King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:113 Mean?

Psalms 119:113 in the King James Version says “SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.”

Psalms 119:113 · KJV

Love

Context

111

Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. to perform: Heb. to do

113

SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

114

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

115

Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I hate vain thoughts (סֵעֲפִים שָׂנֵאתִי, se'afim saneti)—the word se'afim appears only here, meaning divided opinions, doubts, half-hearted loyalties. The LXX translates it paranomous (lawless ones). The psalmist hates (sane, strong aversion) mental double-mindedness. James warns: A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

The contrast: but thy law do I love (וְתוֹרָתְךָ אָהָבְתִּי, vetoraткha ahavti). Hate and love are not mere emotions but covenant terms of rejection and election. Elijah challenged Israel: How long halt ye between two opinions? (1 Kings 18:21). Jesus demanded: No man can serve two masters (Matt 6:24). This verse calls for radical singularity of devotion—expelling divided loyalties and loving God's word exclusively. The Shema declares this: Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart (Deut 6:5)—no room for vain thoughts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel constantly struggled with syncretism—mixing Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices. The prophets repeatedly condemned this double-mindedness. For the psalmist, intellectual and emotional purity required hating divided loyalties and loving Torah exclusively.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'vain thoughts' or divided loyalties compete with your wholehearted love for God's word?
  2. How do you cultivate hatred (strong aversion) toward spiritual double-mindedness in your thought life?
  3. In what ways does loving God's law require rejecting attractive alternatives that would divide your heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
סֵעֲפִ֥ים1 of 4

“vain thoughts”

H5588

divided (in mind), i.e., (concretely) a skeptic

שָׂנֵ֑אתִי2 of 4

“SAMECH I hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וְֽתוֹרָתְךָ֥3 of 4

“but thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אָהָֽבְתִּי׃4 of 4

“do I love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 119:113 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 119:113 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:8Jeremiah 4:14Isaiah 55:7Psalms 119:97Mark 7:212 Corinthians 10:5

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