Psalm 25:12
New International Version
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

New Living Translation
Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose.

English Standard Version
Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

Berean Standard Bible
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.

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

New King James Version
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

New American Standard Bible
Who is the person who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

NASB 1995
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

NASB 1977
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

Legacy Standard Bible
Who is the man who fears Yahweh? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

Amplified Bible
Who is the man who fears the LORD [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with submissive wonder]? He will teach him [through His word] in the way he should choose.

Christian Standard Bible
Who is this person who fears the LORD? He will show him the way he should choose.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will show him the way he should choose.

American Standard Version
What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.

Contemporary English Version
You will show the right path to all who worship you.

English Revised Version
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Who, then, is this person that fears the LORD? He is the one whom the LORD will teach which path to choose.

Good News Translation
Those who have reverence for the LORD will learn from him the path they should follow.

International Standard Version
Who is the man who fears the LORD? God will teach him the path he should choose.

Majority Standard Bible
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.

NET Bible
The LORD shows his faithful followers the way they should live.

New Heart English Bible
What man is he who fears the LORD? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

Webster's Bible Translation
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

World English Bible
What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who [is] this—the man fearing YHWH? He directs him in the way He chooses.

Young's Literal Translation
Who is this -- the man fearing Jehovah? He directeth him in the way He doth choose.

Smith's Literal Translation
Who this man fearing Jehovah? he will teach him in the way he shall choose.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who is the man that feareth the Lord? He hath appointed him a law in the way he hath chosen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Which is the man who fears the Lord? He has established a law for him, on the way that he has chosen.

New American Bible
Who is the one who fears the LORD? God shows him the way he should choose.

New Revised Standard Version
Who are they that fear the LORD? He will teach them the way that they should choose.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
What man is he that fears the LORD? Him shall he teach in the way that he has chosen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who is the man that is in awe of LORD JEHOVAH? He will teach him the way that he chooses.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Who is the man that fears the Lord? he shall instruct him in the way which he has chosen.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To You I Lift Up My Soul
11For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great. 12Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. 13His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.…

Cross References
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 14:26
He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

Proverbs 22:4
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 112:1
Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.

Psalm 34:11
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psalm 128:1
A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!

Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

Isaiah 50:10
Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Ecclesiastes 12:13
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

1 Samuel 12:14
If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well.


Treasury of Scripture

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

What

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:5
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

him

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Isaiah 35:8
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Jump to Previous
Choose Chosen Directeth Fear Feareth Fearing Fears Instruct Pleasure Teach Teacher Way
Jump to Next
Choose Chosen Directeth Fear Feareth Fearing Fears Instruct Pleasure Teach Teacher Way
Psalm 25
1. David's confidence in prayer
7. He prays for remission of sins
16. and for help in affliction














Who is the man who fears the LORD?
The concept of fearing the LORD is central to biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe, recognizing God's holiness and authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fear of a deity often involved respect and obedience, aligning with the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The question posed here is rhetorical, emphasizing the rarity and value of such a person. This fear leads to wisdom and understanding (Psalm 111:10), and it is foundational for a life aligned with God's will.

He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.
The promise of divine instruction is a recurring theme in the Psalms and reflects God's personal guidance for those who seek Him. The "path" signifies a way of life or moral direction, often associated with righteousness and obedience to God's commandments (Psalm 119:105). The phrase suggests a personal relationship where God actively guides the believer, reminiscent of the shepherd imagery in Psalm 23. This guidance is not arbitrary but tailored to the individual's life, reflecting God's sovereignty and intimate knowledge of each person. The idea of a "chosen path" aligns with the biblical theme of God's providence and purpose for His people, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 25, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the central place of worship.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises. In this context, it highlights God's role as the divine instructor and guide.

3. The Fear of the LORD
A recurring biblical theme representing reverence, awe, and respect towards God, which is foundational for wisdom and understanding.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Reverence
Fearing the LORD is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and awe for God, which positions us to receive His guidance.

Divine Guidance
God promises to instruct those who fear Him, indicating that a relationship with God involves active listening and obedience to His direction.

Choice and Responsibility
While God provides instruction, the individual is responsible for choosing the path. This highlights the partnership between divine guidance and human responsibility.

Wisdom as a Gift
Seeking God's wisdom is essential for making choices that align with His will, and it is available to those who earnestly seek it.

Living in God's Will
Understanding and following God's instruction leads to a life that is aligned with His purposes, bringing peace and fulfillment.(12) What man is he . . .?--For the emphatic question compare Psalm 34:12.

The way that he shall choose.--Rather, the way that he should choose--i.e., the way of right choice. The LXX. and Vulg., however, refer it to God--"the way in which He took delight."

Verse 12. - What man is he that feareth the Lord? Once more we have a series of reflections (vers. 12-15) - first, with respect to the God-fearing man. Every such man shall have favour shown him by God - him shall he (i.e. God) teach in the way that he shall choose. This is, of course, the right way - the way of God's commandments (Psalm 119:30, 173). God shall make his way plain to the God-fearing man.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Who
מִי־ (mî-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is the man
הָ֭אִישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who fears
יְרֵ֣א (yə·rê)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3373: Fearing, reverent

the LORD?
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

He will instruct him
י֝וֹרֶ֗נּוּ (yō·w·ren·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach

in the way
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ (bə·ḏe·reḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

he should choose.
יִבְחָֽר׃ (yiḇ·ḥār)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select


Links
Psalm 25:12 NIV
Psalm 25:12 NLT
Psalm 25:12 ESV
Psalm 25:12 NASB
Psalm 25:12 KJV

Psalm 25:12 BibleApps.com
Psalm 25:12 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 25:12 Chinese Bible
Psalm 25:12 French Bible
Psalm 25:12 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 25:12 What man is he who fears Yahweh? (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 25:11
Top of Page
Top of Page