Devine Scripture

Psalms 27:11

What does Psalms 27:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 27:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 27:11 means

Acknowledging his situation amidst enemies (mentioned in previous verses), the psalmist now specifically seeks divine guidance. He prays, 'Teach me thy way, O Jehovah,' indicating a desire for moral and spiritual instruction, not just a clear physical path. He also asks to be led 'in a plain path,' meaning a straightforward, clear, and safe route, specifically 'because of mine enemies.' Their presence makes error or straying particularly dangerous, hence the urgent need for infallible divine direction.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path, Because of mine enemies.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path, Because of mine enemies.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Make your way clear to me, O Lord, guiding me by the right way, because of my haters.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Shew me, O Jehovah, Thy way, And lead me in a path of uprightness, For the sake of my beholders.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Teach me thy way, Jehovah, and lead me in an even path, because of mine enemies.

Context

Having expressed his deep trust and reliance on God even in hypothetical abandonment (v. 10), the psalmist now returns to the practical implications of his current predicament: the presence of enemies. This verse articulates a specific request for divine guidance in navigation through a hostile environment. It transitions from an affirmation of God's character to a petition for practical wisdom and protection necessary for daily life amidst opposition.

v.10When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Jehovah will take me up.

v.11This passage

v.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 30:20

    And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be hidden anymore, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers;

  • Proverbs 15:19

    The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.

  • Luke 3:4

    as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.

  • Psalms 143:8

    Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee.

  • Psalms 26:12

    My foot standeth in an even place: In the congregations will I bless Jehovah.

  • Luke 20:20

    And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.

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