Psalm 139:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

NIV: Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

NASB: Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

CSB: Lord, don’t I hate those who hate you, and detest those who rebel against you?

NLT: O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?

KJV: Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

NKJV: Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

David expresses a holy hatred of those who rebel against God. This concept of "hate" has an important context, both in ancient culture and in the Bible. For men like David, this concept of "hate" was mostly an expression of preference and support, not emotion. It would be absurd to suggest that David felt warmth or respect for the enemies of God, and this verse indicates that "loathing" is part of his perspective. Still, what David proclaims here is not the equivalent of the modern English term "hate;" it is part of the biblical pattern of loyalty and preference (Malachi 1:2–3). David also clearly understands that he is capable of sin, as well (Psalm 139:23–24).

The wicked behavior of evil people disgusts David. In that sense, David's attitude mirrors God's attitude. In Psalm 5:5 David wrote, "The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers." The Hebrew word translated "loathe" in this verse is from the root quwt, also translated as "sicken" or "abhor." Christians are rightfully sickened by the arrogant sinful actions and language of the wicked.

We must never get so accustomed to the sin around us that we accept it. Even Lot, for all his weakness and compromise, was sickened by the sinful lifestyle he witnessed in Sodom. Second Peter 2:7 describes Lot as being "greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked." Ephesians 5:11 commands: "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." We should try to reach sinners for Christ, but some are so saturated with evil that Jude tells us to snatch them "out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh" (Jude 1:23).

Psalm 139:17–24 emphasizes God's justice. Prior sections of this psalm bore witness to God's omniscience (Psalm 139:1–6), His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7–12), and His omnipotence (Psalm 139:13–16). David rejoices in God's thoughts and nearness, but despises the wicked around him. He longs for God to slay them. He sees God's enemies as his own enemies, but is acutely aware of the possibility that sin dwells in him. Therefore, he asks God to search him and lead him in the way everlasting.

In this psalm David marvels at God's amazing characteristics. God knows everything about him: where he goes, all David's thoughts and everything about his conduct. The Lord knows what David will say even before David says it. There is no place David can go that God isn't already present. David marvels at God's creative work in the womb. He is thankful for God's innumerable thoughts for him and for God's presence day and night. Finally, David's thoughts turn to the wicked. He considers them God's enemies and his, and longs for God to slay them. David is disgusted by evil people because they rail against God and take His name in vain. He asks God to search his heart to see if any sin is there, and he asks God to lead him in the way everlasting.

This psalm of David lies in the fifth division of Psalms, Psalms 107—150. It discloses information about God's omniscience: He knows everything. It explains His omnipresence: that He is everywhere. It declares His omnipotence: He formed every part of human beings. It also describes His holiness: He judges the wicked and searches the heart. These attributes reflect common themes across both the Old and New Testaments.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.