Psalms 25:14

KJV

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

The secret {H5475} of the LORD {H3068} is with them that fear {H3373} him; and he will shew {H3045} them his covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI relates intimately with those who fear him; he makes them know his covenant.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.

American Standard Version

The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:14 profoundly articulates a foundational principle of divine relationship: a deep, confidential communion with the Lord, encompassing His intimate counsel and the unveiling of His covenant, is graciously extended to those who hold Him in reverent awe. This verse highlights the privilege of spiritual insight and understanding granted to those who cultivate a posture of humble obedience and worshipful fear before their Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a masterful acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses) typically beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a heartfelt prayer of David, characterized by a poignant blend of petition, confession, and trust. Throughout the psalm, David cries out for divine guidance in his path [Psalms 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4 "Psalms 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance"), forgiveness for his sins [Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalms 25:7 - David's Plea for Forgiveness"), and deliverance from his adversaries [Psalms 25:20](/psalms/25-20 "Psalms 25:20 - David's Prayer for Deliverance"). Within this tapestry of supplication and dependence, verse 14 emerges as a beacon of assurance, shifting from David's personal plea to a declarative statement about God's intimate relationship with the righteous. It serves as a theological anchor, reinforcing the truth that God is not only a deliverer but also a revealer, especially to those who honor Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of a "secret" (sôd) often referred to the confidential counsel of a king or the intimate discussions within a trusted circle. For God to share His "secret" with humanity implied an extraordinary level of intimacy and trust, akin to a monarch inviting a favored subject into his private council. The "fear of the LORD" (yir'ah) was not a cowering dread but a profound reverence, respect, and awe for God's holiness, power, and authority, leading to obedience. This concept was central to Israelite wisdom literature, where it was consistently presented as the [beginning of wisdom and knowledge](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). The "covenant" refers to the established agreements God made with His people, particularly the Mosaic Covenant, which outlined the terms of their relationship, including blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Understanding this covenant was crucial for Israel's identity and destiny.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Intimacy and Revelation** is paramount, as "the secret of the LORD" points to a confidential, profound knowledge or counsel that God shares. It signifies a relationship of deep trust, where God reveals His character, purposes, and ways to those He draws close. This is not about Gnostic mysteries but a deeper spiritual discernment. Secondly, the theme of **The Prerequisite of Reverent Fear** is highlighted by the condition "with them that fear him." This "fear" is not terror but a humble, worshipful reverence for God's majesty and a desire to obey His commands, which is consistently presented in Scripture as the [foundation for true wisdom](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). Finally, **God's Covenant Revealed** underscores that to those who fear Him, the Lord "will shew them his covenant." This implies a deeper comprehension of God's faithfulness, His unchanging promises, and the responsibilities inherent in His relationship with His people, culminating in the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promised") established through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Secret (Hebrew, _sôd'_):** This word carries rich connotations beyond mere hidden information. It can mean "council," "intimate circle," "confidential talk," or "private counsel." In this context, it suggests a profound level of intimacy and trust, as if God invites those who fear Him into His inner circle, sharing His thoughts, plans, and the deeper realities of His being. It's about participation in divine counsel, not just receiving information.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yir'ah'_):** This is not a servile dread or terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. It encompasses a humble submission to His will, a desire to honor Him, and a recognition of His supreme authority. This reverential fear is the foundational attitude that opens the heart to receive divine wisdom and revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him":** This clause establishes the exclusive nature of this divine intimacy. The "secret" (sôd) refers to God's intimate counsel, His confidential plans, or the deeper understanding of His character and ways. It is not universally disclosed but is specifically reserved for those who possess "fear of the LORD"—a deep, reverential awe that leads to obedience and worship. This implies a reciprocal relationship: as humans humble themselves before God, He draws them into a deeper, more personal communion.
* **"and he will shew them his covenant":** This second clause specifies what God reveals through this intimate relationship. To "shew" (Hebrew, yādaʿ, "to know, make known, teach") implies not just a cognitive understanding but an experiential revelation. The "covenant" refers to God's established promises and the terms of His relationship with humanity, particularly His chosen people. For those who fear Him, God grants a profound, living understanding of His faithfulness, His redemptive purposes, and the blessings and responsibilities inherent in His unchanging bond with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 25:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where God is depicted as a being who has "secrets" and shares "confidential counsel" with His trusted companions. This humanizes the divine relationship, making it relatable and emphasizing the intimacy God desires with His people. There is also an element of **Metaphor**, where the "secret" and the "covenant" are presented as tangible things that can be "shown" or revealed, implying a veil being lifted from spiritual truths. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Conditional Promise**, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship: the condition of "fearing Him" leads directly to the promised outcome of receiving His "secret" and understanding His "covenant." This structure underscores the active role of human responsiveness in experiencing divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound statement on the nature of divine revelation and human receptivity. It teaches that true spiritual understanding is not merely intellectual but relational, predicated on a heart posture of reverent awe and obedience. God, in His sovereignty, chooses to reveal His deeper truths and the intricacies of His covenant to those who honor Him, fostering an intimacy that transcends mere knowledge. This "secret" is not an esoteric mystery for an elite few, but the profound, experiential knowledge of God's character and purposes available to all who genuinely humble themselves before Him and seek to walk in His ways. It speaks to God's desire for a deep, personal fellowship with His creation.

