Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Original Language Analysis
ה֤וֹרֵ֥נִי
Teach
H3384
ה֤וֹרֵ֥נִי
Teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
1 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
יְהוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דַּ֫רְכֶּ֥ךָ
me thy way
H1870
דַּ֫רְכֶּ֥ךָ
me thy way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וּ֭נְחֵנִי
and lead
H5148
וּ֭נְחֵנִי
and lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
4 of 8
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
בְּאֹ֣רַח
path
H734
בְּאֹ֣רַח
path
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
5 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
מִישׁ֑וֹר
me in a plain
H4334
מִישׁ֑וֹר
me in a plain
Strong's:
H4334
Word #:
6 of 8
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
Cross References
Psalms 5:8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.Psalms 86:11Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.Psalms 26:12My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.Psalms 119:10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.Psalms 64:6They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.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.Psalms 25:9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Proverbs 8:9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Historical Context
Israel's wilderness journey required divine guidance—cloud and fire led them through hostile territory. Similarly, believers navigate enemy opposition (Satan, world, flesh) requiring God's instruction and providential leading.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's 'way' and 'plain path' when enemies surround you?
- What role does Scripture play in teaching you God's way?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer 'Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies' combines request for instruction and guidance. 'Thy way' (derek) means the path of covenant obedience. 'Plain path' (meshor orach) means a level, straight road—free from obstacles. Enemies create need for divine guidance to avoid their traps. Reformed theology emphasizes that sanctification requires both revelation (teaching God's way) and providence (leading on safe paths). God's Word and Spirit guide believers through enemy territory.