King James Version

What Does Psalms 25:10 Mean?

Psalms 25:10 in the King James Version says “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalms 25:10 · KJV


Context

8

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies' reveals that God's providential guidance combines grace and faithfulness. Every path God leads His people on—even difficult ones—flows from mercy and truth. This is conditional: 'unto such as keep his covenant.' Reformed theology sees covenant faithfulness as evidence of genuine faith (James 2:17). God's paths are mercy-and-truth to those whom He has regenerated to love His law.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's wilderness wanderings taught that God's paths sometimes led through hardship, yet all His ways proved ultimately merciful and faithful. Covenant-keeping required trusting God's goodness even when paths seemed harsh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God's 'mercy and truth' in difficult paths He's led you on?
  2. What does it mean to 'keep His covenant and testimonies' today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כָּל1 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אָרְח֣וֹת2 of 8

All the paths

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

יְ֭הוָה3 of 8

of the LORD

H3068

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

חֶ֣סֶד4 of 8

are mercy

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וֶאֱמֶ֑ת5 of 8

and truth

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

לְנֹצְרֵ֥י6 of 8

unto such as keep

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

בְ֝רִית֗וֹ7 of 8

his covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְעֵדֹתָֽיו׃8 of 8

and his testimonies

H5713

testimony


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 25:10 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 25:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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