Psalms 25:21 — Word Study
WLCתֹּם־ וָיֹ֥שֶׁר יִצְּר֑וּנִי כִּ֝֗י קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ יְהוָה
BSAMay integritytôm [moral purity, completeness] and uprightnessyôsher [doing what is right, moral straightness] preserve menâtsar▸ becausekîy I wait for Youqâvâh■ [trust, have hope, the one I trust, my confidence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| תֹּם־ | integrity | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וָיֹ֥שֶׁר | and uprightness | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| יִצְּר֑וּנִי | may they preserve me | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| כִּ֝֗י | for | Particle |
| קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ | I have waited for you | Verb piel perfect first person common singular, suffix |
| יְהוָה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You. |
| KJV | Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. |
| ASV | Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for thee. |
| YLT | Integrity and uprightness do keep me, For I have waited [on] Thee. |
| WEB | Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. |
| BBE | For my clean and upright ways keep me safe, because my hope is in you. |
Where they part company is יִצְּר֑וּנִי — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause expressing a wish and a subordinate clause explaining the reason for that wish.







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 25:21
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 — A Prayer for Guidance and Protectiongenerated
Psalm 25:21 is part of a larger prayer where the psalmist expresses a deep reliance on Yahweh for protection and guidance. The verses surrounding this one highlight the psalmist's struggles with enemies and a desire for deliverance, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity in the face of adversity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 7:8 | The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. |
| 2 | Psalm 18:20–24 | The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. |
| 3 | Psalm 26:1–11 | Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. |
| 4 | Psalm 41:12 | In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 24:11–13 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תֹּם, tom-generated
The word תֹּם (tom) refers to completeness or integrity, indicating a state of moral purity and innocence. It is often associated with individuals who embody simplicity and wholeness, living in accordance with God's standards.
In this verse, it signifies the psalmist's plea for preservation through a life characterized by integrity. The parsing as a masculine singular noun indicates it is a central quality of the psalmist's character, essential for his relationship with Yahweh.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יִצְּר֑וּ governs the main clause, with two noun phrases — תֹּם־ and וָיֹ֥שֶׁר — serving as the subjects. The structure highlights the psalmist's reliance on these qualities for divine preservation.
The order emphasizes the qualities of integrity and uprightness as foundational to the psalmist's request, showcasing the importance of moral character in seeking Yahweh's protection.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, תֹּם is rendered as ἄκακοι (akakoi), meaning 'innocent' or 'blameless'. This choice highlights the moral purity aspect of the Hebrew term, suggesting a focus on the ethical dimension of integrity.
The translation of וָיֹ֥שֶׁר as εὐθεῖς (eutheis) emphasizes moral straightness, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning while also reflecting the Greek understanding of uprightness.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 25:21 expresses a plea for preservation through integrity and uprightness, as the psalmist waits for Yahweh. This verse highlights the importance of being morally pure and straight in one’s actions, trusting in God for protection and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Integrity refers to moral purity and completeness, indicating a person's innocence and adherence to ethical standards.
Uprightness signifies doing what is right and fair, essential for living in accordance with God's will.
Waiting for Yahweh involves trusting and hoping in Him for guidance and deliverance.
The psalmist believes that living with integrity and uprightness will lead to divine protection and preservation from harm.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life can I strive for greater integrity and uprightness?
- How can waiting on Yahweh change my perspective during difficult times?
- What examples of integrity and uprightness can I find in my community?
- How does my understanding of God's character influence my desire to live with integrity?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators refer to this verse to emphasize the relationship between integrity and divine protection, illustrating how the psalmist's character aligns with his trust in God.
