Psalms 86:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Original Language Analysis
ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי
Teach
H3384
ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי
Teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
1 of 9
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
יְהוָ֨ה׀
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָ
me thy way
H1870
דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָ
me thy way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲהַלֵּ֥ךְ
I will walk
H1980
אֲהַלֵּ֥ךְ
I will walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ
in thy truth
H571
בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ
in thy truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
5 of 9
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Cross References
Psalms 5:8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.Psalms 119:33Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Psalms 27:11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Job 34:32That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.Psalms 26:3For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.Psalms 119:73Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Ephesians 4:21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Historical Context
David wrote as king yet remained a learner, modeling humble teachability regardless of status or spiritual maturity. Ancient Near Eastern kings claimed autonomous wisdom; David acknowledges dependence on divine instruction. Jesus later promises the Spirit would "teach you all things" (John 14:26), fulfilling this prayer for new covenant believers.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you pursuing your own way rather than seeking God's teaching?
- What evidence of a "divided heart" do you see in competing loves and loyalties?
- How does the Holy Spirit fulfill God's promise to teach and unite our hearts in reverential fear?
Analysis & Commentary
David prays, "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name" (Hebrew horeni YHWH darkekha ahalekh ba-amitekha yached levavi l-yir'at shemekha). "Teach me" acknowledges that God's ways must be revealed, not discovered autonomously. "Walk in thy truth" connects doctrine to conduct—truth isn't merely believed but lived. "Unite my heart" (Hebrew yached levavi, literally "make my heart one") confesses our divided affections and prays for singleness of devotion. The "fear" of God's name is reverent awe leading to worship and obedience. This verse models lifelong discipleship: learning God's ways, walking in truth, seeking undivided love.