As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

PSALMS 125:5KJV
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Psalms 125:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 125:5 mean?

Psalms 125:5 warns that those who turn away from God’s ways and choose crooked paths will be led away with wrongdoers, but God’s peace will remain with Israel. The verse draws a clear line between those who stray into wrongdoing and those who remain faithful, promising peace for the faithful community.

This verse is part of a song sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, likely written to encourage faithfulness among God’s people. The psalmist contrasts the fate of people who abandon God’s path with the blessing reserved for Israel, using strong language to show that choices have real consequences and that God’s protection is for those who stay true.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 125:5

  • "Aside" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to turn aside or deviate. Here, it describes people who deliberately leave the straight path, highlighting a conscious choice to go a different way.
  • "Ways" (עֲקַלְקַלּוֹתֵיהֶם, aqalkalloteihem): This word refers to crooked or twisted paths. It paints a vivid picture of a life that is not straightforward or honest, but instead marked by moral twisting.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it is God Himself who acts in judgment and blessing.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it includes wholeness, well-being, and a sense of completeness. The promise of shalom for Israel is a rich blessing.

Why Psalms 125:5 matters

  • Psalms 125:5 clarifies that turning away from God is not just a minor misstep but a serious choice with consequences, as shown by the strong language about being led away with wrongdoers.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s peace is not automatic for everyone, but is specifically promised to those who remain faithful within Israel.
  • This verse rounds out the psalm’s message by showing both sides: the security of the faithful and the danger of choosing a crooked path, making the blessing of peace stand out even more.

Where else these words appear

“ways” Hebrew H6128 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

“workers” Hebrew H6466 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
  • Psalms 119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

“iniquity” Hebrew H205 · used in 78 verses

  • Numbers 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
  • Psalms 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
  • Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.