BibleWord.ai› Bible› Psalms› Chapter 125› Verse 4

Psalms 125:4

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 125:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
Psalms 125:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 125

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1They that trust in Jehovah Are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.
2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So Jehovah is round about his people From this time forth and for evermore.
3For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.
4Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
5But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel. Psalm 126 A Song of Ascents.
← Psalms 125:3Psalms 125:5 →
← Full Chapter 125 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Do good, O Lord, unto [those that be] good, etc.] That are made so by the Spirit and grace of God; for none are naturally good, but evil; only such who are regenerated and made new creatures, who have a good work of grace begun in them; who have the good Spirit of God, and his good graces, and the good word of God in them, and are filled with all goodness; and which is known by the good fruits which they bear, or the good works done by them. For these the psalmist prays the Lord would do good to them, not only in a providential way, as he does to all; but in a way of special grace, bestowing the blessings of his goodness on them, and causing all things to work for their good: and as saints…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good ... - To the good; to the pious. Let them be under the divine protection. Possibly this is not merely a prayer, but is expressive of the belief of the psalmist as to what would occur under the divine administration - that the favor of God would rest upon his people. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“125:4-5 People who reject the straight path of the upright are fools (Prov 2:12-15). God pours out his goodness on the godly (see Ps 122:6-9).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Do good: Psa 41:1-3, Psa 51:18, Psa 73:1; Isa 58:10, Isa 58:11; Heb 6:10; Jo1 3:17-24 upright: Psa 32:2, Psa 84:11, Psa 119:80; Lam 3:25; Joh 1:47; Rev 14:5 Psalms 125:5”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“On the ground of the strong faith in Psa 125:1. and of the confident hope in Psa 125:3, the petition now arises that Jahve would speedily bestow the earnestly desired blessing of freedom upon the faithful ones, and on the other hand remove the cowardly lit. those afraid to confess God and those who have fellowship with apostasy, together with the declared wicked ones, out of the way. For such is the meaning of Psa 125:4. טובים (in Proverbs alternating with the "righteous," Pro 2:20, the opposite being the "wicked," רשׁעים, Pro 14:19) are here those who truly believe and rightly act in accordance with the good will of God, (Note: The Midrash here calls to mind a Talmudic riddle: There came a…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Psalms 125 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification