Psalms 145:17
The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּרָכָ֑יו
in all his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֑יו
in all his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְ֝חָסִ֗יד
and holy
H2623
וְ֝חָסִ֗יד
and holy
Strong's:
H2623
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Isaiah 45:21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.Zephaniah 3:5The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.Psalms 103:6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.Psalms 89:14Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.Psalms 116:5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.Psalms 50:6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Historical Context
Israel repeatedly struggled with apparent divine injustice—righteous sufferers, prospering wicked (Psalm 73, Habakkuk 1:2-4). This verse provided theological bedrock: regardless of appearances, God's ways are righteous and His works holy. Faith means trusting God's character even when unable to discern His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse address doubts about God's justice when observing innocent suffering or wicked prosperity?
- What is the relationship between God's righteousness and His holiness in His treatment of believers?
- How can affirming God's righteousness in all His ways provide peace during incomprehensible trials?
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. This comprehensive statement—tsaddiq Yahweh bĕkhol-dĕrakhav (צַדִּיק יְהוָה בְּכָל־דְּרָכָיו) "righteous is Yahweh in all His ways"—affirms God's perfect justice in every action. Tsaddiq (צַדִּיק) "righteous" means conforming to the standard of right, acting with justice. The phrase bĕkhol "in all" eliminates exceptions: there are no unrighteous acts or unjust judgments from God.
Holy in all his works (vĕchasid bĕkhol-ma'asav, וְחָסִיד בְּכָל־מַעֲשָׂיו)—chasid (חָסִיד) "holy/faithful/kind" emphasizes both God's separateness from sin and His covenant loyalty. Every divine work manifests both perfect justice (tsaddiq) and perfect faithfulness (chasid). This answers theodicy questions: even incomprehensible sufferings originate from God's righteous, holy character.