Psalm 101 4

Psalm 101:4 kjv

A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

Psalm 101:4 nkjv

A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.

Psalm 101:4 niv

The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Psalm 101:4 esv

A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

Psalm 101:4 nlt

I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.

Psalm 101 verses

Psalm 101 4 Meaning

Psalm 101:4 is a solemn vow from King David, expressing his unwavering commitment to personal righteousness and the diligent rejection of all forms of evil. He declares that a perverse, twisted, or crooked heart – referring to one's inner disposition and motives – will find no place near him. Furthermore, he resolves not to acknowledge, tolerate, or engage with any wickedness, demonstrating a radical commitment to purity in both his personal life and his governance. This verse is a foundational statement of intent for a king dedicated to ruling justly under God.

Psalm 101 4 Context

Psalm 101 is traditionally attributed to King David and is considered a "royal psalm," likely composed early in his reign or even as a declaration upon ascending the throne. It functions as a public vow or mission statement outlining the principles by which he intends to rule and govern his kingdom. The psalm's broader context reveals a king who aims to establish a kingdom founded on righteousness and justice, aligning his reign with God's divine character. David sets an example not only for his court and administration, but also for his personal conduct, ensuring that his leadership flows from a heart dedicated to purity. The verse contrasts David's righteous aspiration with the pervasive corruption and idolatry common in other ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, affirming that his authority is to be exercised according to divine standards, far removed from the perversion often found in human governance.

Psalm 101 4 Word analysis

• A perverse heart: (Hebrew: עִקֵּשׁ לֵב, 'iqqesh lev)
  • 'iqqesh (עִקֵּשׁ): Means "twisted," "crooked," "perverted," or "devious." It describes something that is not straight or morally upright, but rather deviates from the correct path.
  • lev (לֵב): Translates to "heart." In biblical thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's entire being – intellect, will, intentions, motives, and conscience. Therefore, a "perverse heart" refers to a deeply corrupted inner disposition, one whose thoughts, intentions, and desires are fundamentally bent towards evil.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the inner spiritual state rather than just outward actions. The King vows to rid himself of the source of evil, not merely its manifestations.
• shall depart from me: (Hebrew: יָסוּר מִמֶּנִּי, yāsûr mimmennî)
  • yāsûr (יָסוּר): From the verb sûr, meaning "to turn aside," "to depart," "to remove," "to withdraw." It implies a decisive and active separation. It's not a passive hope but an intentional removal.
  • mimmennî (מִמֶּנִּי): "from me" or "from my presence."
  • Significance: This signifies an internal cleansing and a personal commitment to actively expel wicked thoughts, desires, and any influences that could corrupt the king's spirit or his court. It is a resolute rejection.
• I will know: (Hebrew: לֹא אֵדָע, lo' 'ēda')
  • lo' (לֹא): A negative particle, "not."
  • 'ēda' (אֵדָע): From the verb yāda' (יָדַע), which means "to know." However, in Hebrew, "knowing" often goes beyond intellectual recognition to imply intimacy, fellowship, acknowledgement, experience, approval, or even being familiar with something through close association.
  • Significance: The negative "I will not know" indicates a radical non-recognition, non-toleration, non-association, and non-approval. It's a complete refusal to have anything to do with evil, to acknowledge its presence in his inner being, or to allow it any influence in his sphere of authority.
• no evil: (Hebrew: רָע, ra')
  • ra' (רָע): A broad and comprehensive term for "evil." It encompasses moral wickedness, sin, depravity, harm, misfortune, distress, and anything that is contrary to God's righteous nature.
  • Significance: The vow is not limited to a specific type of evil but includes all forms of unrighteousness, demonstrating a holistic commitment to purity and justice.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "A perverse heart shall depart from me": This phrase underlines David's absolute resolve to ensure that inner corruption has no dwelling place within him. It emphasizes the primary battleground of integrity being the heart and mind. It's a purification vow for his inner being, reflecting his desire for God-honoring thoughts and motives, not just actions.
  • "I will know no evil": This is a declaration of complete disassociation and rejection. "Knowing" implies experiencing, endorsing, or forming a relationship. To "know no evil" means to refuse to be familiar with it, to acknowledge its legitimacy, to condone it, or to allow its presence in one's life or administration. It speaks to a commitment to having no fellowship with works of darkness, whether in deed, word, or thought. This extends to refusing to acknowledge wicked counsel or permit wicked practices in his realm.

Psalm 101 4 Bonus section

This verse exemplifies a crucial principle: authentic external righteousness stems from internal purification. It teaches that leadership (spiritual, familial, or civic) cannot be truly just or holy unless the leader's own heart is purified from perversity. The "knowing" of evil is a profound Hebrew concept, implying a personal engagement or familiarity, rather than mere awareness. Thus, "I will know no evil" is a radical disavowal of intimacy or partnership with sin. This Davidic vow foreshadows Christ, the perfect King who truly knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21) and perfectly embodied righteousness, utterly devoid of any perverse heart. His perfect example is the ultimate fulfillment of this psalm's aspirational pledge.

Psalm 101 4 Commentary

Psalm 101:4 articulates the uncompromising moral standard David sets for himself as king. It begins with an internal cleansing, resolving to banish any "perverse heart," recognizing that true leadership springs from a pure core. This goes beyond outward behavior; it targets the very spring of human thought and intent. Following this inner vow, he declares he will "know no evil," signaling an absolute rejection of any form of wickedness. This means no tolerance for corruption in his administration, no acceptance of unrighteous practices, and no personal familiarity with sin. It is a king's public declaration to align his entire being and reign with God's holy standards, reflecting a commitment to embody divine righteousness in human governance. This verse serves as a profound lesson for all who seek to live righteously, particularly those in positions of leadership: integrity must begin within and then decisively separate from all that is contrary to God.