Placing my hope in you, I took pains to be such a person that innocent people might associate with me and take pleasure in my company.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
"The innocent and the upright have cleaved to me, for I have waited for You, O Lord" [Psalms 25:21].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
The church says that the innocent and upright have clung to the church, because it waited for the Lord; it would not have been able to love such people, if the church itself were not appearing to take such strength for granted.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 25:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleLet integrity and uprightness preserve me,.... Meaning either his own, as in Psalms 7:8; and then the sense is, either that God would preserve him, seeing he had acted the faithful and upright part
Read John Gill on Psalms 25 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryLet integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 25 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThough I have greatly offended thee, yet remember that I have dealt honestly and sincerely with mine enemies, whilst they have dealt falsely and injuriously with me; and therefore judge between them and me, and deal with me according to the righteousness of my cause, and carriage towards them.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 25 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.Ver. 21. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me] Integrity of conscience and uprightness of conversation. For I wait on thee] viz. For the accomplishment of thy promise, That with the upright thou wilt show thyself upright, Psalms 18:25.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 25 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 21. Let integrity and uprightness] I wish to have a perfect heart, and an upright life. This seems to be the meaning of these two words.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 25 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges21. Let integrity and uprightness guard me. May single-hearted devotion to God and honourable behaviour to men be as it were guardian angels at my side (Psalms 61:7). He prays thus, not on the ground of his own merits, but in virtue of his patient dependence on God. Cp. Psalms 40:11. ‘Integrity’ is the virtue of the ‘perfect’ man. See Psalms 15:2; Psalms 18:23; cp. Psalms 7:8. Job was “perfect and upright” (Psalms 2:3). Cp. Psalms 37:37.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 25 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleLet integrity and uprightness preserve me - The word here rendered “integrity” means properly “perfection.” See it explained in the notes at Job 1:1.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 25 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible15-21. The psalmist returns to agonizing prayer, mingled with confession of sin, a special reference to the cruel hatred and violence of his enemies, the depth of his distress, and his sole reliance
Read Daniel Denison Whedon 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
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You.
May integrity and godliness protect me, for I rely on you!
Tyndale line
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for thee.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on thee.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Let mine vprightnes and equitie preserue me: for mine hope is in thee.
Strictly literal
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Integrity and uprightness do keep me, For I have waited [on] Thee.
Integrity and uprightness keep me, || For I have waited [on] You.
Let integrity and uprightness guard me; for I wait on thee.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I hope in you.
Simplified
May integrity and honesty defend me because I place my confidence in you.
For my clean and upright ways keep me safe, because my hope is in you.
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 of Psalms 25:21 reads, "תֹּם־ וָיֹ֥שֶׁר יִצְּר֑וּנִי כִּ֝֗י קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ יְהוָה," which translates to, "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You." The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation here, aligns closely with the Masoretic Text in terms of five out of six words, indicating a strong agreement between the two. However, the Septuagint's word order and articles differ from the original Hebrew, reflecting its unique syntactical structure. There are no significant differences in meaning noted between these witnesses for this verse.
תֹּם־ וָיֹ֥שֶׁר יִצְּר֑וּנִי כִּ֝֗י קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ יְהוָה
5 of the 6 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 25:21
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.
תֹּם (tom) refers to completeness or integrity, encompassing notions of fullness, innocence, and simplicity. It is derived from a root meaning to be complete or perfect. The word appears in contexts related to moral uprightness and wholeness, though the specific verses are not detailed in the entries.
תֹּם n.[m.] completeness, integrity
completeness, fulness
innocence, simplicity
integrity
תֻּמִּים
base
H8537 תֹּם completeness, integrity
8537 tom tome
from 8552; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually
(morally) innocence:--full, integrity, perfect(-ion),
simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See 8550.
see HEBREW for 08552
see HEBREW for 08550
תֹּם (tom) — integrity.
