Psalms 139:21
Psalms 139:21 in Multiple Translations
Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Are not your haters hated by me, O Lord? are not those who are lifted up against you a cause of grief to me?
Lord, don't I hate those who hate you? I despise those who rebel against you!
Doe not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and doe not I earnestly contend with those that rise vp against thee?
Do not I hate, Jehovah, those hating Thee? And with Thy withstanders grieve myself?
LORD, don’t I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Yahweh, I certainly [RHQ] hate those who hate you! And I despise [RHQ] those who rebel against you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 139:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לֽוֹא
מְשַׂנְאֶ֖י/ךָ
יְהוָ֥ה
אֶשְׂנָ֑א
וּ֝/בִ/תְקוֹמְמֶ֗י/ךָ
אֶתְקוֹטָֽט
הֲ/לֽוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מְשַׂנְאֶ֖י/ךָ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Piel | Suff
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶשְׂנָ֑א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וּ֝/בִ/תְקוֹמְמֶ֗י/ךָ
tᵉqôwmêm
H8618
to confront
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
אֶתְקוֹטָֽט
qûwṭ
H6962
to loath
V-r-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:21
הֲ/לֽוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מְשַׂנְאֶ֖י/ךָ
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Piel | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶשְׂנָ֑א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
וּ֝/בִ/תְקוֹמְמֶ֗י/ךָ
tᵉqôwmêm
H8618
"to confront"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
To confront or rise up against someone is what this Hebrew word means, describing opposition or resistance. It is used to describe someone who stands against another.
Definition: (Hithpol) a rising against (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: rise up against. See also: Psalms 139:21.
אֶתְקוֹטָֽט
qûwṭ
H6962
"to loath"
V-r-Imperf-1cs
To feel a strong dislike or hatred for something, it can also mean to be grieved or loathe oneself. It is used in Ezekiel 6:9 to describe the Israelites' feelings towards their idols.
Definition: 1) to loathe, be grieved, feel a loathing 1a) (Qal) to feel a loathing 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to feel loathing against self 1b2) to detest 1c) (Hithpolel) to loathe oneself Also means: na.qat (נָקַט "to tire" H5354)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: begrieved, loathe self. See also: Psalms 95:10; Ezekiel 6:9; Psalms 119:158.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
- Sermons on Psalms 139:21
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
19O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men—
20who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?
22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:158 | I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:6 | I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust. |
| 3 | Psalms 26:5 | I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. |
| 4 | Revelation 2:2 | I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 19:2 | Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. |
| 6 | Revelation 2:6 | But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 13:17 | But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. |
| 8 | Psalms 15:4 | who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, |
| 9 | Psalms 119:136 | My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed. |
| 10 | Mark 3:5 | Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored. |
Psalms 139:21 Summary
This verse, Psalms 139:21, means that the psalmist has strong feelings against people who are against God, and wants to be on God's side. It's like when we really dislike it when someone is mean to our best friend - we want to defend them. The psalmist is saying that he hates the people who hate God, and wants to honor God's name, as seen in Isaiah 48:9. This doesn't mean we should be violent or aggressive, but rather that we should stand up for what is right and true, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, and love those who are lost, as seen in Luke 19:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist express hatred towards those who hate God?
The psalmist's hatred is a righteous response to those who oppose God, as seen in Psalms 139:21, and is motivated by a desire to honor and defend God's name, much like the zeal of the Lord in Isaiah 9:7.
Is it okay for Christians to hate anyone?
While Jesus taught us to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44, the psalmist's hatred in Psalms 139:21 is directed towards those who hate God, not towards individuals personally, and is more about a strong dislike for their sinful actions, as seen in Proverbs 8:13.
How can I balance my desire to hate sin with my command to love others?
We can learn from Psalms 139:21 that hating sin and loving sinners are not mutually exclusive, and that our hatred for sin should drive us to pray for and witness to those who are lost, as seen in Romans 9:1-3, and to seek their salvation in 1 Timothy 2:4.
Does this verse promote violence or aggression towards those who oppose God?
No, this verse does not promote violence, but rather a strong emotional response to those who oppose God, as seen in Psalms 139:21, and should be balanced with the teachings of Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my love for God by opposing sin and evil in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper hatred for sin and its effects in my life and in the world around me, as seen in Psalms 139:21?
- In what ways can I show love and compassion to those who are caught up in sinful lifestyles, while still standing against the sin itself, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13?
- What are some practical steps that I can take to 'detest those who rise against' God, as the psalmist says in Psalms 139:21, and to stand for truth and righteousness in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:21
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee?.... Wicked men are haters of God; of his word, both law and Gospel; of his ordinances, ways, and worship; of his people, cause, and interest; and therefore
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:21
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? One cannot at once love the Lord and love His enemies (Psalms 119:158).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
I appeal to thee, the omnipresent and omniscient God, whether I do not perfectly hate them so far as they are enemies to God and goodness. That rise up against thee, in open hostility and rebellion against thine authority.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
Psalms 139:21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?Ver. 21. Do not I hate them, O Lord] And therefore hate them because they hate thee? This the Hebrews understand of heretics and apostates. See a like zeal in that angel of Ephesus, Revelation 2:2. And am not I grieved] Or, irked, made ready to vomit at (as at some loathsome spectacle), fretted, vexed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
(21) Do not I . . .—Better— “Must I not hate thy haters, Jehovah, And feel loathing for thy assailants?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
Verse 21. Do not I hate them] I hold their conduct in abomination.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:21
21. am not I grieved with] Do not I loathe, as in Psalms 119:158.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:21
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? - This is in the consciousness of the psalmist a proof of his own real piety, as derived from his feelings toward those who were the enemies of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:21
19-22. From the foregoing survey of the divine perfections the psalmist draws unbounded consolation and hope for the righteous. He now, however, sees that the same causes secure the ultimate, inevitable punishment of the wicked.
Sermons on Psalms 139:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Repentance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his fat |
|
God's Omnipotence - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of God's omnipresence and authority over all places. He emphasizes that while we are accustomed to things having their rightful pl |
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That Religious Affections Are Very Great, or Raised Very High, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses the misconception that high religious affections are always a sign of true religion, emphasizing that while true religion involves deep affections, not a |
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Hudson Taylor: Songs on His Pilgrimage by Jason Janz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Hudson Taylor, a missionary who faced challenges in spreading the Gospel in China. Despite being bedridden and having no paid hel |
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Exposing Your Inner Self by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of self-examination for Christians to understand their true moral character in the eyes of God. He argues that uncertainty about one's spiri |
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2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights |
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Psalms 81-84 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses Psalm 81 and its three sections: the call to rejoice, the division, and the call to regret. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience |