King James Version

What Does Psalms 101:4 Mean?

Psalms 101:4 in the King James Version says “A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 101 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 101:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. in a: or, perfect in the way

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'froward' (iqqesh) denotes perversion or moral crookedness. David's resolve to distance himself from wickedness reflects the biblical principle of separation from evil (2 Cor 6:17). This verse establishes a standard for godly leadership: the ruler's personal holiness must precede his public administration. The Reformed emphasis on total depravity reminds us that such purity is only possible through God's sanctifying grace, pointing ultimately to Christ who perfectly embodied this standard.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written by David as a royal psalm of commitment, likely composed upon his coronation or during a covenant renewal ceremony. Ancient Near Eastern kings often made public vows of righteous rule before their subjects.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'froward' influences or relationships do you need to distance yourself from in obedience to God?
  2. How does Christ's perfect righteousness enable believers to pursue holiness in their own spheres of influence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לֵבָ֣ב1 of 7

“heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

עִ֭קֵּשׁ2 of 7

“A froward”

H6141

distorted; hence, false

יָס֣וּר3 of 7

“shall depart”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֑נִּי4 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

רָ֝֗ע5 of 7

“a wicked”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

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

אֵדָֽע׃7 of 7

“from me I will not know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 101:4 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 101:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 11:20Matthew 7:23Psalms 119:115Proverbs 9:6Proverbs 22:242 Timothy 2:19

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