1) integrity, completeness
1a) completeness, fulness
1b) innocence, simplicity
1c) integrity
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
in-teg'-ri-ti (tom, tummah): The translation of tom, "simplicity," "soundness," "completeness," rendered also "upright," "perfection." Its original sense appears in the phrase letom (1Ki 22:34; 2Ch 18:33), "A certain man drew his bow at a venture" margin "Hebrew, in his simplicity" (compare 2Sa 15:11, "in their simplicity"). It is translated "integrity" (Ge 20:5,6; 1Ki 9:4; Ps 7:8; 25:21; 26:1,11; 41:12; 78:72; Pr 19:1; 20:7), in all which places it seems to carry the meaning of simplicity, or sincerity of heart…
→ General scriptures concerning Ge 18:19; Ex 18:21; De 16:19,20; 2Sa 22:21; Job 10:7; 13:15,18; 16:17; 27:4-6; 29:14; 31:1-40; Ps 7:3-5,8; 15:1-5; 17:3; 18:20; 24:3-5; 26:1-3; 69:4; 73:2-22; 119:121; Pr 1:3; 2:2,5,9; 3:3,4; 4:25-27; 10:9; 11:3,5; 12:22; 14:30; 15:21; 16:11; 19:1; 20:7; 21:3,15; 22:11; 28:6,20; Isa 26:7; 33:15,16; 56:1; Jer 7:5,7; Eze…
The Hebrew word יֹ֫שֶׁר (*yosher*) refers to concepts of straightness and uprightness, encompassing moral implications of rightness and what is due. It is derived from a root meaning to be straight. The entries consistently highlight its application to both physical paths and ethical conduct.
יֹ֫שֶׁר n.m. straightness, uprightness
straightness, evenness, of paths
rightness, uprightness
what is due, right
base
H3476 יֹ֫שֶׁר straightness, uprightness . straightness, evenness, of paths
. rightness, uprightness
. what is due, right
3476 yosher yo'-sher
from 3474; the right:--equity, meet, right, upright(-ness).
see HEBREW for 03474
יֹ֫שֶׁר (yo.sher) — uprightness.
1) straightness, uprightness
1a) straightness, evenness (moral implications)
1b) rightness, uprightness
1c) what is right, what is due
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
→ See RIGHTEOUSNESS
נָצַר (natsar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to watch, guard, or keep. It encompasses a range of actions including protecting, preserving, and observing, as well as concealing or keeping secret. The entries suggest both positive and negative connotations, such as guarding from danger or hiding something. The term can also refer to a watchman.
[נָצַר] vb. watch, guard, keep;—Qal
Watch, guard, keep
Guard from dangers, preserve
Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
Guard, keep secret
Keep close, blockaded
base
H5341 נָצַר watch, guard, keep . Watch, guard, keep
. Guard from dangers, preserve
. Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
. Guard, keep secret
. Keep close, blockaded
5341 natsar naw-tsar'
a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect,
maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):--
besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe,
preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).
נָצַר (na.tsar) — to watch.
1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to watch, guard, keep
1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers
1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity
1a4) to guard, keep secret
1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded
1a6) watchman (participle)
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHVqi3mp/Sp1bs
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
קָוָה (qavah) is a Hebrew verb that encompasses the meanings of waiting, expecting, and collecting. It can refer to eagerly waiting or lying in wait, as well as the act of gathering together. The word appears in different forms, including Qal and Piel, indicating various nuances of waiting and collecting.
[קָוָה] vb. wait for
Qal those waiting for
Pi.
wait, or look eagerly, for
lie in wait for
wait (linger) for
base
[קָוָה] vb. collect;—Niph. be collected
base
H6960a קָוָה wait for . wait, or look eagerly, for
. lie in wait for
. wait (linger) for
H6960b קָוָה collect;—Niph. be collected
6960 qavah kaw-vaw'
a primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting),
i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect:--gather (together),
look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).
קָוָה (qa.vah) — to await.
1) to wait, look for, hope, expect
1a) (Qal) waiting (participle)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to wait or look eagerly for
1b2) to lie in wait for
1b3) to wait for, linger for
קָוָה (qa.vah) — to collect.
1) to collect, bind together
1a) (Niphal) to be collected
V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff — Verb piel perfect first person common singular · suffixHVpp1cs/Sp2ms
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)
HNpt — Noun properHNpt
