King James Version

What Does Psalms 101:3 Mean?

Psalms 101:3 in the King James Version says “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. wicked:...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 101 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. wicked: Heb. thing of Belial”

Psalms 101:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. wicked: Heb. thing of Belial

4

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

5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. David's commitment extends to what he allows to influence his mind and affections. "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (lo-ashit l'neged einai d'var-b'liya'al, לֹא־אָשִׁית לְנֶגֶד עֵינַי דְּבַר־בְּלִיָּעַל) uses beliya'al (בְּלִיַּעַל), meaning worthlessness, wickedness, or destruction. The phrase literally means "a worthless thing" or "thing of Belial" (Satan).

The eyes are portrayed as gatekeepers of the heart. What we allow before our eyes shapes desires, values, and character (Genesis 3:6—Eve "saw that the tree was good for food"; Joshua 7:21—Achan "saw...coveted...took"; 2 Samuel 11:2—David "saw a woman washing herself"). David pledges vigilance over visual input, refusing entertainment, counsel, or pursuits that promote wickedness.

"I hate the work of them that turn aside" (saneiti ma'aseh setim, שָׂנֵאתִי מַעֲשֵׂה שֵׂטִים) expresses vehement rejection of apostasy. Setim (שֵׂטִים) means those who turn away, deviate, or apostatize from God's ways. David doesn't merely disapprove but actively hates (sane, שָׂנֵא) their works—reflecting God's own hatred of evil (Psalm 5:5, Proverbs 6:16-19).

"It shall not cleave to me" (lo yidbaq bi, לֹא יִדְבַּק־בִּי) uses dabaq (דָּבַק), meaning to cling, adhere, or stick. David refuses to let wickedness attach itself to his character or administration. This suggests both personal purity and administrative vigilance—he will not tolerate corrupt officials or unjust practices in his government.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The eyes' role in moral compromise is illustrated throughout biblical narratives: Eve's visual desire for the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), Lot's choice to pitch his tent toward Sodom because the plain was 'well watered...like the garden of the LORD' (Genesis 13:10), Achan's coveting what his eyes saw in Jericho's plunder (Joshua 7:21), David's adultery beginning when he 'saw a woman washing herself' (2 Samuel 11:2).

Ancient Near Eastern royal courts often featured entertainment, art, and advisors promoting polytheism, sexual immorality, and political intrigue. David's pledge to set 'no wicked thing before his eyes' meant refusing pagan religious imagery, rejecting counsel from corrupt advisors, and maintaining moral boundaries despite cultural norms.

The concept of 'hating' evil reflects covenant theology. The Shema commands loving God with totality (Deuteronomy 6:5); conversely, loyalty to God requires hating what God hates (Psalm 97:10, Amos 5:15). This isn't vindictive malice but moral clarity—recognizing and rejecting what destroys human flourishing and defies divine order.

Jesus intensified this principle, teaching that adultery begins with lustful looking (Matthew 5:28) and commanding radical amputation of whatever causes sin (Matthew 5:29-30, 18:8-9). The issue isn't literal eyes but guarding the heart by controlling inputs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does guarding visual input relate to maintaining spiritual purity in an image-saturated culture with pervasive digital media?
  2. Is there biblical precedent for 'hating' certain works or ideologies, and how is this distinct from hating people made in God's image?
  3. What practical strategies help prevent wickedness from 'cleaving' to us even when we must operate in corrupt environments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָשִׁ֨ית׀2 of 12

“I will set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לְנֶ֥גֶד3 of 12
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

עֵינַ֗י4 of 12

“before mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

דְּֽבַר5 of 12

“thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּלִ֫יָּ֥עַל6 of 12

“no wicked”

H1100

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

עֲשֹֽׂה7 of 12

“the work”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

סֵטִ֥ים8 of 12

“of them that turn aside”

H7750

to detrude, i.e., (intransitively and figuratively) become derelict (wrongly practise; namely, idolatry)

שָׂנֵ֑אתִי9 of 12

“I hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

לֹ֖א10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִדְבַּ֣ק11 of 12

“it shall not cleave”

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

בִּֽי׃12 of 12
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 101:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 101:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:37Job 31:1James 1:13-152 Samuel 11:2-3Proverbs 6:25Matthew 5:28

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