Psalms 5:6

KJV

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt destroy {H6} them that speak {H1696} leasing {H3577}: the LORD {H3068} will abhor {H8581} the bloody {H1818} and deceitful {H4820} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you destroy those who tell lies, ADONAI detests men of blood and deceivers.

Berean Standard Bible

You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

American Standard Version

Thou wilt destroy them that speak lies: Jehovah abhorreth the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 5:6 powerfully declares God's righteous character, revealing Him as a holy and just sovereign who actively opposes and condemns all forms of wickedness. It asserts that the Lord will ultimately destroy those who practice deceit and utterly abhors individuals characterized by violence and treachery. This verse serves as a foundational statement of divine justice, assuring the psalmist and all believers that God is not indifferent to evil but will execute perfect judgment against those who persist in sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 5 is a morning prayer of David, a fervent lament and petition for divine intervention against his enemies. The psalm opens with David's earnest plea for God to hear his cry and attend to his prayer at dawn ([Psalms 5:1-3](/psalms/5-1 "Psalms 5:1-3 - David's Morning Prayer")). He expresses his trust in God's character, contrasting it sharply with the nature of the wicked. Verses like [Psalms 5:4-5](/psalms/5-4 "Psalms 5:4-5 - God's Hatred of Wickedness") immediately precede our verse, establishing that God is not one who delights in wickedness, nor can evil dwell with Him; indeed, "the foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Psalms 5:6 builds upon this foundation, specifying the types of wickedness God abhors (deceit and violence) and declaring their ultimate fate. The subsequent verses continue David's appeal for guidance and protection from his adversaries, confident in God's justice ([Psalms 5:8-9](/psalms/5-8 "Psalms 5:8-9 - David's Plea for Guidance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects periods of intense persecution or betrayal, common themes in his life, whether from King Saul, Absalom, or other adversaries. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's anointed, responsible for upholding justice and righteousness in the land, mirroring God's own character. The concept of divine justice was deeply ingrained, where God was understood to be actively involved in the affairs of humanity, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. Deceit and bloodshed were not merely social transgressions but direct affronts to God's covenant and moral order, often associated with the actions of enemies who sought to undermine the community and its leaders. The lament psalms, like this one, provided a culturally accepted framework for individuals to express their distress and appeal to God's righteous character for vindication and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting God's active role as the ultimate judge who will surely bring retribution upon the wicked. This is a consistent refrain, providing comfort to the oppressed and warning to the oppressor, as seen in [Psalms 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalms 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"). It also highlights **God's Holiness and Abhorrence of Sin**, revealing a God who is utterly separate from and morally repulsed by evil, particularly deceit and violence. This aspect of God's character is foundational to understanding His covenant relationship with Israel and His demands for moral purity from His people, echoing principles found in [Leviticus 19:11](/leviticus/19-11 "Leviticus 19:11 - Do Not Lie or Deceive"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Contrast Between Truth and Deception**, portraying God as the embodiment of truth who cannot tolerate falsehood ("leasing"). This theme is vital for the people of God, calling them to integrity and honesty in all their dealings, reflecting the very nature of the God they serve, who is described as incapable of lying in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leasing (Hebrew, _kazav'_):** This archaic King James Version term translates the Hebrew word כָּזָב (_kazav_), which means "lie," "falsehood," "deception," or "disappointment." It refers to speech that is intentionally untrue, designed to mislead or defraud. The phrase "them that speak leasing" therefore identifies those whose communication is characterized by deceit and treachery, revealing a fundamental lack of integrity and a deliberate perversion of truth.
* **Abhor (Hebrew, _ta'ev'_):** The Hebrew verb תָּעֵב (_ta'ev_) conveys a profound sense of detestation, disgust, or utter repulsion. It is a strong term indicating not merely dislike, but a deep moral revulsion. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute and unwavering opposition to something, demonstrating that the "bloody and deceitful man" is an object of His intense moral indignation and righteous wrath, completely contrary to His holy nature.
* **Bloody and Deceitful Man (Hebrew, _damim_ and _mirmah'_):** This phrase describes a specific character type. "Bloody" (דָּמִים, _damim_) literally means "bloodshed" or "bloody acts," referring to one who is violent, murderous, or guilty of shedding innocent blood. "Deceitful" (מִרְמָה, _mirmah_) denotes one who practices trickery, fraud, or treachery, using cunning and manipulation. The combination paints a vivid picture of a person who is both physically destructive and morally corrupt, whose actions are driven by a combination of violence and cunning deception. This dual description highlights the comprehensive nature of the wickedness God condemns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing":** This clause declares God's active judgment against those who engage in falsehood and deception. The "Thou shalt destroy" emphasizes God's sovereign power and His ultimate, decisive action against such individuals. It is a statement of certainty regarding the fate of the deceitful: their lies will not prevail, and their end will be destruction at the hand of a righteous God. This destruction can refer to their plans being thwarted, their influence being nullified, or their ultimate spiritual demise.
