Psalm 11 5

Psalm 11:5 kjv

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

Psalm 11:5 nkjv

The LORD tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Psalm 11:5 niv

The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.

Psalm 11:5 esv

The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

Psalm 11:5 nlt

The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.

Psalm 11 verses

Psalm 11 5 Meaning

Psalm 11:5 declares God's righteous scrutiny and definitive moral judgment. It reveals that the Lord, who sees all, intently examines those who are righteous, a process akin to refining that tests their authenticity. In stark contrast, His very being profoundly detests and rejects the wicked and all who inwardly embrace and practice violence, revealing His absolute opposition to evil and injustice.

Psalm 11 5 Context

Psalm 11 is a Psalm of David, likely written during a time when he faced severe threat and pressure, possibly from King Saul or Absalom. The psalm begins with David refusing to succumb to the advice of those who tell him to flee "like a bird to your mountain" (v.1). Instead, David asserts his unwavering trust in the Lord. He acknowledges that the foundations of society may be threatened by the wicked (v.3), but this does not deter his confidence in God. Verse 5 follows immediately after proclaiming God's throne in heaven, His all-seeing eyes observing humanity (v.4). Thus, the verse reassures that despite earthly chaos and the visible success of the wicked, God remains sovereignly involved, observing and distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked, and will act accordingly. It directly contrasts with any belief that God is distant or indifferent to human affairs, affirming His active judgment and moral order.

Psalm 11 5 Word analysis

• The LORD: Hebrew, YHWH (יהוה), the covenant name of God. This emphasizes His unchanging character, faithfulness, and absolute authority as the sovereign ruler of the universe. It is the God who has made Himself known and revealed His righteous nature.

• examines: Hebrew, bō·ḥēn (בֹּחֵן), a verb meaning to test, prove, assay, or scrutinize. It is often used in the context of assaying metals to refine them, separating impurities. This implies a thorough, deliberate, and purposeful evaluation, not because God lacks knowledge (He is omniscient), but to reveal, confirm, or refine the genuineness of the righteous. This examination clarifies character and leads to spiritual purification.

• the righteous: Hebrew, ṣaddîq (צַדִּיק), refers to those who are upright, just, and in right standing with God according to His standards and covenant. It denotes a moral and relational alignment with divine will, encompassing integrity, piety, and equitable conduct.

• but: This conjunction marks a strong contrast, introducing the antithesis to the previous statement about the righteous. It highlights the vast difference in God's disposition towards the two groups.

• the wicked: Hebrew, rāšāʿ (רָשָׁע), describes those who are ungodly, lawless, or guilty; they stand in opposition to God's ways and often commit acts of injustice and evil.

• and those who love violence: Hebrew, wə·ʾō·hēḇ ḥāmās (וְאֹהֵב חָמָס).

  • love: Hebrew, ʾō·hēḇ, expressing deep affection, devotion, or delight. This is significant; it's not just committing acts of violence out of momentary weakness, but having an affinity for, finding pleasure in, or making a lifestyle out of aggression, cruelty, or injustice. It points to a corrupted heart.
  • violence: Hebrew, ḥāmās (חָמָס), encompassing physical violence, oppression, injustice, cruelty, or moral wrongdoing. It often refers to societal breakdown through abuse of power or intentional harm.

• his soul hates: Hebrew, nap̄·šōw śānəʾāh (נַפְשׁוֹ שָׂנְאָה).

  • his soul: Hebrew, nep̄eš (נֶפֶשׁ) here used anthropomorphically for God. In Hebrew thought, nephesh refers to the whole person, the inner self, essence, or vital being. Thus, "his soul hates" signifies God's deep-seated, absolute, and essential moral repugnance from the core of His being, not a fickle emotion but an immutable divine revulsion against evil.
  • hates: Hebrew, śānəʾāh, indicates a strong, complete, and unalterable aversion or detestation. This hatred is a reflection of God's perfect holiness and justice, opposing everything contrary to His nature.

• "The Lord examines the righteous" vs. "but the wicked...his soul hates." This words-group highlights the divine distinction and disparate responses. For the righteous, God's "examines" (bō·ḥēn) implies a meticulous care, often for refinement or demonstration of genuineness. It’s an act of engaged relationship, leading to their blessing and perfection. For the wicked and those who embrace violence, God's reaction is profound "hatred," an active and unyielding opposition stemming from His very nature, leading to their condemnation and eventual judgment. This contrast emphasizes God's holy and just character as the ultimate standard and judge.

Psalm 11 5 Bonus section

The anthropopathic language used ("his soul hates") reveals the depth of God's feeling without implying human limitations or imperfection. It communicates God's profound, essential, and unwavering opposition to evil as a core attribute of His character. It is a perfect, righteous hatred against unrighteousness and violence, distinct from sinful human anger. This verse, along with the entire Psalm, reinforces the theological truth of God's omniscience (He sees everything from heaven, v.4) and His immanence (He acts within human history). It serves as a strong polemic against any worldview that denies God's active involvement in judging evil or affirming good. The inclusion of "love violence" suggests that God's judgment extends beyond mere actions to the intentions and affections of the heart, showing that character and disposition are equally important in His sight.

Psalm 11 5 Commentary

Psalm 11:5 provides a crucial insight into the character and active governance of the Almighty, serving as an anchor for faith in turbulent times. It paints a picture of God not as a distant observer, but as intimately involved in human affairs, maintaining moral order. The "Lord examines the righteous" is a testament to His precise discernment and a source of comfort for His people. This divine scrutiny is not for His own learning, but for the revelation and refinement of true faith, akin to a refiner’s fire purifying precious metals. Trials experienced by the righteous are often part of this divine examination, working towards their spiritual growth and demonstrated integrity. In stark contrast, God's intense aversion to "the wicked and those who love violence" underscores His unwavering commitment to justice. His "soul hates" their actions and, more significantly, their corrupted disposition, signifying His absolute moral purity and intolerance for injustice and deliberate harm. This is not human-like capricious emotion, but a holy and perfect detestation rooted in His nature. Therefore, the verse reassures the upright that their struggles are seen and purposeful, while guaranteeing that evil, though it may seem to prosper, faces the certain and profound opposition of the righteous Judge of all the earth. This offers profound reassurance that God’s standard of righteousness is supreme and ultimately triumphs.