King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:115 Mean?

Psalms 119:115 in the King James Version says “Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:115 · KJV

Context

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.

116

Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Depart from me, ye evildoers (סוּרוּ־מִמֶּנִּי מְרֵעִים, suru-mimmenni mere'im)—a command for immediate separation. The verb sur means turn aside, depart, remove. This echoes Jesus's eschatological judgment: Depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matt 7:23, 25:41). The psalmist exercises spiritual authority to expel corrupting influences from his presence.

The reason: for I will keep the commandments of my God (וְאֶצְּרָה מִצְוֹת אֱלֹהָי, ve'etzrah mitzvot elohai). The verb natsar means guard, watch over, preserve—vigilant protection. Keeping God's commands requires separation from those who undermine obedience. Paul commands: From such turn away (2 Tim 3:5). Nehemiah physically expelled Tobiah from the temple (Neh 13:8). This is not pharisaical exclusivism but spiritual self-preservation—you cannot keep God's commandments while embracing evildoers who mock them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Israel's history, compromise with ungodly neighbors led to apostasy (Judges, 1-2 Kings). Ezra and Nehemiah's reforms required radical separation from pagan influences. For persecuted believers, choosing God's commands over peer pressure from evildoers was costly but necessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationships or influences need to 'depart' from your life to protect your obedience to God?
  2. How do you balance Jesus's call to reach sinners with the psalmist's command for separation from evildoers?
  3. In what situations does keeping God's commandments require you to expel corrupting influences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
סֽוּרוּ1 of 6

“Depart”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֥נִּי2 of 6
H4480

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

מְרֵעִ֑ים3 of 6

“from me ye evildoers”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וְ֝אֶצְּרָ֗ה4 of 6

“for I will keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

מִצְוֹ֥ת5 of 6

“the commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֱלֹהָֽי׃6 of 6

“of my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 119:115 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 119:115 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:33Matthew 7:23Psalms 6:8Psalms 139:19Psalms 119:106Psalms 26:5

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