Psalms 11:5

KJV

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} trieth {H974} the righteous {H6662}: but the wicked {H7563} and him that loveth {H157} violence {H2555} his soul {H5315} hateth {H8130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI tests the righteous; but he hates the wicked and the lover of violence.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.

American Standard Version

Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 11:5 offers a profound and comforting declaration of God's discerning character, revealing His active scrutiny of the righteous and His unwavering, holy opposition to those who embrace wickedness and violence. This verse assures believers of the Lord's intimate knowledge of their hearts and actions, while simultaneously affirming His righteous judgment against all forms of evil, providing a foundation for trust in His ultimate justice amidst societal chaos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 11 is a psalm of David, likely composed during a period of intense personal danger and political instability. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 11:1-3](/psalms/11-1 "Psalms 11:1-3 - David's Trust Amidst Danger")) depict a scene where David's trusted advisors urge him to flee, suggesting that the "foundations are destroyed" and justice has collapsed. David, however, firmly declares his refuge in the Lord, rejecting the counsel of fear. Verse 5 serves as a theological anchor for David's confidence, explaining *why* he can trust God: because God is not distant or passive but actively engaged in discerning human hearts and administering justice from His heavenly throne. It stands in stark contrast to the apparent triumph of the wicked described in the earlier verses, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was frequently marked by periods of persecution, particularly from King Saul and later from Absalom. This psalm could reflect such a time when the legal and social structures seemed to fail, and violence or treachery was rampant. In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings were expected to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. When earthly rulers failed, the concept of a divine King who perfectly executed justice became paramount. The "testing" of the righteous and the "hatred" of the wicked resonate with a cultural understanding of divine judgment and the moral order God established, where actions had consequences, and the character of a ruler (divine or human) was defined by their commitment to righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting that God is enthroned in heaven, actively observing and judging humanity, as seen in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - The Lord Laughs at the Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Refining Nature of God's Testing**, implying that trials for the righteous are not punitive but purgative, designed to strengthen faith and reveal true character, a concept echoed in [Job 23:10](/job/23-10 "Job 23:10 - God Knows My Way"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Moral Purity and Opposition to Evil**, demonstrating His absolute intolerance for wickedness and violence. This divine "hatred" is not an emotional outburst but a holy, righteous rejection of sin, foundational to His character as revealed throughout scripture, including in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trieth (Hebrew, _bāḥan'_):** This verb (בָּחַן) signifies to examine, prove, or test, often with the specific purpose of discerning quality, purity, or genuineness. It is frequently used in the context of assaying metals, where impurities are removed through fire to reveal the true value of the gold or silver. When applied to God's interaction with the righteous, it implies a purposeful, refining process rather than a casual observation or a test designed to make them fail. God's testing is intended to reveal and strengthen the authenticity of faith, leading to spiritual growth and purification, as seen in [Zechariah 13:9](/zechariah/13-9 "Zechariah 13:9 - God's Refining Fire").
* **Hateth (Hebrew, _śānē'_):** The Hebrew word (שָׂנֵא) denotes a strong aversion, opposition, or rejection. When ascribed to God, it does not imply human-like malice or emotional spite, but rather a righteous and absolute moral disapproval and judgment against that which is contrary to His holy character and perfect will. God's "hatred" of the wicked and those who love violence is an expression of His inherent holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. It signifies His active, principled opposition to sin and its destructive effects, underscoring His moral perfection and His inability to tolerate evil in His presence, as also conveyed in [Psalms 5:5](/psalms/5-5 "Psalms 5:5 - God Hates All Who Do Iniquity").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD trieth the righteous":** This clause asserts God's active, discerning engagement with His people. The Lord is not a passive observer but intimately involved in the lives of the righteous, subjecting them to processes that reveal and refine their faith. This "testing" is not for God's information (for He is omniscient) but for the growth, purification, and ultimate vindication of the righteous, demonstrating the genuineness of their trust and obedience. It implies a divine purpose behind the difficulties and challenges faced by those who follow Him.
* **"but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth":** This second clause presents a stark contrast to the first, highlighting God's absolute moral distinction between the righteous and the wicked. God's "hatred" here is a powerful expression of His righteous indignation and principled opposition to evil. It is directed not merely at actions but at the very character of those who actively embrace and delight in wickedness and violence. The phrase "his soul hateth" emphasizes the depth and totality of God's aversion, indicating that His entire being is set against such corruption and destructive behavior. This underscores God's commitment to justice and His ultimate judgment against those who persist in rebellion against His moral order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 11:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's structure and meaning. It starkly juxtaposes God's disposition towards "the righteous" (whom He "trieth" or tests for refinement) with His disposition towards "the wicked and him that loveth violence" (whom "his soul hateth"). This antithetical parallelism emphasizes the absolute moral divide in God's eyes and His differential response based on human character and action. Secondly, **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "his soul hateth." While God is spirit and does not possess a physical "soul" in the human sense, this expression attributes a human-like depth of feeling to God to convey the intensity and totality of His righteous aversion to evil. It allows human readers to grasp the profound nature of God's moral opposition. Finally, an implied **Metaphor** of refining is present in the word "trieth" (בָּחַן), subtly comparing God's testing of the righteous to the process of purifying precious metals. This suggests that trials, though difficult, serve a beneficial purpose in purging impurities and revealing the true value of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 11:5 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine justice and God's active involvement in human affairs. It affirms that God is not an indifferent deity but a morally perfect and sovereign Ruler who discerns between good and evil, actively engaging with both. His testing of the righteous is an expression of His covenant faithfulness, designed to purify and strengthen His people, while His hatred of the wicked and violent is a necessary outflow of His holiness, ensuring that evil will not ultimately prevail. This verse provides assurance that amidst apparent chaos and injustice, God remains on His throne, upholding His righteous standards and working towards the ultimate triumph of good over evil, guaranteeing that every person's character and actions are under His divine scrutiny.

