Psalms 25:14 — Word Study
WLCס֣וֹד יְ֭הוָה לִירֵאָ֑יו וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃
BSAThe LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] confidesçôwd [shares His secret, has intimate conversation] in those who fear Himyârêʼ [reverence, respect] and revealsyâdaʻ [shows, makes known] His covenant to thembᵉrîyth [promise, agreement, treaty, to cause them to know, to give them understanding]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ס֣וֹד | [the] counsel of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| יְ֭הוָה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| לִירֵאָ֑יו | [belongs] to [those] fearing him | Preposition, suffix |
| וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ | and covenant his | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃ | to make known to them | Preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them. |
| KJV | The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. |
| ASV | The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant. |
| YLT | The secret of Jehovah [is] for those fearing Him, And His covenant — to cause them to know. |
| WEB | The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant. |
| BBE | The secret of the Lord is with those in whose hearts is the fear of him; he will make his agreement clear to them. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, emphasizing the relationship between God and those who fear Him.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a conjunction phrase, indicating a close relationship between the two actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 25:14
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Guidance and Revelationgenerated
Psalms 25:14 expresses the idea that God shares intimate knowledge with those who hold Him in reverence. This verse highlights the special relationship between God and those who fear Him, emphasizing the importance of reverence in understanding divine truths. It is part of a broader reflection on God's guidance and the blessings that come from following His ways, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 18:17–19 | And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 13:18 | Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:32 | for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright. |
| 4 | Matthew 13:11–12 | He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. |
| 5 | John 7:17 | If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 16 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סוֹד, Sodgenerated
The word סוֹד (sod) is a noun that refers to a council or gathering, often implying a close, intimate discussion. It can denote a secret conversation, particularly with God, suggesting a depth of relationship and trust. The parsing indicates that it is a masculine singular construct, which emphasizes its collective nature while still being singular in focus.
In this verse, סוֹד highlights the idea that God confides in those who revere Him, suggesting that such individuals are privy to divine insights that others may not receive. This reflects the broader biblical theme of intimacy in the relationship between God and His faithful followers.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, consistently conveying that the LORD shares His secrets with those who fear Him and reveals His covenant.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is הוֹדִיעָֽם (to make known), which governs the structure of the sentence. It indicates the action of revealing, with two phrases detailing the subjects involved: those who fear the LORD and the covenant being revealed.
The structure emphasizes a relationship of trust and intimacy, with the subject and object clearly defined, showing the connection between reverence for God and the knowledge He imparts.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew סוֹד is translated as κραταίωμα, which conveys a sense of a firm or established agreement. This choice may suggest a more formal understanding of the relationship between God and His people.
The Greek word for covenant, δηλῶσαι, indicates the act of making known, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning and reinforcing the idea of divine revelation.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 25:14 tells us that the LORD shares His secrets with those who respect Him and reveals His covenant to them. This verse emphasizes the special relationship between God and those who fear Him, highlighting the blessings of such reverence.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Fearing the LORD involves having deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority.
God reveals His covenant through His Word and through a personal relationship with those who seek Him.
Covenants signify agreements that establish a relationship, reflecting God's promises to His people.
When God confides in us, it indicates a close relationship where we can receive His guidance and wisdom.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God in my life?
- How can I be more open to receiving God's guidance and revelation?
- What steps can I take to better understand the covenants God has made with His people?
- How can I share the knowledge I gain from God with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, noting the significance of God's support for those who fear Him and the contrast between divine and human fear.
"The Lord is the stay of them that fear Him" [Psalms 25:14]. Fear seems to belong to the weak, but the Lord is the stay of them that fear Him.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
Fear of people imparts a lack of confidence, but fear of God provides support for hope.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 25:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe secret of the Lord [is] with them that fear him,.... The secret of his purposes with them; as his purpose according to election; his resolution to redeem his chosen ones by his Son; his design to
Read John Gill on Psalms 25 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. The secret of the Lord.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 25 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe secret of the Lord; either, 1. His word and counsel, to direct and guide them in the right way, which he oft mentions here as a singular blessing, ,9,12, to show them their duty in all conditions, and the way to their eternal salvation. And so this may seem to be explained by the following words, he will show them his covenant. And this, though it was revealed, yet might be called a secret, because of the many and deep mysteries in it, and because it is said to be hid from many of them to whom it was revealed, 4:3; and it is not to be understood to any purpose without the illumination of their minds by God’ s Spirit, as is manifest from ,19, and many other places of Scripture. Or…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 25 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Ver. 14. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him] It is neither learning nor labour that can give insight into God’ s secrets, those Arcana imperii, Matthew 13:12, the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, "the mind of Christ," 1 Corinthians 2:16; these things come by revelation rather than discourse of reason, and must therefore be obtained by prayer. Those that diligently seek him shall be of his cabinet council, shall know his soul secrets, and be admitted into a gracious familiarity and friendship: John 15:15, "Hence forth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 25 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(14) Secret.—Rather, familiar intercourse (so Symmachus). The Hebrew word primarily means couch, and then the confidential talk of those sitting on it. In Jeremiah 6:11; Jeremiah 15:17, the word is rendered “assembly.” The English word board offers a direct analogy. The word divan seems to have had a history exactly the reverse. (Comp. Psalms 55:14, “sweet counsel.”) And he will shew them his covenant.—Literally, and his covenant to make them know. This is closely parallel with the preceding clause. The communion enjoyed by the pious is the highest covenant privilege.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 25 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 14. The secret of the Lord is with them] טוד sod, the secret assembly of the Lord is with them that fear him; many of them have a Church in their own house. He will show them his covenant.] He will let them see how great blessings he has provided for them that love him. Some refer this to the covenant of redemption by Christ Jesus.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 25 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges14. Mysterious spiritual blessings await him too. To those who fear Him Jehovah reveals His secret counsel. Cp. Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Matthew 11:25. For secret R.V. marg. gives alternatives counsel or friendship, ideas included in the word, which denotes the confidential intercourse of intimate fellowship. For examples see Genesis 18:17; Amos 3:7. and he will shew them] Lit. make them to know (as in Psalms 25:4), to experience, in ever fuller and deeper measure, the meaning and blessedness of His covenant. We may also render, and his covenant is to give them knowledge.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 25 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe secret of the Lord - On the word here rendered “secret,” see the notes at Job 15:8.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 25 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.
