Psalms 139:21

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

Do not I hate {H8130} them, O LORD {H3068}, that hate {H8130} thee? and am not I grieved {H6962} with those that rise up {H8618} against thee?

ADONAI, how I hate those who hate you! I feel such disgust with those who defy you!

Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?

Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

Psalms 139:21 (KJV) presents a powerful declaration by the psalmist, likely David, expressing his deep alignment with God's perspective regarding those who oppose Him. This verse follows a profound meditation on God's omnipresence and omniscience, setting the stage for a passionate statement of loyalty.

Context

This verse is found within Psalm 139, a masterpiece exploring God's intimate knowledge of humanity (verses 1-18) and His sovereign design in creation (verses 13-16). After marveling at God's incredible presence and power, the psalmist transitions to a declaration of his stance against those who are enemies of God. It sets up the concluding prayer for God to search his own heart (verses 23-24), ensuring his motives are pure.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Zeal for God: The psalmist expresses an intense devotion to the LORD, so much so that he feels a righteous indignation towards anyone who actively hates or rebels against God. This isn't personal vendetta but a profound identification with God's honor.
  • Hatred of Evil, Not People: The "hatred" mentioned (Hebrew: sane) is not necessarily personal malice towards individuals but a strong aversion to their actions, their rebellion, and their enmity towards God. It signifies a rejection of their ways and an alignment with God's judgment against unrighteousness. Similarly, "grieved" (Hebrew: qut) implies a deep disgust or vexation at their active opposition to the Divine.
  • Alignment with Divine Justice: David's declaration reflects a desire to be on God's side, echoing God's own opposition to evil and injustice. Psalms 7:11 states that "God is a righteous judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hate," sane, often conveys a strong opposition or enmity rather than mere personal dislike. In biblical usage, it can mean to 'reject' or 'be hostile towards,' particularly in a covenantal or moral sense. The psalmist is expressing a deep moral revulsion for those who deliberately set themselves against the Creator of all. The word for "grieved," qut, signifies a profound feeling of loathing, disgust, or vexation, underscoring the depth of the psalmist's distress over rebellion against God.

Practical Application

While the New Testament calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, Psalms 139:21 reminds us that Christians should still hate evil and injustice. Our "hatred" should be directed at sin and rebellion against God, not at the person. We are called to embody God's love and mercy, yet also to stand firmly against anything that dishonors Him. This verse encourages a profound zeal for God's glory and a clear distinction between what God loves and what He opposes. It prompts us to examine our own hearts, as David does in the subsequent verses, to ensure our alignment with God's righteous character.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 31:6

    I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

  • Psalms 119:158

    ¶ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

  • Revelation 2:2

    I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

  • 2 Chronicles 19:2

    And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

  • Psalms 26:5

    I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

  • Revelation 2:6

    But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

  • Romans 9:1

    ¶ I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

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