Psalm 26 5

Psalm 26:5 kjv

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

Psalm 26:5 nkjv

I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:5 niv

I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:5 esv

I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:5 nlt

I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

Psalm 26 verses

Psalm 26 5 Meaning

Psalm 26:5 conveys David's profound moral conviction and commitment to purity, declaring an intense aversion to and complete separation from individuals engaged in wicked practices. It expresses his unwavering resolve not to participate in the company, counsel, or activities of those who act contrary to God's ways, affirming his loyalty to God through a lifestyle of intentional spiritual and moral distinctiveness.

Psalm 26 5 Context

Psalm 26 is a psalm of David, serving as a fervent appeal to God for vindication. David petitions God to judge him according to his integrity, blamelessness, and faithfulness. In verses 4-5, he strengthens his appeal by presenting a stark contrast between his righteous conduct and the ways of the wicked. He asserts his deliberate separation from deceitful and evil individuals, affirming that his path has diverged sharply from theirs. This verse underscores his desire to remain undefiled, as he prepares to enter God's presence in worship (v. 6-8), implicitly suggesting that such moral separation is a prerequisite for communion with a holy God. Historically, this declaration was significant in a context where pagan societies engaged in practices anathema to Yahweh's commands. David, as king and worshiper, set himself apart from the idolatry, deceit, and injustice prevalent in his contemporary world, advocating for a distinctive, God-honoring lifestyle within the covenant community of Israel.

Psalm 26 5 Word analysis

• I hate (שָׂנֵאתִי - śānēʾṯî): This word signifies a deep, intense moral revulsion and absolute detestation, not merely a mild dislike. It implies an active, personal rejection of what is morally wrong. This strong emotion mirrors God's own hatred for evil (Ps 5:5), demonstrating David's alignment with divine character.
• the assembly (קְהַל - qəhal): Refers to a gathering, congregation, or company. While often used for a positive, sacred assembly of God's people, here it tragically describes a collective of those united in ungodly purpose or action. It highlights the concerted nature of their wrongdoing and the communal environment of evil that David deliberately shuns.
• of evildoers (מְרֵעִים - mərēʿîm): Designates those who actively and habitually commit evil, causing harm, injustice, or moral corruption. This term emphasizes a settled character of wickedness, defining individuals by their consistent practice of evil deeds rather than isolated errors.
• and I will not sit (לֹא אֵשֵׁב - lōʾ ʾēšēḇ): A decisive and emphatic negative declaration. "Sit" here implies much more than physical proximity; it conveys the idea of settling down with, taking one's place among, joining in fellowship, participating in their counsel, or sharing in their activities and way of life. It signifies a refusal of intimate association and shared purpose.
• with the wicked (רְשָׁעִים - rəšāʿîm): Refers to those who are guilty, unrighteous, estranged from God and His divine law. This term describes their moral status and spiritual condition before God, often contrasted sharply with "the righteous" (צַדִּיקִים - tsaddîqîm).

• "I hate the assembly of evildoers": This phrase asserts a principled moral stance and an active abhorrence toward groups defined by their malicious and ungodly actions. It implies a conscious recognition of collective sin and a resolute rejection of complicity or participation in such a unified force for evil.
• "and I will not sit with the wicked": This complements the prior statement by describing the practical, behavioral manifestation of his internal hatred for evil. It expresses a committed act of separation, refusing intimate fellowship, shared plans, or aligning oneself in any substantial way with those whose lives are characterized by unrighteousness.

Psalm 26 5 Bonus section

This verse offers a profound biblical basis for the concept of Christian distinctiveness and the call to holiness. David's resolve illustrates that genuine faith is not passive but requires an active, often difficult, choice to differentiate oneself from ungodly environments. This principle extends beyond merely avoiding physically sitting with certain individuals; it encompasses discerning the spirits, ideologies, and entertainment we consume. It speaks to the integrity of one's inner and outer life, stressing that spiritual purity necessitates both inward moral abhorrence of evil and outward behavioral separation from it. David's bold appeal to God based on this separation demonstrates a trust that God will honor those who strive to walk blamelessly and distinguish themselves for His name's sake.

Psalm 26 5 Commentary

Psalm 26:5 presents a powerful declaration of spiritual separation. David, in seeking divine vindication, lays bare his ethical choices before God. His "hatred" for the assembly of evildoers is not merely a social preference but a moral abhorrence stemming from his commitment to Yahweh's holiness. It reflects an alignment with God's own character, as God Himself hates evil (Ps 5:5; 97:10). The refusal to "sit" with the wicked signifies a complete disassociation—not just from their actions but from their company, their counsel, their plans, and their way of life. This demonstrates a deep-seated desire to preserve integrity and purity, essential for genuine worship and communion with God. It underscores the biblical principle that a true follower of God must maintain a distinct separation from worldly values and ungodly influences. This ethical stance is foundational to a life of worship and faith, underscoring that our closest companions ought to be those who also walk in God's light.