The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
The Lord’s loyal followers receive his guidance, and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.
Tyndale line
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
The secrete of the Lord is reueiled to them, that feare him: and his couenant to giue them vnderstanding.
Strictly literal
The secret of Jehovah is with them that fear him, that he may make known his covenant to them.
The secret of Jehovah [is] for those fearing Him, And His covenant — to cause them to know.
The secret of YHWH [is] for those fearing Him, || And His covenant—to cause them to know.
The secret counsel of the Lord is for those that fear him, and his covenant—to make it known to them.
The friendship of Yahweh is for those who honor him, and he makes his covenant known to them.
Simplified
The Lord is friends with those who respect him, explaining to them his agreement.
The secret of the Lord is with those in whose hearts is the fear of him; he will make his agreement clear to them.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of סוֹד יְ֭הוָה לִירֵאָ֑יו וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃, confirming the intimate nature of God's communication with those who fear Him.
ס֣וֹד יְ֭הוָה לִירֵאָ֑יו וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 25:14
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
סוֹד (sod) refers to a council or assembly, often implying intimacy and close deliberation among its members. It encompasses meanings such as secret counsel and familiar conversation, particularly in the context of discussions among friends or with God. The term is derived from a root meaning 'to consult' and highlights the importance of shared deliberation.
סוֹד n.[m.] council, counsel
base
H5475 סוֹד council, counsel
5475 cowd sode
from 3245; a session, i.e. company of persons (in close
deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a
secret:--assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel).
see HEBREW for 03245
סוֹד (sod) — counsel.
1) council, counsel, assembly
1a) council (of familiar conversation)
1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends)
1a2) assembly, company
1b) counsel
1b1) counsel (itself)
1b2) secret counsel
1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
יָרֵא (yare') is an adjective and verb derived from the root יָרֵא (H3372), meaning 'to fear.' It encompasses meanings such as 'afraid' and 'reverent.' The entries indicate a moral aspect to fear, suggesting a sense of reverence alongside being fearful.
יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [j.df.aa] Pt.
base
H3373 יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [3372] Pt.
3373 yare' yaw-ray'
from 3372; fearing; morally, reverent:--afraid, fear (-ful).
see HEBREW for 03372
יָרֵא (ya.re) — afraid.
fearing, reverent, afraid
Prep | Adj | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Aampc/Sp3ms
בְּרִית (berith) means 'covenant' and encompasses agreements between individuals, such as treaties and alliances, as well as divine covenants between God and humanity. It is derived from a root meaning 'to cut,' suggesting the seriousness of such agreements. The term appears in various contexts, including friendships, marriages, and formal ordinances.
בְּרִית 285 n.f. covenant
between men.
treaty, alliance, league
constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects
agreement, pledge
alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan
alliance of marriage
between God and man.
alliance of friendship
covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges
Phrases.
covenant making
covenant keeping
covenant violation
base
H1285 בְּרִית covenant . between men. . treaty, alliance, league
. constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects
. agreement, pledge
. alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan
. alliance of marriage
. between God and man. . alliance of friendship
. covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges
. Phrases. . covenant making
. covenant keeping
. covenant violation
1285 briyth ber-eeth'
from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact
(because made by passing between pieces of
flesh):--confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.
see HEBREW for 01262
see HEBREW for 01254
בְּרִית (be.rit) — covenant.
1) covenant, alliance, pledge
1a) between men
1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man)
1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)
1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man)
1a4) alliance (of friendship)
1a5) alliance (of marriage)
1b) between God and man
1b1) alliance (of friendship)
1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges)
2) (phrases)
2a) covenant making
2b) covenant keeping
2c) covenant violation
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp3ms
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to)
discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel,
can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause
to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have
(knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vhcc/Sp3mp