Psalm 139 21

Psalm 139:21 kjv

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

Psalm 139:21 nkjv

Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

Psalm 139:21 niv

Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

Psalm 139:21 esv

Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

Psalm 139:21 nlt

O LORD, shouldn't I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn't I despise those who oppose you?

Psalm 139 verses

Psalm 139 21 Meaning

Psalm 139:21 expresses the psalmist's fervent devotion and alignment with God's character, particularly His righteousness and opposition to evil. The rhetorical questions signify a strong affirmation: "Indeed, I do hate those who hate You, O Lord, and I do loathe those who rise up against You." This "hate" is not personal animosity or vengeance, but a holy indignation and utter rejection of spiritual rebellion against God and His truth. It reflects a heart that values God's honor and justice above all, and therefore detests what God detests: sin, wickedness, and deliberate antagonism towards His divine rule and glory.

Psalm 139 21 Context

Psalm 139 is a profound reflection on God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. The psalmist marvels at God's perfect knowledge of him (vv. 1-6), His inescapable presence (vv. 7-12), and His intricate design in creation (vv. 13-18). Having established God's absolute holiness, righteousness, and profound personal knowledge of His servant, the psalmist's outburst in verse 21 follows logically. His deep reverence and admiration for God lead him to detest whatever opposes such a perfect Being. The verse serves as a transition to the final two verses, which are a plea for God to search and expose any wickedness in his own heart, and lead him in the way everlasting. The enemies mentioned are not merely personal foes, but active opponents of God Himself and His righteous ways.

Psalm 139 21 Word analysis

• Do I not hate: The Hebrew verb for "hate" is śānē' (שָׂנֵא). While it can mean emotional hatred, in many biblical contexts, it refers to a posture of opposition, aversion, or disassociation. Here, it denotes an active and conscious rejection of, and moral repugnance for, anything that stands against God. It is not personal malice but an aligning with God's judgment against evil. This is a rhetorical question, expecting an emphatic "yes."
• those who hate You: Refers to individuals who actively reject, oppose, and despise God. Their animosity is directed towards YHWH, His laws, and His truth.
• O Lord?: The Hebrew name used here is YHWH (transliterated as Adonai), God's personal covenant name. This emphasizes that the psalmist's devotion and subsequent opposition to God's enemies stem from a deeply personal relationship and commitment to the sovereign Creator and Covenant Keeper.
• And do I not loathe: The Hebrew verb for "loathe" is qūṭ (קוּט). This term conveys an even stronger sense of revulsion, disgust, or abhorrence than śānē'. It suggests an absolute detestation, a complete lack of desire for association or affinity with. It's an expression of utter moral repulsion. This too is a rhetorical question, affirming the sentiment.
• those who rise up against You?: The phrase qāmīm `āleyḵā (קָמִים עָלֶיךָ) describes individuals who stand up in open rebellion, defiance, or hostile opposition against God. They are active adversaries of His reign and righteousness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?: This phrase expresses the psalmist's complete loyalty to God. Because he loves God profoundly (as implied throughout the psalm), he cannot but stand in opposition to those who actively hate and defy the Lord. It's a statement of solidarity with divine justice.
• And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?: This intensifies the sentiment. It signifies a profound spiritual repugnance and complete dissociation from individuals who actively rebel against God's authority and moral order. It highlights the psalmist's complete separation from wickedness, mirroring God's own holiness. The rhetorical question format underlines the psalmist's unwavering moral stand and alignment with God's perfect character.

Psalm 139 21 Bonus section

The strong language of this verse, common in imprecatory psalms, is best understood within the covenantal worldview of ancient Israel. "Hate" was often a covenantal term indicating a breaking of loyalty or a choice of allegiance (e.g., loving one's master and 'hating' a different master). The psalmist's declaration here is akin to a faithful subject detesting those who betray his benevolent king. This moral outrage is not a license for private revenge, but a plea for divine justice to prevail and for God's honor to be upheld against all forms of wickedness and idolatry in the world.

Psalm 139 21 Commentary

Psalm 139:21 stands as a powerful declaration of spiritual allegiance. After reflecting on God's boundless knowledge, omnipresent spirit, and wondrous creation, the psalmist expresses an unavoidable outcome of such awe and reverence: an utter rejection of anything that dishonors God. The "hate" is not personal vindictiveness or emotional rage against individuals, but a righteous abhorrence of their actions and intentions directed against God. It reflects zeal for God's glory and a deep identification with His holiness. This means taking sides with God against sin, unrighteousness, and spiritual rebellion, without necessarily extending personal animosity to the people themselves. In the New Covenant, believers are called to love their personal enemies (Matt 5:44), yet we are still commanded to hate evil (Rom 12:9) and stand against unrighteousness, understanding our struggle is not primarily against people but against spiritual forces (Eph 6:12).