. Furthermore, the LORD actively "teaches" (lamad) this individual from His "Torah," which is His comprehensive, life-giving instruction, not just a set of legal rules. Thus, God's word is both the tool of His discipline and the content of His direct teaching, shaping a believer's character and providing wisdom. This divine process prepares the individual to face adversity and to understand God's purposes, offering true solace and a foundation for stability amidst a world characterized by injustice. It serves as a reminder that suffering or correction, when received from the hand of God through His Word, is not punitive wrath but a path to deeper spiritual formation and ultimate blessing.