* [Proverbs 17:3](/proverbs/17-3 "Proverbs 17:3 - The Refining Fire of the Lord")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's Vengeance Against His Adversaries")
* [Romans 9:13](/romans/9-13 "Romans 9:13 - Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 11:5 offers profound comfort and challenge for the believer. In a world often characterized by injustice and violence, where the wicked sometimes seem to prosper, this verse reminds us that God is neither blind nor passive. His "testing" of the righteous assures us that our difficulties are not random but sovereignly ordained for our good, refining our faith and drawing us closer to Him. This should inspire endurance and trust, knowing that our trials have divine purpose. Simultaneously, God's "hatred" of wickedness and violence serves as a powerful reminder of His absolute moral purity and His unwavering commitment to justice. This truth should ignite in us a passion for righteousness, a rejection of all forms of evil, and a fervent prayer for God's kingdom to come, where His justice fully prevails. It calls us to align our hearts with His, loving what He loves and hating what He hates, not with human malice, but with a holy zeal for truth and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "testing" of the righteous change your perspective on personal trials and difficulties?**
* **In what ways might God's "hatred" of wickedness and violence motivate you to pursue justice and peace in your own sphere of influence?**
* **How does the assurance of God's active discernment (both testing the righteous and hating the wicked) impact your trust in His sovereignty amidst global or personal injustices?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly "hate" people, or only their sin?**

Answer: When the Bible states that God "hates" the wicked or those who love violence, as in [Psalms 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalms 11:5 - God Hates the Wicked"), it refers to His absolute, righteous, and holy opposition to all that is contrary to His perfect character. This is not an emotional, human-like malice or spite, but a principled, moral aversion to evil and those who persistently embody and delight in it. God's holiness necessitates His rejection of sin and those who stubbornly cling to it. While God desires all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient")), His justice also requires that He oppose and ultimately judge unrepentant wickedness. Therefore, it's not just the abstract sin, but the person who *loves* and *practices* violence and wickedness, whose very being is defined by opposition to God, that God's holy hatred is directed towards.

**How can a loving God "test" His people, and what is the purpose of such testing?**

Answer: God's "testing" of the righteous, as described in [Psalms 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalms 11:5 - The Lord Trieth the Righteous"), is not to discover something He doesn't already know, for He is omniscient. Instead, it is a refining process, akin to purifying precious metals (as seen in [Proverbs 17:3](/proverbs/17-3 "Proverbs 17:3 - The Refining Pot for Silver and the Furnace for Gold")). The purpose of such divine testing is multi-faceted: to strengthen faith, reveal genuine character, deepen dependence on Him, remove impurities, and ultimately bring about spiritual maturity and a greater likeness to Christ. These trials are not punitive but formative, designed for the good of the believer and for the glory of God, proving the authenticity of their faith, as discussed in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Trials Produce Steadfastness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 11:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "testing" of the righteous foreshadows Christ's own perfect endurance through temptation and suffering, as He was "tested in every respect as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His life demonstrated the ultimate righteousness that God tests and approves. Furthermore, the verse's declaration that God "hateth the wicked and him that loveth violence" is powerfully addressed in Christ. On the cross, God's hatred for sin and violence was fully poured out upon His Son, who bore the wrath due to humanity's wickedness, becoming sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). This ultimate act of justice allowed for the possibility of reconciliation, where those who were once considered "wicked" can be made righteous through faith in Him ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Christ's return will also bring the final, definitive judgment upon all who persist in wickedness and violence, fully vindicating God's holy hatred of evil and establishing His righteous kingdom forever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return in Judgment")). Thus, Christ is both the perfectly tested Righteous One and the embodiment of God's justice against sin and violence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:16

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Psalms 7:9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: