Psalms 120:6

KJV

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

My soul {H5315} hath long {H7227} dwelt {H7931} with him that hateth {H8130} peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have had to live far too long with those who hate peace.

Berean Standard Bible

Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.

American Standard Version

My soul hath long had her dwelling With him that hateth peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 120:6 expresses the profound and prolonged distress of the psalmist, whose soul has been forced to dwell among individuals fundamentally opposed to peace and harmony. This verse, part of the "Songs of Ascents," captures the weariness and spiritual burden of living in a contentious environment, highlighting the deep alienation felt by one who desires tranquility when surrounded by those who actively cultivate strife and deceit. It is a lament that underscores the enduring struggle between righteousness and wickedness, and the longing for deliverance from such oppressive circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 120 initiates the collection known as the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a unique group of fifteen psalms likely sung by pilgrims on their journey to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This psalm serves as an introduction to the collection's themes of pilgrimage, dependence on God, and the yearning for Zion's peace. Immediately preceding verse 6, the psalmist cries out to the Lord for deliverance from "lying lips and from a deceitful tongue" in [Psalms 120:2](/psalms/120-2 "Psalms 120:2 - Plea for Deliverance from Deceit"). The preceding verses establish the psalmist's complaint against the deceitful nature of his adversaries, setting the stage for the deep weariness expressed in verse 6 regarding the prolonged exposure to such hostility. The subsequent verse, [Psalms 120:7](/psalms/120-7 "Psalms 120:7 - Desire for Peace"), articulates the psalmist's personal commitment to peace, contrasting sharply with the disposition of those described in verse 6.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact historical setting of Psalm 120 is not specified, it reflects the common experience of individuals or communities facing opposition and hostility. The "Songs of Ascents" context suggests a journey, perhaps from a distant land or a region where the psalmist felt like an alien among hostile neighbors. The reference to "Mesech" and "Kedar" in [Psalms 120:5](/psalms/120-5 "Psalms 120:5 - Dwelling Among Enemies") points to nomadic, often aggressive, peoples known for their contentious nature, symbolizing a generic hostile environment rather than a specific geographic location. Culturally, the concept of "peace" (shalom) was paramount in ancient Israel, encompassing not merely the absence of conflict but holistic well-being, prosperity, and right relationships. To "hate peace" was to reject the very fabric of a harmonious, God-ordained society, making such individuals profound threats to communal and personal flourishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **alienation of the righteous** in a fallen world, where those who desire peace and truth often find themselves surrounded by antagonism. This theme resonates with the experience of God's people throughout history, who are called to be "in the world but not of the world" (as seen in [John 17:14-16](/john/17-14 "John 17:14-16 - Not of the World")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **prolonged nature of suffering** and the **weariness of soul** that can result from enduring persistent strife. The psalmist's lament is a raw expression of this spiritual and emotional exhaustion. Thirdly, it underscores the profound **value of peace (shalom)**, not just as a state of quietude but as a comprehensive well-being that is actively opposed by certain individuals. This sets up a yearning for divine intervention and the ultimate peace that only God can provide, a longing echoed in [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (*yashav*) means "to sit, remain, dwell, inhabit." In this context, with the addition of "long," it conveys a sense of settled, prolonged residence or association. It's not a fleeting encounter but an enduring condition, suggesting the psalmist has been forced to live, interact, and endure the presence of these individuals for an extended period, leading to deep weariness. This emphasizes the burdensome and inescapable nature of the situation.
* **Hateth (Hebrew, _sane'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׂנֵא (*sane*) means "to hate, be an enemy of." This is a strong term, indicating not merely a lack of peace or indifference to it, but an active, deliberate, and deeply rooted aversion. It implies a disposition that is hostile, antagonistic, and actively seeks to disrupt or destroy peace. This highlights the inherent evil and opposition to God's order embodied by these individuals.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (*shalom*) is rich in meaning, extending far beyond the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, security, and a state of harmonious relationships with God, self, others, and creation. Therefore, "him that hateth peace" signifies someone who actively opposes all that is good, whole, and ordered according to God's design, thriving instead on discord, brokenness, and chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul hath long dwelt":** This phrase vividly portrays the psalmist's inner experience. "My soul" (נַפְשִׁי, *nafshi*) refers to the psalmist's very being, his inner self, emotions, and life force. The emphasis on "long dwelt" (אָרְחָה לָּהּ, *ar'khah lah*, literally "has sojourned for itself" or "has prolonged itself") underscores the duration and the weariness associated with this experience. It's not just a physical dwelling but a spiritual and emotional burden that has persisted over time, draining the psalmist's vitality and peace.
* **"with him that hateth peace":** This identifies the source of the psalmist's distress. The "him" is a collective or representative figure, symbolizing those who are fundamentally antagonistic to the comprehensive well-being that *shalom* represents. Their hatred of peace implies an active preference for conflict, deceit, and disruption. This clause highlights the profound moral and spiritual chasm between the psalmist, who desires peace, and his adversaries, whose very nature is antithetical to it.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his deep distress. The primary device is **Lament**, characteristic of many psalms, where the speaker expresses profound sorrow, suffering, and a plea for divine intervention. The phrase "My soul hath long dwelt" uses **Personification**, attributing the act of "dwelling" and "prolonging" to the soul itself, emphasizing the deep, internal impact of the prolonged exposure to hostility. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the psalmist's implied desire for peace (which is explicitly stated in [Psalms 120:7](/psalms/120-7 "Psalms 120:7 - Desire for Peace")) and the active hatred of peace by his adversaries. This contrast highlights the moral and spiritual divide. Furthermore, the use of "long dwelt" might incorporate an element of **Hyperbole**, conveying the overwhelming and seemingly endless nature of the suffering, even if the literal duration is not infinite. This amplifies the sense of weariness and desperation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 120:6 speaks to the universal experience of the righteous living in a fallen world, often surrounded by those whose values and actions are contrary to God's will. Theologically, it underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the constant tension between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. God's people are called to be peacemakers and to pursue *shalom*, yet they frequently encounter hostility from those who reject God's order. This verse affirms that such suffering is recognized by God and is a legitimate cause for lament and prayer. It highlights the profound alienation felt by those who seek righteousness in a world that often celebrates discord, reinforcing the biblical theme of the exile or sojourning of God's people on earth. Ultimately, it points to the eschatological hope for a time when true peace will reign, and those who hate peace will be no more.

