King James Version

What Does Psalms 1:6 Mean?

Psalms 1:6 in the King James Version says “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Psalms 1:6 · KJV

Salvation

Context

4

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Read Psalms 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. This concluding verse provides the theological foundation for everything preceding it. "The Lord knoweth" (yodea Yahweh, יוֹדֵעַ יְהוָה) uses the Hebrew yada (יָדַע), indicating intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere awareness. God knows the righteous with personal, covenant relationship.

"The way" (derek, דֶּרֶךְ) refers to the entire course of life—choices, actions, attitudes, and direction. God's knowing the righteous person's way implies approval, guidance, and intimate involvement in their journey. This knowledge provides security and assurance that the righteous are never alone or forgotten.

The contrast "shall perish" (toved, תֹּאבֵד) emphasizes complete destruction and loss. The way itself perishes, not just the person walking it, suggesting total futility of life lived apart from God. While the righteous are known personally by God, the ungodly's way leads nowhere and ultimately ceases to exist.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God "knowing" His people carries rich biblical significance, from God knowing Abraham (Genesis 18:19) to Jesus declaring He never knew false professors (Matthew 7:23). This knowing implies covenant relationship, not mere cognitive awareness. In ancient Near Eastern treaty language, knowing someone meant recognizing covenant obligations toward them.

The two ways motif appears throughout wisdom literature and is central to Deuteronomy's covenant theology, which presented Israel with choice between life and death, blessing and curse (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). This theme would later be developed in Jesus' teaching about narrow and wide gates (Matthew 7:13-14).

As introduction to the Psalter, this verse establishes the fundamental reality underlying all worship and lament—God knows and cares for His people even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This assurance sustained believers through exile, persecution, and suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's personal 'knowing' of believers differ from His omniscient awareness of all people?
  2. What practical difference should God's intimate knowledge of our 'way' make in daily life and decision-making?
  3. How can believers share the warning about the perishing way of the ungodly without sounding judgmental?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹדֵ֣עַ2 of 8

“knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יְ֭הוָה3 of 8

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְדֶ֖רֶךְ4 of 8

“but the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

צַדִּיקִ֑ים5 of 8

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

וְדֶ֖רֶךְ6 of 8

“but the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

רְשָׁעִ֣ים7 of 8

“of the ungodly”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

תֹּאבֵֽד׃8 of 8

“shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 2:19John 10:14Proverbs 15:9Nahum 1:7Psalms 37:18-24John 10:27

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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