The Meaning of Psalms 32:8 Explained

Psalms 32:8

KJV: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

YLT: I cause thee to act wisely, And direct thee in the way that thou goest, I cause mine eye to take counsel concerning thee.

Darby: I will instruct thee and teach thee the way in which thou shalt go; I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee.

ASV: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I will instruct  thee and teach  thee in the way  which  thou shalt go:  I will guide  thee with mine eye. 

What does Psalms 32:8 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalm 32:1-11 - The Song Of The Forgiven
David wrote this psalm, Romans 4:6-8. Maschil means "to give instruction." We are deeply instructed as to the working of conscience. Compare with Psalms 51:1-19. This was one of Luther's favorites.
For some time after his sin, David withheld confession and suffered terribly. But when the wound was opened and the poison pressed from it, he burst out in the words with which the psalm opens: Oh, the blessedness! Sin means missing the mark; iniquity is that which is turned aside from its course. Forgiven, covered, not imputed-each of these is true in Jesus.
The presence of God is always appreciably nearer when floods are running high. Note those three precious promises of instruction, teaching, and guidance, Psalms 32:8. Throw on God the responsibility of indicating your path. Don't wait for the sharp jerk of bit or bridle; let love prompt and inspire your every movement. Haydn said: "When I think on God, the notes dance from my pen." Remember the music and dancing that welcomed the prodigal! [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 32

1  Blessedness consists in remission of sins
3  Confession of sins gives ease to the conscience
8  God's promises bring joy

What do the individual words in Psalms 32:8 mean?

I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go I will guide you with My eye
אַשְׂכִּֽילְךָ֨ ׀ וְֽאוֹרְךָ֗ בְּדֶֽרֶךְ־ ז֥וּ תֵלֵ֑ךְ אִֽיעֲצָ֖ה עָלֶ֣יךָ עֵינִֽי

אַשְׂכִּֽילְךָ֨ ׀  I  will  instruct  you 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect Cohortative if contextual, first person common singular, second person masculine singular
Root: שָׂכַל 
Sense: to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper.
וְֽאוֹרְךָ֗  and  teach  you 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Hifil, Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual, first person common singular, second person masculine singular
Root: יׄורֶה 
Sense: to throw, shoot, cast, pour.
בְּדֶֽרֶךְ־  in  the  way 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, common singular
Root: דֶּרֶךְ  
Sense: way, road, distance, journey, manner.
ז֥וּ  that 
Parse: Pronoun, relative
Root: זוּ  
Sense: this, such rel pron.
תֵלֵ֑ךְ  you  should  go 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, second person masculine singular
Root: הָלַךְ  
Sense: to go, walk, come.
אִֽיעֲצָ֖ה  I  will  guide 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect Cohortative, first person common singular
Root: יׄועֵץ 
Sense: to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan.
עֵינִֽי  with  My  eye 
Parse: Noun, common singular construct, first person common singular
Root: עֹונָה 
Sense: eye.