The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is how "friendship" isn't just a nice, cozy word. The original Hebrew points to deep, confidential counsel or intimate fellowship, like sharing secrets. God doesn't just tolerate those who revere Him; He invites them into a profound, shared understanding, making the rich promises of His covenant accessible not just in theory, but through lived experience.
The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse sits within a prayer where David is pleading for God's guidance and protection amidst his enemies and his own failings. He's just asked God to teach him His ways and to lead him in truth, acknowledging his need for divine wisdom because he fears the Lord. The immediate context emphasizes God's willingness to reveal His will and His covenant promises to those who humble themselves and seek Him.
Ever wondered what it truly means to be close to God? This verse uses a fascinating word to describe that relationship.
The word translated 'secret' in this verse doesn't mean something hidden or mysterious in a spooky way. Think more 'confidential counsel' or 'intimate fellowship'. It’s the kind of closeness you share with your best friend, where you can talk about anything. God shares His 'secret' – His plans, His heart – with those who honor Him by fearing Him. This isn't about being terrified, but about deep reverence and a desire to please Him. This 'friendship' is the special privilege of those who live with God's presence guiding their lives.
What does it take to truly 'know' God and His promises? This verse links it to a specific attitude.
The key to unlocking God's deeper knowledge of Himself and His covenant is 'fear'. But this isn't a cowering, terrified fear. It's a reverent awe, a profound respect for God's holiness and authority that leads us to obey Him. When we truly honor God, He honors us by making His covenant clear. He doesn't just give us a list of rules; He helps us understand the 'why' behind them, the deep love and commitment in His promises. This understanding isn't just intellectual; it's an experiential knowledge of His faithfulness.
God's promises are not flimsy. This verse highlights the nature of His commitment to us.
The 'covenant' God reveals is His unbreakable promise to be our God. It's His commitment to guide, protect, forgive, and bless us. For those who fear Him, this covenant isn't just a document; it's a living reality. God makes it known through His Word, through His Spirit illuminating our minds, and through His providential care. It means we can trust His faithfulness, even when circumstances are difficult. His covenant is the foundation for the intimate friendship He offers.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
sod · Hebrew Noun
A word denoting intimate, secret counsel or confidential communication. It describes a deep, close relationship characterized by trust and the sharing of hidden wisdom.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, formal, and binding agreement between God and His people. It is the primary structure of God’s relationship with humanity, built upon His promises, requirements, and faithfulness.
This passage echoes Psalm 25:14 by stating that the 'fretful' are an abomination to the Lord, but his 'secret is with the upright,' highlighting the intimacy available to those who live rightly before Him.
Amos 3:7This verse directly states that the Lord 'does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets,' showing God's pattern of sharing His plans with those who are His.
John 14:23Jesus promises that if anyone loves Him, the Father will love them, and 'we will come to them and make our home with them,' illustrating the intimate fellowship God desires with His faithful followers.
1 Corinthians 2:10This passage explains that 'God has revealed to us through the Spirit... the things God has prepared for those who love him,' demonstrating how God's Spirit illuminates His plans and promises to believers.
cambridgePsalms 25:14: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant."
14 . Mysterious spiritual blessings await him too. To those who fear Him Jehovah reveals His secret counsel. Cp. Proverbs 3:32 ; Psalm 111:10 ; Proverbs 1:7 ; Matthew 11:25 . For secret R.V. marg. gives alternatives counsel or friendship , ideas included in the word, which denotes the confidential intercourse of intimate fellowship. For examples see Genesis 18:17 ; Amos 3:7 . and he will shew…
pulpitPsalms 25:14: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant."
Verse 14. - The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. God favours those who fear him with secret and confidential communion (comp. Proverbs 3:32). He "comes unto them, and makes his abode with them" (John 14:23), and "teaches them" (John 14:26), and enlightens them, and leads them in his way, and learns them (ver. 5), and "seals their instruction" (Job 33:16). And he will show them hi…
What's striking here is how "friendship" isn't just a nice, cozy word. The original Hebrew points to deep, confidential counsel or intimate fellowship, like sharing secrets. God doesn't just tolerate those who revere Him; He invites them into a profound, shared understanding, making the rich promises of His covenant accessible not just in theory, but through lived experience.
This verse sits within a prayer where David is pleading for God's guidance and protection amidst his enemies and his own failings. He's just asked God to teach him His ways and to lead him in truth, acknowledging his need for divine wisdom because he fears the Lord. The immediate context emphasizes God's willingness to reveal His will and His covenant promises to those who humble themselves and seek Him.
This verse sits within a prayer where David is pleading for God's guidance and protection amidst his enemies and his own failings. He's just asked God to teach him His ways and to lead him in truth, acknowledging his need for divine wisdom because he fears the Lord. The immediate context emphasizes God's willingness to reveal His will and His covenant promises to those who humble themselves and seek Him.
"The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." — What's striking here is how "friendship" isn't just a nice, cozy word. The original Hebrew points to deep, confidential counsel or intimate fellowship, like sharing secrets. God doesn't just tole…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026