Psalms 85:13

Translation
King James Version
Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Righteousness H6664 shall go H1980 H8762 before H6440 him; and shall set H7760 H8799 us in the way H1870 of his steps H6471.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Justice will walk before him and make his footsteps a path.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.
Ask
American Standard Version
Righteousness shall go before him, And shall make his footsteps a way to walk in.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Righteousness goes before him, And prepares the way for his steps.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Righteousnesse shall go before him, and shall set her steps in the way.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Righteousness before Him goeth, And maketh His footsteps for a way!
Ask
See also
Psalms 89:14John 13:341 Peter 4:11 John 2:6Isaiah 58:8Galatians 2:202 Corinthians 3:18
In the KJVVerse 15,285 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 85:13 culminates a fervent prayer for national restoration and revival, painting a vivid picture of God's inherent righteousness actively preceding Him, preparing the path and ensuring His people are firmly established in the very footsteps of His divine will and character. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's profound hope that God's faithful and just nature will not only lead the way but also empower His people to walk in alignment with His holy standards, thereby ushering in true spiritual and communal flourishing.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 85 is a communal lament and prayer for restoration, structured in three distinct movements. It opens with a grateful recollection of God's past favor, specifically the end of the Babylonian exile and the return to the promised land, acknowledging His forgiveness and turning away from wrath (Psalms 85:1-3). This is followed by an earnest plea for renewed divine favor and revival, as the community grapples with present distress and seeks an end to God's lingering displeasure over their sins (Psalms 85:4-7). The psalm then shifts to an anticipation of God's gracious response, culminating in a beautiful depiction of divine attributes meeting in harmony: "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalms 85:10). Verse 13 serves as the powerful conclusion to this prophetic vision, emphasizing that the manifestation of God's righteousness is the very means by which His people will be guided and established in His ways, leading to the promised blessing and fruitfulness mentioned in the preceding verses, where "truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven" (Psalms 85:11-12).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The psalm likely originates from the post-exilic period, after a remnant of Israel had returned from the Babylonian captivity. While the physical return had occurred, the people faced significant challenges: a ruined land, persistent opposition from surrounding nations, and a lingering sense of God's displeasure due to past sins and ongoing spiritual apathy. The "captivity" mentioned in Psalms 85:1 refers to this historical exile. In this context, "righteousness" (Hebrew: tzedeq) was not merely an abstract moral quality but deeply tied to God's covenant faithfulness, His just governance of His people, and His actions to uphold His promises. The community longed for a full spiritual and national restoration, not just a physical one. They sought for God to act righteously on their behalf, fulfilling His promises and re-establishing their proper relationship with Him, which would in turn enable them to live righteously within the covenant.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 85 and the broader Psalter. The primary theme is Divine Righteousness as an active, guiding force. It's not merely an attribute of God, but a dynamic principle that goes before Him, ensuring the integrity and justice of His actions and plans. Closely related is the theme of God's Perfect Leading and Guidance, where His character guarantees that the path He lays out for His people is impeccable and ultimately beneficial. This leads to the theme of Human Response and Obedience, as the verse implies that as God's righteousness leads, His people are enabled to "walk in the way of his steps," aligning their lives with His will and example. Finally, in the context of the entire psalm, this verse speaks to Restoration and Blessing, indicating that true communal and individual flourishing is inextricably linked to the manifestation of God's righteousness and His people's adherence to His ways, echoing the promises of blessings for obedience found throughout the Torah, such as in Deuteronomy 28.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Righteousness (Hebrew, tsedeq', H6664): This multifaceted Hebrew term encompasses more than mere moral rectitude. It denotes justice, conformity to a divine standard, faithfulness to a covenant, and the right order of things. When attributed to God, tzedeq refers to His inherent character as just and fair, His fidelity to His promises, and His actions that uphold His divine order. Here, it is personified as an active agent, preceding God, signifying His unswerving commitment to what is right and true.
  • Go (Hebrew, hâlak', H1980): A primitive root meaning "to walk," used in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In this context, combined with "before him" (Hebrew, pânîym' H6440), it signifies acting as a vanguard, preparing the way, or leading. It implies that God's righteousness is not a static quality but a dynamic force that takes the initiative, ensuring that all subsequent actions and paths are in perfect alignment with His just and faithful nature. It is the very foundation and direction of God's movement.
