Back to Psalms 25

Psalms 25:12-14

What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

His soul will dwell at ease. His offspring will inherit the land.

The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

World English Bible · Public Domain

Read all of Psalms 25 →

Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

    His soul will dwell at ease. His offspring will inherit the land.

    The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

  • KJV King James Version

    What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

    His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

    The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Show all 3 translations
  • JPS JPS Tanakh (1917)

    What man is he that feareth the LORD? him will He instruct in the way that He should choose.

    His soul shall abide in prosperity; and his seed shall inherit the land.

    The counsel of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and His covenant, to make them know it.

View more translations →

Examined in Scripture Analysis

Contradictions (1)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

  • Should we fear God?

Explore Contradictions →

Cross-references (67)

  • John 15:15 (v14) No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I…
  • Psalms 37:23 (v12) A man’s steps are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.
  • John 14:21-23 (v14) One who has my commandments and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love…
  • Psalms 32:8 (v12) I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.
  • John 7:17 (vv12, 14) If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.
Show all 66 cross-references
  • Ephesians 1:9 (v14) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 (v14) Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are…
  • Ephesians 1:18 (v14) having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his…
  • Revelation 2:17 (v14) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I…
  • Psalms 111:10 (v12) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
  • Psalms 37:11 (v13) But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 (v12) This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
  • Deuteronomy 4:13 (v14) He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments. He wrote them on two stone tablets.
  • Proverbs 1:7 (v12) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
  • Proverbs 1:33 (v13) But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm.”
  • Proverbs 19:23 (v13) The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
  • Isaiah 50:10 (v12) Who among you fears Yahweh and obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness and has no light, let him trust in Yahweh’s name,…
  • Jeremiah 31:31-34 (v14) “Behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according…
  • Matthew 13:11-12 (v14) He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. For whoever has, to him…
  • John 8:31-32 (v12) Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the…
  • John 17:6 (v14) I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept…
  • Proverbs 15:33 (v12) The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
  • Proverbs 16:6 (v12) By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
  • John 3:20-21 (v12) For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes…
  • Colossians 3:3 (v14) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
  • Genesis 18:17-19 (v14) Yahweh said, “Will I hide from Abraham what I do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the…
  • Psalms 37:26 (v13) All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His offspring is blessed.
  • Isaiah 65:23 (v13) They will not labor in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of Yahweh’s blessed and their descendants with them.
  • Zephaniah 3:17 (v13) Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will…
  • John 14:17 (v14) the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and…
  • Acts 2:39 (v13) For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”
  • Genesis 17:13 (v14) He who is born in your house, and he who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh for an…
  • Psalms 69:36 (v13) The children also of his servants shall inherit it. Those who love his name shall dwell therein.
  • Psalms 112:2 (v13) His offspring will be mighty in the land. The generation of the upright will be blessed.
  • Proverbs 3:32 (v14) For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but his friendship is with the upright.
  • Proverbs 29:25 (v13) The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
  • Isaiah 35:8 (v12) A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called “The Holy Way”. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who…
  • Jeremiah 32:39 (v13) I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their good, and the good of their children after them.
  • Ezekiel 34:25-28 (v13) “ ‘I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil animals to cease out of the land. They will dwell securely in the…
  • Matthew 5:5 (v13) Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
  • Acts 10:22 (v12) They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed…
  • Romans 11:26-27 (v14) and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from…
  • Genesis 17:7-10 (v13) I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to…
  • Deuteronomy 33:26-29 (v13) “There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies. The eternal God is your…
  • Proverbs 2:5 (v12) then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God.
  • Philippians 4:19 (v13) My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (v12) and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be…
  • 1 Peter 3:10 (v13) For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
  • Deuteronomy 33:12 (v13) About Benjamin he said, “The beloved of Yahweh will dwell in safety by him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.”
  • Proverbs 20:7 (v13) A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
  • Isaiah 66:10-14 (v13) “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her; that you may…
  • Jeremiah 13:18 (v14) Say to the king and to the queen mother, “Humble yourselves. Sit down, for your crowns have come down, even the crown of your glory.
  • Jeremiah 31:12-14 (v13) They will come and sing in the height of Zion, and will flow to the goodness of Yahweh, to the grain, to the new wine, to the oil, and to…
  • Zechariah 9:17 (v13) For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.
  • Matthew 11:28-29 (v13) “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am…
  • Psalms 31:19 (v13) Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you,…
  • Psalms 36:8 (v13) They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
  • Psalms 37:22 (v13) For such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.
  • Psalms 37:29 (v13) The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.
  • Psalms 63:5 (v13) My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,
  • Acts 10:2 (v12) a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.
  • Acts 11:14 (v12) who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.’
  • Acts 13:26 (v12) Brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.
  • 2 Peter 3:13 (v13) But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
  • Ezekiel 33:24-26 (v13) “Son of man, those who inhabit the waste places in the land of Israel speak, saying, ‘Abraham was one, and he inherited the land; but we…
  • 1 John 2:27 (v12) As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing…

