Psalms 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָרְח֣וֹת
All the paths
H734
אָרְח֣וֹת
All the paths
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חֶ֣סֶד
are mercy
H2617
חֶ֣סֶד
are mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
4 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וֶאֱמֶ֑ת
and truth
H571
וֶאֱמֶ֑ת
and truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
5 of 8
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
לְנֹצְרֵ֥י
unto such as keep
H5341
לְנֹצְרֵ֥י
unto such as keep
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
6 of 8
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
Cross References
James 5:11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Psalms 40:11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Psalms 91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.Romans 2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Historical Context
Israel's wilderness wanderings taught that God's paths sometimes led through hardship, yet all His ways proved ultimately merciful and faithful. Covenant-keeping required trusting God's goodness even when paths seemed harsh.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's 'mercy and truth' in difficult paths He's led you on?
- What does it mean to 'keep His covenant and testimonies' today?
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies' reveals that God's providential guidance combines grace and faithfulness. Every path God leads His people on—even difficult ones—flows from mercy and truth. This is conditional: 'unto such as keep his covenant.' Reformed theology sees covenant faithfulness as evidence of genuine faith (James 2:17). God's paths are mercy-and-truth to those whom He has regenerated to love His law.