* [Psalms 34:14](/psalms/34-14 "Psalms 34:14 - Seek Peace and Pursue It")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 120:6 offers a profound sense of solidarity to anyone who has experienced the prolonged burden of living or working in a contentious environment, or interacting with individuals who consistently sow discord and thrive on conflict. It acknowledges the deep weariness and spiritual exhaustion that comes from such prolonged exposure to negativity and strife. This verse reminds us that the struggle against those who oppose peace is an ancient one, and that our feelings of frustration, sadness, and longing for relief are understood by God. It calls us to find solace in the divine presence even amidst the chaos, trusting that God sees our suffering and hears our cries for deliverance. While we are called to be peacemakers, this verse also validates the difficulty and emotional toll of that calling when faced with unyielding opposition. It encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of peace, even when it feels like a lonely endeavor, and to bring our burdens to the Lord, who is our ultimate source of *shalom*.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel your "soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace"?**
* **How does prolonged exposure to conflict or deceit affect your spiritual and emotional well-being?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind when surrounded by those who sow discord?**
* **How does this psalm encourage you to pray for peace, both personally and globally?**
* **Where do you find your true source of peace when the world around you is filled with strife?**

### FAQ
**Who are "those who hate peace" in a contemporary context?**

Answer: In a contemporary context, "those who hate peace" can represent various individuals, groups, or even ideologies that actively promote discord, division, and conflict. This might include people who thrive on gossip, spread misinformation, engage in constant criticism, or intentionally sow disunity in families, workplaces, or communities. It can also refer to those who reject reconciliation, perpetuate injustice, or are unwilling to seek common ground for the sake of harmony. The phrase points to a disposition that is fundamentally opposed to the holistic well-being and flourishing that *shalom* signifies, whether through active malice or persistent negativity. The psalmist's lament resonates with anyone who experiences the spiritual and emotional toll of being surrounded by such antagonistic forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 120:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's lament of a soul dwelling among those who hate peace perfectly foreshadows the experience of the Messiah. Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), came into a world steeped in sin and hostility, where His message of love, truth, and reconciliation was met with profound rejection and active hatred. His entire earthly ministry was a "dwelling" among those who hated the peace He offered, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion at the hands of those who preferred chaos and violence over divine order. He truly experienced what it meant to be a man of peace surrounded by those who hated it, as He taught His disciples that the world would hate them just as it hated Him ([John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World's Hatred")). Yet, through His suffering and death, Christ did not succumb to the hatred but established the foundation for true and lasting peace between God and humanity ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the ultimate source of *shalom*, offering His peace to His followers even amidst the world's tribulation ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). Ultimately, His return will usher in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and all who hate peace will be removed, establishing an eternal reign of perfect peace ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Psalms 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Matthew 10:36

And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.

1 Samuel 20:30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious [woman], do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?

1 Samuel 20:33

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.