Psalms 25:12
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הָ֭אִישׁ
What man
H376
הָ֭אִישׁ
What man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
י֝וֹרֶ֗נּוּ
him shall he teach
H3384
י֝וֹרֶ֗נּוּ
him shall he teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
Cross References
Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Proverbs 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Historical Context
Israel's wisdom tradition emphasized that fearing God led to understanding and wise living. God taught through Torah, prophets, sages, and providence. Those who feared Him learned to discern His will and walk in it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'fearing the LORD' open you to His teaching?
- In what decisions do you need God to 'teach you the way to choose'?
Analysis & Commentary
The question 'What man is he that feareth the LORD?' introduces divine instruction: 'him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.' God personally instructs those who fear Him, guiding their choices. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10)—prerequisite for divine teaching. Reformed theology sees this as effectual calling and illumination: God teaches His elect through Word and Spirit, enabling wise choices that glorify Him. Divine pedagogy shapes the God-fearer's path.