King James Version

What Does Psalms 25:5 Mean?

Psalms 25:5 in the King James Version says “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”

Psalms 25:5 · KJV

TruthSalvation

Context

3

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

4

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

5

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

6

Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. tender: Heb. bowels

7

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Read Psalms 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. This verse intensifies the previous petition, adding urgency and comprehensive dependence on God. The structure moves from request (lead, teach) to reason (God of salvation) to posture (waiting all day).

"Lead me" (hadrikheni, הַדְרִיכֵנִי) comes from darak (דָּרַךְ), meaning to tread, march, or guide. The causative form means "cause me to walk" or "guide me." This isn't passive following but active guidance—God as shepherd directing the path, as commander leading troops, as father teaching a child to walk. It assumes both God's active involvement and the psalmist's responsive obedience.

"In thy truth" (be'amittekha, בַּאֲמִתֶּךָ) uses emet (אֱמֶת), meaning truth, faithfulness, reliability, stability. God's truth is not abstract proposition but reliable reality—what is ultimately real and trustworthy. To be led in God's truth means walking in reality as God defines it, aligned with what is genuinely and eternally true rather than temporary appearances or cultural opinions.

"For thou art the God of my salvation" (Elohei yish'i, אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעִי) provides the theological foundation for this petition. Yesha (יֶשַׁע) means salvation, deliverance, rescue. God is not merely a potential savior but MY salvation—personal, possessed, experienced. This is why David can confidently ask for guidance; the God who saved him will surely guide him.

"On thee do I wait all the day" (kal-hayom qivitikha, כָּל־הַיּוֹם קִוִּיתִיךָ) expresses sustained, continuous hope and expectation. Qavah (קָוָה) means to wait, hope, expect with confident anticipation. "All the day" emphasizes that this isn't momentary petition but constant posture—morning to evening, consistently throughout life, the psalmist maintains hopeful expectation toward God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God's "truth" (emet) is central to Old Testament theology. When Moses asked to see God's glory, God proclaimed His name: "the LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6). Truth is part of God's essential character, inseparable from His being.

Jesus later declared: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), embodying the truth David sought. John's Gospel emphasizes that truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17), grace and truth together. The Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth" (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13), who guides believers into all truth.

David's patient waiting contrasts with Saul's impulsive actions. When facing Philistine threat, Saul couldn't wait for Samuel and offered sacrifice himself, resulting in God's rejection (1 Samuel 13:8-14). David learned to wait on God's timing—whether waiting years between anointing and kingship, or waiting for God to deal with Saul rather than taking vengeance himself.

The posture of waiting appears throughout Psalms. Psalm 27:14: "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." Psalm 37:7: "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him." Isaiah 40:31: "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength." This waiting is not passive resignation but active, hopeful expectation of God's intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between being led 'in God's truth' and being taught by God, and why are both necessary?
  2. How does recognizing God as 'the God of MY salvation' (personal experience) give confidence to ask for ongoing guidance?
  3. What is the difference between waiting on God 'all the day' (continuous posture) versus occasionally asking God for help in crisis?
  4. In what areas of life are you tempted to rush ahead rather than waiting for God's truth and guidance?
  5. How does Jesus as 'the truth' (John 14:6) fulfill David's prayer to be led in God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הַדְרִ֘יכֵ֤נִי1 of 11

“Lead”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

בַאֲמִתֶּ֨ךָ׀2 of 11

“me in thy truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וְֽלַמְּדֵ֗נִי3 of 11

“and teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

כִּֽי4 of 11
H3588

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

אַ֭תָּה5 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 11

“me for thou art the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׁעִ֑י7 of 11

“of my salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

אוֹתְךָ֥8 of 11
H854

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

קִ֝וִּ֗יתִי9 of 11

“on thee do I wait”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

כָּל10 of 11
H3605

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

הַיּֽוֹם׃11 of 11

“all the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 25:5 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 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 8:34Isaiah 30:18Psalms 25:10John 14:26Psalms 43:3-4Revelation 7:17

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Psalms 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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