Psalms 1:6

KJV

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} knoweth {H3045} the way {H1870} of the righteous {H6662}: but the way {H1870} of the ungodly {H7563} shall perish {H6}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 1:6 serves as the definitive concluding statement to Psalm 1, powerfully articulating the distinct and ultimate destinies of humanity, divided into two fundamental categories: the righteous and the ungodly. It declares God's profound, intimate knowledge and active approval of those who align their lives with His divine will, simultaneously pronouncing the inevitable and complete ruin that awaits those who choose a path in opposition to Him. This verse encapsulates the psalm's central theme of divine justice and the ultimate consequences of one's chosen way of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 1:6 functions as the climactic summation of the entire psalm, which meticulously constructs a stark dichotomy between two ways of life and their respective outcomes. The psalm opens by defining the blessedness of the righteous individual, one who "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly" but instead "delighteth in the law of the LORD" ([Psalms 1:1-2](/psalms/1-1 "Psalms 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man")). This righteous person is then vividly compared to a "tree planted by the rivers of water," yielding fruit and prospering ([Psalms 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalms 1:3 - The Prosperous Righteous")). In stark contrast, the ungodly are depicted as "not so," but rather like "chaff which the wind driveth away" ([Psalms 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalms 1:4 - The Ungodly as Chaff")). The psalm then explicitly states that "the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous" ([Psalms 1:5](/psalms/1-5 "Psalms 1:5 - The Ungodly in Judgment")). Thus, verse 6 provides the theological underpinning and final pronouncement for this entire contrast, explaining *why* the righteous endure and the ungodly perish—because of God's discerning knowledge and ultimate judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 1 does not refer to specific historical events or figures, it reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which often presented life as a choice between two paths: wisdom leading to life and folly leading to destruction. This worldview was deeply embedded in Israelite thought, as seen in books like Proverbs. The concept of "way" (Hebrew: _derekh_) was a pervasive metaphor in the ancient world, signifying one's course of life, conduct, and destiny. For the Israelites, this "way" was intrinsically linked to covenant faithfulness and obedience to God's Torah. The "righteous" (Hebrew: _tsaddiqim_) were those who lived in conformity with God's revealed will, while the "ungodly" (Hebrew: _resha'im_) were those who disregarded or actively opposed it. The psalm's stark contrast would have resonated deeply within a society that understood divine justice as an active force in history, bringing consequences for both adherence to and deviation from God's commands.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 1:6 encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God's active involvement ensures that each individual's chosen "way" ultimately leads to a fitting outcome. This is not merely a natural consequence but a direct result of God's knowledge and judgment. Another significant theme is the **Dichotomy of Humanity**, presenting a clear and unavoidable separation between those who live in alignment with God and those who do not. There is no middle ground; every person walks one of these two paths, leading either to blessing and endurance or to ruin. This echoes the teaching found in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life") to "choose life." Finally, the verse highlights **God's Omniscience and Intimate Involvement**, particularly in the phrase "the LORD knoweth." This "knowing" is not passive awareness but active recognition, approval, and oversight, signifying God's covenantal faithfulness to the righteous and His decisive opposition to the ungodly. This deep knowledge is foundational to God's ability to execute perfect justice, as seen in [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yada'_):** This verb signifies far more than intellectual acquaintance. In biblical usage, _yada'_ often denotes a deep, intimate, personal, and relational knowledge, implying experience, recognition, and even approval or care. When applied to God, it means He intimately understands, approves of, watches over, and is actively involved with the "way" of the righteous. It suggests a covenantal relationship, where God's knowledge is a protective and affirming presence, in contrast to the declaration "I never knew you" found in [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You").
* **Way (Hebrew, _derekh_):** This term is a rich metaphor for one's entire course of life, including one's conduct, moral character, decisions, and ultimate destiny. It encompasses the sum total of one's actions and the direction of one's life. The "way of the righteous" refers to a life lived in accordance with God's commands and wisdom, while the "way of the ungodly" describes a life characterized by rebellion against or disregard for divine principles. This concept of "way" is central to wisdom literature and is often contrasted with other paths, as seen in [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked").
* **Perish (Hebrew, _'avad_):** This verb conveys the sense of being lost, ruined, destroyed, or coming to naught. It implies utter failure, disintegration, and a complete end to the existence or efficacy of something. For the "way of the ungodly," it means their path, despite any temporary appearance of success, leads to ultimate collapse, futility, and spiritual destruction. It is not merely a temporary setback but a definitive and irreversible demise, contrasting sharply with the enduring, flourishing "way" of the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:"** This clause establishes the foundation for the distinct destinies. The divine "knowing" is not passive observation but active, intimate recognition and approval. The "way of the righteous" refers to the life path, character, and conduct of those who are in right standing with God, who delight in His law and walk according to His counsel. The LORD's knowledge implies His care, protection, and affirmation of this path, ensuring its ultimate security and success.
* **"but the way of the ungodly shall perish."** This second clause presents the stark antithesis. In direct contrast to the enduring, divinely known path of the righteous, the "way of the ungodly"—their life's course marked by rebellion, self-reliance, and disregard for God's wisdom—is destined for complete ruin. "Perish" signifies not just a temporary failure but a definitive, irreversible destruction or coming to naught, highlighting the ultimate futility and negative consequences of a life lived apart from God's design.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 1:6 is a masterclass in concise yet profound communication, primarily employing **Antithetical Parallelism**. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements in parallel structure to highlight their opposing natures and outcomes. Here, "the way of the righteous" is directly contrasted with "the way of the ungodly," and their respective fates ("the LORD knoweth" vs. "shall perish") are set in opposition. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the absolute distinction between the two life paths. The psalm also utilizes **Metaphor** extensively, particularly with the concept of "way" (_derekh_) to represent one's entire life course, moral trajectory, and ultimate destiny. The "way" is not a literal road but a symbolic representation of a chosen lifestyle and its inherent consequences. This metaphorical language allows for a vivid and relatable depiction of abstract spiritual realities. Finally, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, bringing the entire argument of Psalm 1 to a conclusive and definitive close, leaving the reader with an unambiguous understanding of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 1:6 encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: God is not a passive observer of human choices but actively engages with and judges the paths people choose. His intimate knowledge of the righteous signifies His covenantal faithfulness, His approval, and His commitment to their flourishing and ultimate vindication. Conversely, the perishing of the ungodly's way underscores God's justice, demonstrating that rebellion against His order leads to inevitable ruin and futility. This verse establishes a clear moral universe where actions have divine consequences, and ultimate destiny is determined by one's relationship with God, whether one walks in His light or in darkness. It affirms God's sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and judging wickedness.

* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")
* [2 Peter 2:9](/2_peter/2-9 "2 Peter 2:9 - The Lord Knows How to Deliver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 1:6 offers both profound comfort and a sobering warning, compelling us to examine the "way" we are walking. For those who earnestly seek to follow God, it is an assurance that their efforts, their struggles, and their faithfulness are not unseen or unappreciated. The Lord intimately "knows" their path, implying His approval, His guiding hand, and His ultimate vindication. This knowledge provides immense security and encouragement, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is secure in His care, regardless of present difficulties. For those who may be drifting, or actively living in opposition to God's revealed will, the verse serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences. The "way of the ungodly" may seem appealing or prosperous for a season, but it is ultimately a path to ruin, futility, and spiritual death. This calls for deep introspection: Which "way" am I truly on? Am I delighting in God's law, or am I swayed by the counsel of the ungodly? The verse challenges us to align our lives, our values, and our decisions with God's truth, knowing that only His way leads to true and lasting life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways does "the LORD knoweth" the way of the righteous impact your daily walk and sense of security?**
* **What are some subtle or overt ways the "way of the ungodly" might manifest in contemporary society, and how can one guard against its allure?**
* **How does the certainty of the ungodly's perishing motivate you to live more faithfully or to share the Gospel with others?**
* **Considering the two paths, what specific areas of your life might need to be re-evaluated to ensure you are truly on the "way of the righteous"?**

### FAQ

**What does "the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies far more than mere intellectual awareness. The Hebrew word for "knoweth" (_yada'_) implies a deep, intimate, personal, and relational knowledge. When God "knows" the way of the righteous, it means He intimately understands, approves of, watches over, and is actively involved with their life's path. It speaks of His covenantal relationship, His protective care, and His affirming presence. This divine knowledge is a source of security and blessing, indicating that the righteous are under His constant, benevolent oversight, as opposed to a casual acquaintance.

**What is meant by "the way of the ungodly shall perish"?**

Answer: "The way of the ungodly" refers to the entire life course, conduct, and moral trajectory of those who disregard or actively oppose God's will. "Shall perish" (from the Hebrew _'avad_) means to be lost, ruined, destroyed, or come to naught. It signifies the ultimate futility and definitive destruction of their chosen path. While the ungodly may experience temporary success or prosperity, their way ultimately leads to spiritual, existential, and often physical demise. It is a declaration of divine justice, ensuring that a life lived apart from God's wisdom will not endure, but will ultimately collapse and be brought to nothing. This contrasts sharply with the enduring and flourishing path of the righteous, as described in [Psalms 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalms 1:3 - The Prosperous Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 1:6, while rooted in Old Testament wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Righteous One," whose "way" was perfectly known and approved by the Father. From His baptism, where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism")), to His perfect obedience even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")), Jesus embodied the "way of the righteous" in its absolute purity. He is not just one who *walks* the righteous way, but He *is* "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers humanity the opportunity to abandon the perishing "way of the ungodly" and enter into His eternal "way of righteousness." Those who believe in Him are declared righteous not by their own merit, but by His imputed righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), and are then empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life, a path that is "known" and secured by God. Conversely, Jesus, as the ultimate judge, will ultimately declare to those who persist in the "way of the ungodly," "I never knew you" ([Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You")), confirming the perishing of their path in the final judgment ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Thus, Psalms 1:6 points forward to Christ as the only secure "Way" and the ultimate arbiter of human destiny.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Proverbs 15:9

¶ The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Psalms 37:18

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Psalms 146:9

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.