* [Proverbs 3:32](/proverbs/3-32 "Proverbs 3:32 - The Lord's Counsel for the Upright")
* [John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 25:14 serves as a powerful invitation and a profound assurance for believers today. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not meant to be distant or superficial, but one of deep intimacy and shared confidences. The "secret" God desires to share is not some hidden knowledge to be deciphered, but a deeper understanding of His heart, His purposes, and the steadfastness of His covenant faithfulness. To access this, the verse calls us to cultivate a genuine "fear of the LORD"—a humble, worshipful reverence that shapes our obedience and trust. In a world often seeking quick answers and superficial connections, this verse challenges us to slow down, to prioritize a posture of awe before God, and to diligently seek Him in His Word and prayer. As we do, we position ourselves not only to understand His covenant intellectually but to experientially know Him and His ways in a transforming manner. This intimacy empowers us to live more fully in alignment with His will and to walk in the light of His revealed truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the LORD" truly look like in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what areas of my life do I sense a need for deeper insight into God's character or His covenant promises?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a more intimate relationship with God, allowing Him to "shew" me His "secret" and His "covenant"?**
* **Am I truly seeking God's counsel and understanding His ways, or am I relying on my own wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is "the secret of the LORD" mentioned in this verse? Is it something hidden or exclusive?**

Answer: "The secret of the LORD" (Hebrew, _sôd_) does not refer to a hidden, esoteric knowledge reserved for a select few in a Gnostic sense. Rather, it signifies God's intimate counsel, His confidential plans, and a profound, experiential understanding of His character, purposes, and ways. It's the kind of deep communion and shared confidence that exists between close friends or trusted advisors. While it is not universally revealed, it is available to all who meet the condition of "fearing Him." This "secret" is the privilege of intimacy with God, where He unveils the depths of His heart and the wisdom of His plans to those who humbly and reverently seek Him. It's a spiritual discernment that comes through relationship, not through intellectual prowess alone. Passages like [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants") and [Proverbs 3:32](/proverbs/3-32 "Proverbs 3:32 - The Lord's Counsel for the Upright") further illustrate this concept of divine revelation to those in right relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "secret" and the ultimate revelation of His "covenant." While the Old Testament hinted at God's intimate counsel and the terms of His relationship, it is in Christ that God's heart and plan are fully unveiled. Jesus, as the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the one [who has made God known](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but the Son has made Him known"), revealing the Father's character, will, and redemptive purpose with unparalleled clarity. He is the [mediator of a better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), the New Covenant, established not on external laws but on His shed blood and the indwelling Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus Himself declared that He no longer calls His disciples servants but [friends, because He has made known to them all that He heard from His Father](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends"), directly echoing the intimacy implied by God sharing His "secret." For those who "fear" the Lord—which, in the New Covenant, translates to a reverent faith and love for Christ—the Holy Spirit is given, who [searches everything, even the deep things of God](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Searches All Things"), granting believers profound insight into the "secret" of God's wisdom, which is [Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"). Thus, through Christ, the "secret" of God's redemptive plan is fully disclosed, and His covenant is eternally secured for all who believe.

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

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,