Psalms 37:23
What does Psalms 37:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:23 means
This verse provides comfort and assurance about the divinely established path of a righteous person. It emphasizes that a believer's life journey is not left to chance but is orchestrated and affirmed by God: "A man's goings are established of Jehovah." This means God directs, sustains, and secures the steps and direction of His faithful ones. Furthermore, "he delighteth in his way." This indicates that God takes pleasure in the moral conduct and choices of the righteous, approving of their consecrated path. It underscores God's active involvement and benevolent oversight in the life of one who walks with Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he takes delight in his way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862From Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> the steps of a man, They have been prepared, And his way he desireth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The steps of a man are established by Jehovah, and he delighteth in his way:
Context
Following the declaration of blessings and curses in verse 22, this verse focuses specifically on the established, secure path of the righteous individual. It reinforces God's active involvement and delight in their journey. This affirmation of divine guidance and pleasure sets the stage for the next verse, which addresses how the righteous are sustained even when they stumble, demonstrating God's unwavering support.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 9:24
but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.
- Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight.
- Psalms 119:133
Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
- Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
- Psalms 147:10
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.
- Psalms 121:8
Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore.
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