  • Way (Hebrew, derek', H1870): From a root meaning "to tread," this noun signifies a road, path, or course. Figuratively, it represents a course of life, a mode of action, or a manner of conduct. In the phrase "way of his steps," derek emphasizes the specific, defined path that God Himself walks and desires His people to follow, implying a pattern of life and conduct consistent with His character.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Righteousness shall go before him;": This clause establishes God's righteousness as the primary, active agent. It is not merely that God is righteous and then acts, but that His righteousness itself leads the way, taking the initiative in all His dealings. This means that every action, every plan, and every path God takes is fundamentally grounded in His perfect justice, faithfulness, and moral integrity. It assures the worshiper that God's future dealings will be entirely just and true, preparing the ground for His subsequent actions.
  • "and shall set [us] in the way of his steps.": This second clause describes the direct, divinely enabled consequence of God's righteousness going before Him. Because His righteousness leads, it then establishes or places His people firmly on the path that He Himself walks. The verb "set" (Hebrew, sûwm' H7760) means to place, appoint, or establish. This is a profound promise of divine guidance and enablement. It implies that following God is not a blind walk but a journey along a clearly defined path, made accessible and navigable by His leading righteousness, allowing believers to imitate His character and obey His will. The "us" (implied, as indicated by the KJV brackets) highlights the communal and personal impact of this divine leading.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Personification is prominently featured as "Righteousness" is given the active capacity to "go before him" and "set [us] in the way of his steps." This imbues an abstract divine attribute with agency, making its role in guiding God's actions and His people more tangible and dynamic. The phrase "way of his steps" functions as a potent metaphor, representing God's moral conduct, His divine will, and the path of obedience He desires for His people. It vividly portrays the idea of following closely in God's exact trajectory, implying imitation and adherence. Furthermore, there is a clear cause-and-effect parallelism between the two clauses: because righteousness goes before God, it consequently enables His people to walk in His ways. This structure emphasizes the divine initiative in guidance and the resulting human alignment and enablement.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 85:13 is a profound statement about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It underscores the foundational truth that God's actions are always consistent with His perfect nature, particularly His righteousness. This divine attribute is not merely a static quality but an active, guiding force that precedes His every move, ensuring that His plans are just and His ways are true. For believers, this means that the path God lays out for them is inherently righteous, leading to life and flourishing. The verse also highlights the interplay between divine initiative and human response: God's righteousness leads, and in so doing, it enables His people to walk in alignment with His will, fostering a life of obedience and imitation. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from walking in God's ways, which are always righteous and ultimately for our good.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 85:13 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today, reminding us that God's character is the ultimate guarantee of our path. In a world often characterized by moral ambiguity, shifting values, and uncertain futures, this verse assures us that God's plans for us are always grounded in His perfect righteousness. We are called to trust that His leading is impeccable, even when we cannot fully discern the way ahead or understand His immediate purposes. This trust should translate into an active seeking of His guidance in all areas of life, allowing His Word and Spirit to illuminate our steps. Furthermore, the promise that His righteousness "shall set [us] in the way of his steps" implies not only divine guidance but also divine enablement. It is a powerful call to live a life that reflects His character, imitating Christ's example, not by our own strength alone, but through the empowering grace that flows from His righteous leading. As we surrender to His guidance, we are progressively transformed to walk in holiness, participating in His ongoing work of restoration in the world around us.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding God's righteousness as an active, guiding force impact your trust in His plans for your life, especially when facing uncertainty?
  • In what specific areas of your life do you need to intentionally allow God's righteousness to "go before you" and set your path, rather than relying on your own understanding?
  • What does it practically mean to be "set in the way of his steps" in your daily walk with God, and how can you be more intentional about this?
  • How does the promise of divine enablement in this verse encourage you in your pursuit of a righteous and obedient life, particularly when you feel inadequate?

FAQ

What does "Righteousness shall go before him" truly mean in a practical sense for believers?

Answer: Practically, this means that God's inherent justice, faithfulness, and moral perfection precede and define all His actions and plans concerning us. For believers, it assures us that any path God leads us on, any command He gives, or any circumstance He allows is ultimately rooted in His perfect character. It implies that we can trust His guidance implicitly because His righteousness is the vanguard, ensuring that the way is good, just, and aligned with His divine will. It's a profound promise that God's leading is always for our ultimate good and His glory, as He is incapable of leading us astray from what is right and true (Psalms 23:3).

How does Psalms 85:13 relate to the concept of human free will and responsibility?

Answer: While the verse strongly emphasizes God's active leading ("Righteousness shall go before him"), it also implies human responsibility in the phrase "and shall set [us] in the way of his steps." God's righteousness prepares the path and enables us to walk it, but we are still called to respond in faith and obedience. It's not a passive experience where we are dragged along, but an active alignment with the path God reveals. Our free will is exercised in choosing to trust His righteous leading and to intentionally follow in the footsteps He sets before us, as seen in numerous passages that call for walking in His ways and keeping His commandments (Deuteronomy 5:33). God provides the way, but we must choose to walk in it.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 85:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's righteousness, the one in whom all divine attributes perfectly dwell. When the psalmist speaks of "Righteousness shall go before him," we see this perfectly realized in Christ, who perfectly walked the path of righteousness, fulfilling all the Father's will and demonstrating perfect obedience in His earthly life (Matthew 3:15). Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), making Him the living embodiment of the "way of his steps." Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became our righteousness, imputing His perfect standing before God to all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, by His indwelling Spirit, we are not only shown the way but also empowered to walk in newness of life, following in His footsteps and fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4 and 1 Peter 2:21). Thus, Psalms 85:13 is a prophetic glimpse of the Messiah who would perfectly manifest God's righteousness and enable His people to truly walk in divine alignment, leading them to the Father.

Copy as

Commentary on Psalms 85 verses 8–13

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an answer to the prayers and expostulations in the foregoing verses.

I. In general, it is an answer of peace. This the psalmist is soon aware of (Psa 85:8), for he stands upon his watch-tower to hear what God will say unto him, as the prophet, Hab 2:1, Hab 2:2. I will hear what God the Lord will speak. This intimates, 1. The stilling of his passions - his grief, his fear - and the tumult of his spirit which they occasioned: "Compose thyself, O my soul! in a humble silence to attend upon God and wait his motions. I have spoken enough, or too much; now I will hear what God will speak, and welcome his holy will. What saith my Lord unto his servant?" If we would have God to hear what we say to him by prayer, we must be ready to hear what he says to us by his word. 2. The raising of his expectation; now that he has been at prayer he looks for something very great, and very kind, from the God that hears prayer. When we have prayed we should look after our prayers, and stay for an answer. Now observe here, (1.) What it is that he promises himself from God, in answer to his prayers: He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints. There are a people in the world who are God's people, set apart for him, subject to him, and who shall be saved by him. All his people are his saints, sanctified by his grace and devoted to his glory; these may sometimes want peace, when without are fightings and within are fears; but, sooner or later, God will speak peace to them; if he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace, speaking that to their hearts by his Spirit which he has spoken to their ears by his word and ministers and making them to hear joy and gladness. (2.) What use he makes of this expectation. [1.] He takes the comfort of it; and so must we: "I will hear what God the Lord will speak, hear the assurances he gives of peace, in answer to prayer." When God speaks peace we must not be deaf to it, but with all humility and thankfulness receive it. [2.] He cautions the saints to do the duty which this calls for: But let them not turn again to folly; for it is on these terms, and no other, that peace is to be expected. To those, and those only, peace is spoken, who turn from sin; but, if they return to it again, it is at their peril. All sin is folly, but especially backsliding; it is egregious folly to turn to sin after we have seemed to turn from it, to turn to it after God has spoken peace. God is for peace, but, when he speaks, such are for war.

II. Here are the particulars of this answer of peace. He doubts not but all will be well in a little time, and therefore gives us the pleasing prospect of the flourishing estate of the church in the last five verses of the psalm, which describe the peace and prosperity that God, at length, blessed the children of the captivity with, when, after a great deal of toil and agitation, at length they gained a settlement in their own land. But it may be taken both as a promise also to all who fear God and work righteousness, that they shall be easy and happy, and as a prophecy of the kingdom of the Messiah and the blessings with which that kingdom should be enriched. Here is,

1.Help at hand (Psa 85:9): "Surely his salvation is nigh, nigh to us, nigher than we think it is: it will soon be effected, how great soever our difficulties and distresses are, when God's time shall come, and that time is not far off." When the tale of bricks is doubled, then Moses comes. It is nigh to all who fear him; when trouble is nigh salvation is nigh, for God is a very present help in time of trouble to all who are his; whereas salvation is far from the wicked, Psa 119:155. This may fitly be applied to Christ the author of eternal salvation: it was the comfort of the Old Testament saints that, though they lived not to see that redemption in Jerusalem which they waited for, yet they were sure it was nigh, and would be welcome, to all that fear God.