* **"the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, specifying the depth of God's moral revulsion for a particular kind of wicked person. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenantal faithfulness and His unchanging holy character. He does not merely dislike but "abhors" (utterly detests) the individual whose life is marked by both violence ("bloody") and treachery ("deceitful"). This highlights that God's opposition to sin is not just against specific actions, but against the very character of those who embody such evil.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. Foremost is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first. "Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing" is paralleled by "the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man," with "destroy" and "abhor" expressing similar divine opposition, and "them that speak leasing" being a specific manifestation of the broader category of "bloody and deceitful man." This repetition serves to emphasize the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's judgment against wickedness. There is also a strong element of **Figurative Language**, particularly in the phrase "bloody and deceitful man," which uses concrete terms to describe abstract moral depravity. "Bloody" is a metonymy for violence and murder, while "deceitful" encapsulates treachery and fraud. The verse also implicitly uses **Anthropomorphism** in describing God's "abhorrence," attributing a human emotion (detestation) to God to help human readers grasp the intensity of His righteous indignation against sin, while maintaining His divine transcendence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:6 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals a God who is not apathetic to human sin but is actively and morally opposed to all forms of evil, particularly those that undermine truth and life. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that while God is merciful and gracious, His mercy does not negate His justice. He is a God of perfect moral order, and His character demands that sin be judged. This understanding of God's nature provides both comfort to the oppressed, knowing their cries for justice are heard, and a solemn warning to those who persist in wickedness. It highlights the inherent conflict between God's truth and human deception, His life-giving nature and human violence, affirming that ultimately, God's righteous order will prevail.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Fate of the Liars and Unbelieving")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness and Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:6 offers profound comfort and a clear challenge for believers today. In a world often saturated with deceit, violence, and injustice, this verse assures us that God is neither blind nor indifferent to the suffering caused by such evils. We can find solace in knowing that our God is a God of perfect justice who will ultimately bring every hidden thing to light and every wrong to right. This truth should empower us to trust in His sovereign timing and righteous judgment, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking personal vengeance. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful call to integrity and truthfulness in our own lives. As followers of a God who abhors "leasing" and deceit, we are compelled to embody truth in our words and actions, reflecting His character in a world desperate for authenticity. Our lives should be marked by honesty, compassion, and a commitment to justice, standing in stark contrast to the "bloody and deceitful" ways of the world, and actively pursuing righteousness in all our dealings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's abhorrence of deceit and violence shape your own commitment to truth and peace?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to "speak leasing" or act deceitfully, and how can you actively choose integrity instead?**
* **How can you find comfort and assurance in God's ultimate justice when you witness injustice or feel wronged by others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to promote truth and counter deception in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What does "leasing" mean in the King James Version of Psalms 5:6?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "leasing" is an archaic term that translates the Hebrew word כָּזָב (_kazav_), meaning "lie," "falsehood," or "deception." Therefore, "them that speak leasing" refers to those who tell lies, spread falsehoods, or engage in deceptive practices. It highlights a character trait of dishonesty and treachery. Modern translations often render this as "liars" or "those who speak lies," making the meaning more accessible to contemporary readers. The verse emphasizes that God will ultimately destroy or bring judgment upon those whose lives are characterized by such deceit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:6, with its declaration of God's abhorrence for deceit and violence and His promise to destroy the wicked, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's truth, declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" (John 14:6). He consistently exposed and condemned hypocrisy and deceit, particularly among the religious leaders of His day, as seen in His scathing rebukes in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees"). While God's judgment against sin is clear in the Old Testament, the New Testament reveals how this judgment was perfectly satisfied in Christ. On the cross, Jesus, who "knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against all "bloody and deceitful" acts, and against all "leasing," offering forgiveness and reconciliation to those who turn from their sin. Ultimately, Christ is also the one through whom God's final judgment will be executed, as He will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge, bringing an end to all wickedness and establishing His eternal kingdom of truth and justice ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Psalms 5:6 foreshadows the comprehensive victory of truth and righteousness achieved through Christ, inviting believers to live in the truth and love that He exemplifies and empowers through His Spirit ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood, Speak Truth")).

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

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Isaiah 26:21

For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

Genesis 34:25

¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

Genesis 34:26

And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.