King James Version

What Does Psalms 85:13 Mean?

Psalms 85:13 in the King James Version says “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 85 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

Psalms 85:13 · KJV

Context

11

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12

Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

13

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Righteousness shall go before him (צֶדֶק לְפָנָיו יְהַלֵּךְ, tzedek lefanav yehalekh)—Tzedek means righteousness, justice; lefanav means before his face; halakh means walk, go. And shall set us in the way of his steps (וְיָשֵׂם לְדֶרֶךְ פְּעָמָיו, ve-yasem le-derekh pe'amav)—Yasem means set, place; derekh means way, path; pe'amav means his steps, footsteps.

Psalm 85 prays for restoration after exile. Verses 10-11 picture cosmic reconciliation: "Mercy and truth meet together; righteousness and peace kiss." Verse 13 continues this vision—God's righteousness doesn't just accompany him but goes before him, preparing the way. This anticipates John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus (Mark 1:2-3). God's righteous character shapes the path his people walk.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written after return from Babylonian exile, Psalm 85 reflects both gratitude for restoration and longing for complete renewal. The community had rebuilt the temple but still faced opposition, poverty, and spiritual apathy. They needed God's righteousness to lead them forward.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's righteousness "going before" you provide security and direction for your path?
  2. In what ways do you need God's righteous character to prepare the way in current circumstances?
  3. How does this verse connect personal holiness with following in God's footsteps?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
צֶ֭דֶק1 of 6

“Righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

לְפָנָ֣יו2 of 6

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהַלֵּ֑ךְ3 of 6

“shall go”

H1980

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

וְיָשֵׂ֖ם4 of 6

“him and shall set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לְדֶ֣רֶךְ5 of 6

“us in the way”

H1870

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

פְּעָמָֽיו׃6 of 6

“of his steps”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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 85:13 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 85:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:14John 13:341 Peter 2:18-241 Peter 4:1Galatians 2:202 Corinthians 3:18

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