66 distinct cross-references across this passage (67 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (19 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv12–14 12. Who is the man. By again recalling to…

12. Who is the man. By again recalling to his mind the character in which God manifests himself towards his servants, he derives new strength and courage. For we have said, that nothing more readily occurs than a relaxation in earnest and attentive prayer, unless it be sustained by the recollection of God’s promises. There can, however, be no doubt, that David both accuses himself, and by entertaining a better hope, takes encouragement to continue in the fear of God. In the first place, by intimating that men are destitute of right understanding and sound judgment, because they yield not themselves to be governed by God with reverence and fear, he imputes it to his own indolence, that by reason of the darkness of his mind, he had wandered so far astray after his own lusts; and yet, on the other hand, he promises himself the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, if he only yield himself wholly to God, and show that he is willing to learn. Moreover, the interrogatory style of speaking, which he here employs, seems designed to show how few there are who fear God: for, although all men in general pray, and manifest some appearance of piety, yet where is there one among so many who is really in earnest? Instead of this, almost all men indulge themselves in their own drowsiness. The fear of God, therefore, is very rare; and on this account it is that the world, for the most part, continues destitute of the Spirit of counsel and wisdom.

Some interpreters render the word choose in the present tense, instead of the future, shall choose; as if it had been said, that God shows the way which he approves, and in which he wishes men to walk. With this interpretation I cannot agree; for, in my judgment, the word choose rather refers to every individual; as if it had been said, Provided we are disposed to fear God, he will not be wanting on his part, but will always direct us by the Spirit of wisdom to choose the right way. When we are called upon to adopt some particular course in life, we find ourselves as it were placed between two ways, and know not which of them to follow; “Les gachans lequel prendre.” — Fr.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv12–14 Meaning, the number is very small.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv12–14 Psa 25:12 What man [is] he that feareth the…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv12–14 What man is he, i.e. whosoever he be, whether…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv12–14 What man is he that feareth the Lord? That…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv12–14 Chuse - Which God appointeth.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv12–14 Verse 12. That feareth the Lord] Who has a…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv12, 14 Psa 25:12-13. What man is he that feareth the…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv12–14 What man is he - Who is he. The…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv12–14 What he asks for himself is the common lot…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv12–14 12. From the greatness of his sin he turns…
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv12–14 12. What man &c.] A rhetorical question, equivalent to…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv12–14 (12) What man is he . . .?—For the…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv12–14 What man is he that feareth the Lord? Once…
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain On vv12–14 Ver. 12. What man is he that feareth the…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv12, 14 What man is he that feareth the Lord?
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v12 (See Scofield "Psa 19:9").
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 14 Who is the man who fears Yahweh?
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12–13 25:12-15 Those who fear the Lord will receive further…
Share