Psalms 125:4
Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
Original Language Analysis
הֵיטִ֣יבָה
Do good
H2895
הֵיטִ֣יבָה
Do good
Strong's:
H2895
Word #:
1 of 5
to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַטּוֹבִ֑ים
unto those that be good
H2896
לַטּוֹבִ֑ים
unto those that be good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 5
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Psalms 7:10My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.Psalms 119:68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.Psalms 51:18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Revelation 14:5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Psalms 119:80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.Psalms 94:15But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.Psalms 36:10O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.Psalms 73:1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
Historical Context
The Mosaic covenant included blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), establishing expectation that God rewards righteousness. However, Israelite history showed that blessing doesn't always follow immediately, creating tension between promise and experience. The prayer reflects both covenant confidence and current need.
Questions for Reflection
- What gives believers confidence to pray 'do good' to God as a command?
- How does the distinction between outward goodness and heart uprightness protect against mere externalism?
- Is this prayer based on merit (earning blessing) or covenant (expecting faithfulness)? How do these differ?
- How does New Testament teaching about grace relate to Old Testament prayers for blessing on righteousness?
- What does 'upright in heart' look like practically in modern Christian life?
Analysis & Commentary
A prayer for divine favor follows: 'Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.' The imperative 'do good' is bold yet appropriate - covenant people may appeal to God's goodness and justice. The Hebrew 'hatab' means to make well, deal bountifully, show goodness. The dual description of recipients ('those that be good' and 'those that are upright in their hearts') emphasizes both external behavior and internal character. 'Good' refers to moral excellence and covenant faithfulness. 'Upright in their hearts' addresses motivation and integrity - not merely external compliance but genuine devotion. The phrase 'in their hearts' recognizes that God judges internal reality, not just outward appearance. This prayer asks God to bless those whose lives align with His character. It's not merit-based salvation but covenant-based expectation that God rewards faithfulness.