2.Honour secured: "That glory may dwell in our land, that we may have the worship of God settled and established among us; for that is the glory of a land. When that goes, Ichabod - the glory has departed; when that stays glory dwells." This may refer to the Messiah, who was to be the glory of his people Israel, and who came and dwelt among them (Joh 1:4), for which reason their land is called Immanuel's land, Isa 8:8.

3.Graces meeting, and happily embracing (Psa 85:10, Psa 85:11): Mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, kiss each other. This may be understood, (1.) Of the reformation of the people and of the government, in the administration of which all those graces should be conspicuous and commanding. The rulers and ruled shall all be merciful and true, righteous and peaceable. When there is no truth nor mercy all goes to ruin (Hos 4:1; Isa 59:14, Isa 59:15); but when these meet in the management of all affairs, when these give aim, when these give law, when there is such plenty of truth that it sprouts up like the grass of the earth, and of righteousness that it is showered down like rain from heaven, then things go well. When in every congress mercy and truth meet, in every embrace righteousness and peace kiss, and common honesty is indeed common, then glory dwells in a land, as the sin of reigning dishonesty is a reproach to any people. (2.) Of the return of God's favour, and the continuance of it, thereupon. When a people return to God and adhere to him in a way of duty he will return to them and abide with them in a way of mercy. So some understand this, man's truth and God's mercy, man's righteousness and God's peace, meet together. If God find us true to him, to one another, to ourselves, we shall find him merciful. If we make conscience of righteousness, we shall have the comfort of peace. If truth spring out of the earth, that is (as Dr. Hammond expounds it), out of the hearts of men, the proper soil for it to grow in, righteousness (that is, God's mercy) shall look down from heaven, as the sun does upon the world when it sheds its influences on the productions of the earth and cherishes them. (3.) Of the harmony of the divine attributes in the Messiah's undertaking. In him who is both our salvation and our glory mercy and truth have met together; God's mercy and truth, and his righteousness and peace, have kissed each other; that is, the great affair of our salvation is so well contrived, so well concerted, that God may have mercy upon poor sinners, and be at peace with them, without any wrong to his truth and righteousness. He is true to the threatening, and just in his government, and yet pardons sinners and takes them into covenant with himself. Christ, as Mediator, brings heaven and earth together again, which sin had set at variance; through him truth springs out of the earth, that truth which God desires in the inward part, and then righteousness looks down from heaven; for God is just, and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus. Or it may denote that in the kingdom of the Messiah these graces shall flourish and prevail and have a universal command.

4.Great plenty of every thing desirable (Psa 85:12): The Lord shall give that which is good, every thing that he sees to be good for us. All good comes from God's goodness; and when mercy, truth, and righteousness, have a sovereign influence on men's hearts and lives, all good may be expected. If we thus seek the righteousness of God's kingdom, other things shall be added; Mat 6:33. When the glory of the gospel dwells in our land, then it shall yield its increase, for soul-prosperity will either bring outward prosperity along with it or sweeten the want of it. See Psa 67:6.

5.A sure guidance in the good way (Psa 85:13): The righteousness of his promise which he has made to us, assuring us of happiness, and the righteousness of sanctification, that good work which he has wrought in us, these shall go before him to prepare his way, both to raise our expectations of his favour and to qualify us for it; and these shall go before us also, and be our guide to set us in the way of his steps, that is, to encourage our hopes and guide our practice, that we may go forth to meet him when he is coming towards us in ways of mercy. Christ, the sun of righteousness, shall bring us to God, and put us into the way that leads to him. John Baptist, a preacher of righteousness, shall go before Christ to prepare his way. Righteousness is a sure guide both in meeting God and in following him.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–13. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Psalms 85:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.