King James Version

What Does Psalms 25:14 Mean?

Psalms 25:14 in the King James Version says “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. and: or, and his covenant to make...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. and: or, and his covenant to make them know it”

Psalms 25:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

12

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

13

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. dwell: Heb. lodge in goodness

14

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. and: or, and his covenant to make them know it

15

Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. pluck: Heb. bring forth

16

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

Read Psalms 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. This verse reveals the intimate relationship God offers to those who revere Him, promising both special knowledge and covenant revelation. The structure moves from present reality (the secret) to future promise (showing the covenant).

"The secret" (sod, סוֹד) means counsel, intimate conversation, confidential discussion—like friends sharing private matters. Proverbs 3:32 declares: "his secret is with the righteous." Amos 3:7: "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This isn't esoteric knowledge but intimate fellowship—God sharing His heart with those close to Him.

"Of the LORD" (Yahweh, יְהוָה) uses the covenant name, emphasizing that this intimacy flows from covenant relationship. The God who bound Himself to Israel in faithful love shares Himself with His covenant people. This is relationship, not mere information transfer.

"Is with them that fear him" (lire'av, לִירֵאָיו) identifies the recipients. Yare (יָרֵא) means to fear, revere, stand in awe. This isn't terror but reverential awe that produces obedience. Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Fear of God means taking Him seriously, respecting His authority, and submitting to His ways.

"He will shew them his covenant" (uvrito lehodia'am, וּבְרִיתוֹ לְהוֹדִיעָם) promises revelation of covenant realities. Berit (בְּרִית) is God's binding agreement, His sworn commitment to His people. God not only makes covenant but reveals its meaning—unpacking its implications, explaining its benefits, demonstrating its reliability. This is progressive revelation: God reveals deeper understanding of His covenant promises to those who walk with Him faithfully.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God's "secret counsel" appears throughout Scripture's wisdom literature. Job 15:8 asks: "Hast thou heard the secret of God?" Psalm 111:10: "A good understanding have all they that do his commandments." John 15:15: Jesus tells disciples: "Henceforth I call you not servants...but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."

The covenant (berit) is central to Israel's identity and theology. God's covenant with Abraham promised land, descendants, and blessing (Genesis 15, 17). The Mosaic covenant at Sinai established Israel as God's treasured possession (Exodus 19:5-6). David received covenant promise of eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7). Each generation needed to understand their covenant identity and obligations.

The connection between fearing God and receiving revelation challenges modern assumptions. Contemporary culture values self-expression over submission, personal opinion over divine authority. But Scripture consistently teaches that wisdom comes through humble submission to God. Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

Jesus revealed the ultimate covenant—the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20). What David glimpsed partially, believers now understand more fully through Christ. Yet the principle remains: those who fear (revere, obey) God receive deeper understanding of His covenant promises and purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God shares His 'secret' with those who fear Him, and how is this different from merely knowing facts about God?
  2. Why is 'fear of the Lord' (reverential awe and obedience) the prerequisite for receiving God's intimate counsel?
  3. How does God 'show His covenant' to His people, and what does this reveal about His desire for relationship rather than mere legal obligation?
  4. In what ways has God revealed deeper understanding of His promises and purposes to you as you've walked with Him over time?
  5. How does Jesus's calling His disciples 'friends' and making known what He heard from the Father (John 15:15) fulfill this psalm's promise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
ס֣וֹד1 of 5

“The secret”

H5475

a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret

יְ֭הוָה2 of 5

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

לִירֵאָ֑יו3 of 5

“is with them that fear”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ4 of 5

“them his covenant”

H1285

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

לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃5 of 5

“him and he will shew”

H3045

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

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 25:14 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 25:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:15John 14:21-23John 7:17Ephesians 1:91 Corinthians 2:14Revelation 2:17

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