King James Version

What Does Psalms 125:5 Mean?

Psalms 125:5 in the King James Version says “As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peac...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 125 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.”

Psalms 125:5 · KJV

Peace

Context

3

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. the wicked: Heb. wickedness

4

Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

Read Psalms 125 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with warning and blessing: 'As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.' The phrase 'turn aside' indicates deliberate departure from righteousness. 'Crooked ways' (Hebrew 'aqalqalah') describes twisted, perverse paths that deviate from straight moral direction. The judgment 'LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity' pictures God conducting apostates to join those already committed to evil - they get what they chose. 'Lead them forth' may suggest leading to judgment or exile, removing them from among God's people. The contrast 'but peace shall be upon Israel' promises shalom (wholeness, security, flourishing) for the faithful covenant community. The verse establishes two destinies: apostates join evildoers in judgment; faithful Israel experiences peace. This ending returns to the theme of stability (v. 1-2) for those who remain faithful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history included repeated cycles of apostasy and judgment, where those who turned from God were removed through exile or death, while a faithful remnant was preserved. The pattern appears in wilderness wandering (unfaithful generation died; faithful entered Canaan), divided kingdom (northern tribes lost; Judah preserved longer), and exile (many remained in Babylon; faithful returned).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'turn aside' unto crooked ways versus falling into sin unintentionally?
  2. How does God 'lead them forth with workers of iniquity' - is this abandonment or just consequence?
  3. Why does the psalm end with both warning (judgment) and promise (peace)?
  4. How does the contrast between apostates' fate and Israel's peace motivate faithfulness?
  5. In what ways does this ending challenge easy assurance while comforting genuine believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְהַמַּטִּ֤ים1 of 10

“As for such as turn aside”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עַֽקַלְקַלּוֹתָ֗ם2 of 10

“unto their crooked ways”

H6128

winding

יוֹלִיכֵ֣ם3 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

יְ֭הוָה4 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת5 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

פֹּעֲלֵ֣י6 of 10

“with the workers”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

הָאָ֑וֶן7 of 10

“of iniquity”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם8 of 10

“but peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

עַל9 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃10 of 10

“shall be upon Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 125:5 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 125:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:8Proverbs 2:15Psalms 128:6Galatians 6:16Psalms 40:4John 14:27

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