Psalms 125:5But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, Yahweh will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be on Israel. A Song of Ascents.
The setting
Jerusalem, Israel, ~500-400 BC. Pilgrims climbing the stone steps to the temple, singing warnings about those who abandon the path...
The emotion here: grieving over those who turned back on the pilgrimage
The original word
ʿaqalqal (עֲקַלְקַל) — twisted, tortuous paths that wind away from the straight way
Why it matters
This was sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem's temple, each step higher revealing more of those who turned back
Read with care
What most readers miss in Psalms 125:5
The word 'lead away' suggests God actively removes them—it's not passive abandonment
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about God being harsh, but it's about people choosing their own crooked path—God simply stops forcing them to stay on His straight one.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Psalms 125:5
Bible Genome reading
Psalms 125:5 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Psalms 125:5 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to unknown. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 65% and a tone that is prophetic. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine judgment, blessing, peace. Notable phrases: turn aside to crooked ways; Peace be on Israel. This verse is a prayer. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does Psalms 125:5 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "worship"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.