Psalms 37:23
Psalms 37:23 in Multiple Translations
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he takes delight in his way.
The Lord shows the right path to those who follow him, and is happy with the way they live.
The pathes of man are directed by the Lord: for he loueth his way.
From Jehovah [are] the steps of a man, They have been prepared, And his way he desireth.
A man’s steps are established by the LORD. He delights in his way.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.
Yahweh protects those who do what is pleasing to him, and he will enable them to walk confidently, wherever they go;
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 37:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ֭/יְהוָה
מִֽצְעֲדֵי
גֶ֥בֶר
כּוֹנָ֗נוּ
וְ/דַרְכּ֥/וֹ
יֶחְפָּֽץ
מֵ֭/יְהוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מִֽצְעֲדֵי
mitsʻâd
H4703
step
N-mp
גֶ֥בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
כּוֹנָ֗נוּ
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-O-Perf-3cp
וְ/דַרְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs | Suff
יֶחְפָּֽץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:23
מֵ֭/יְהוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִֽצְעֲדֵי
mitsʻâd
H4703
"step"
N-mp
Mitsad is a step or a pace, and can also mean companionship or walking together with someone.
Definition: step
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: going, step. See also: Psalms 37:23; Proverbs 20:24; Daniel 11:43.
גֶ֥בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
כּוֹנָ֗נוּ
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-O-Perf-3cp
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
וְ/דַרְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יֶחְפָּֽץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:23
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
- Sermons on Psalms 37:23
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.
22Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.
23The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
24Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. 25I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:9 | A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:133 | Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me. |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:26 | Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. |
| 4 | Psalms 40:2 | He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 2:9 | He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. |
| 6 | Psalms 121:8 | The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:23 | I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. |
| 8 | Psalms 85:13 | Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps. |
| 9 | Psalms 121:3 | He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. |
| 10 | Psalms 147:10–11 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. |
Psalms 37:23 Summary
This verse means that God is actively involved in guiding our lives, and He takes pleasure in our journey. It's a promise that we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand what's happening, as seen in Psalms 37:23. Just like a parent delights in the steps of their child, God delights in our steps, and we can trust that He is working all things together for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28. As we seek to follow God, we can be confident that He is ordering our steps and guiding us on our journey, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the steps of a man to be ordered by the Lord?
This means that God is actively involved in guiding the path of a believer's life, as seen in Psalms 37:23, and is a promise that is also reflected in Proverbs 3:6, which instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and He will direct our paths.
Does this verse mean that God controls every step I take?
While God is sovereign over all things, this verse emphasizes His delight in the journey of the believer, suggesting a relational and guiding role, as seen in Psalms 32:8, where God promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go.
How can I know if my steps are ordered by the Lord?
To know if your steps are ordered by the Lord, you should seek to align your will with God's will, as expressed in Romans 12:2, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 37:23, and also be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:25.
What is the relationship between God's ordering of our steps and our own decision-making?
The Bible teaches that we are to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, as seen in Romans 8:28, suggesting a partnership between God's sovereignty and our responsibility to make decisions that honor Him.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you see God's ordering in your own life, and how has He guided you in the past?
- What are some areas where you are currently seeking God's guidance, and how can you trust in His sovereignty in those situations?
- How does the knowledge that God takes delight in your journey affect your perspective on life's challenges and uncertainties?
- In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on God as you navigate life's path, and what scriptures can you draw upon for encouragement?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:23
The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the Lord,.... Or "of a man" (w); such a man as is blessed of the Lord; the steps which he takes in life are ordered by the Lord, both with respect to things
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. The steps of a (good) man. The Hebrew [ geber (H1397)] for 'a man' is literally a hero, a valiant man. So "valiant for the truth," Jeremiah 9:3.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
Of a good man, or, of that man, to wit, the righteous or blessed man, expressed ,22. Ordered, or directed, or disposed, i.e. so governed as to attain the end and happy issue at which he aims. Or, strengthened, or established, so as he shall not stumble nor fall into mischief; for still he seems to be describing, not their virtue, but their felicity. And he delighteth in his way; or, and he favoureth his way, i.e. succeeds and prospers his counsels and enterprises.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Ver. 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord] Heb. The steps of a man; for good men only are reckoned of by God, Jeremiah 5:1. So a wife is put for a good wife, Proverbs 18:22. A bad wife is but (according to Lamech’ s second wife’ s name) Zillah, that is, the shadow of a wife. Now, as God chose out the Israelites’ way for them all along the wilderness; so he doth still for those that are good, not always the shortest way, but the safest; not always the straightest way, but that which most conduceth to their journey’ s end. As therefore Israel in the wilderness, so must we follow God, though he seem to lead us in and out, backward and forward, as if we were treading a maze. And he delighteth in his way] His way it is called, for encouragement sake, though it be God alone who chooseth and chalketh out his way, yea, causeth him to keep his commandments, Ezek. xxvi. Certum est nos facere quod facimus; sed ille facit ut faciamus. God doth all our works for us.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
(23) The steps.—Comp. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 16:9, passages which are in favour of a general interpretation here, not confined to the good man. Render, man’s steps are established by Jehovah, i.e., all the stability in human conduct comes from His guidance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
Verse 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord] There is nothing for good in the text. גבר geber is the original word, and it properly signifies a strong man, a conqueror or hero; and it appears to be used here to show, that even the most powerful must be supported by the Lord, otherwise their strength and courage will be of little avail. And he delighteth in his way.] When his steps are ordered by the Lord, he delighteth in his way, because it is that into which his own good Spirit has directed him. Or, the man delights in God's way-in the law and testimonies of his Maker.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:23
21–31. God’s care for the righteous.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord - Margin, “established.” The word rendered “ordered” means to stand erect; to set up; to found; to adjust, fit, direct.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:23
23. Steps of a good man—The word “good” is not in the original, and the word “man” denotes a mighty man; one who by physical strength and skill, or by wealth, office, or position, wields a power over others.
Sermons on Psalms 37:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Poland) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and onl |
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(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 02 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing one's own individuality when preaching and proclaiming the gospel. He highlights that the New Testament writers h |
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Learning How to Be Ordinary by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to exce |
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God Has Not Passed You By by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of greed in various aspects of society, including individuals, ministries, churches, and even high priests. The preacher expresses |
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God Has Not Passed You - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes that even in the darkest times, God has not forsaken His people. It draws parallels from the story in 1 Samuel where a widow faced immense pain and loss, fee |
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Abide in God's Shade, Warmth and Light by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delighting in God's way and following His footsteps. He uses Psalm 37:23 as a reference to highlight how God establishes th |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |