King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:163 Mean?

Psalms 119:163 in the King James Version says “I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.”

Psalms 119:163 · KJV

Love

Context

161

SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

162

I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

163

I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

164

Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

165

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. nothing: Heb. they shall have no stumblingblock

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I hate and abhor lying (שֶׁקֶר שָׂנֵאתִי וַאֲתַעֵבָה, sheqer saneti va'ata'evah)—Two intensifying verbs: sane (hate) and ta'av (abhor, detest, loathe). Sheqer means 'lie, falsehood, deception, emptiness.' The double-verb construction emphasizes vehement rejection. Contrast: but thy law do I love (תּוֹרָתְךָ אָהָבְתִּי, toratekha ahavti). Love for Torah (ahavah) drives hatred of sheqer.

Jesus is 'the truth' (aletheia, John 14:6) and cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Satan is 'father of lies' (John 8:44). The psalm's either/or—love Torah or love sheqer—anticipates Christ's 'no man can serve two masters' (Matthew 6:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ninth commandment prohibits false witness (Exodus 20:16), but the psalm expands this to an internal disposition. Proverbs repeatedly condemns sheqer (Proverbs 6:17, 12:22). In a world of competing truth-claims, loving Torah meant hating falsehood—particularly idolatry's lies about God's character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does loving God's Law necessarily produce hatred for falsehood rather than mere disapproval?
  2. What 'lies' (<em>sheqer</em>) do you need to cultivate holy hatred toward—culturally acceptable deceptions about identity, purpose, morality?
  3. How does Jesus as 'the Truth' embodied fulfill and intensify the psalmist's hatred of lying and love of Torah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
שֶׁ֣קֶר1 of 5

“lying”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

שָׂ֭נֵאתִי2 of 5

“I hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וַאֲתַעֵ֑בָה3 of 5

“and abhor”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

תּוֹרָתְךָ֥4 of 5

“but thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אָהָֽבְתִּי׃5 of 5

“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 119:163 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 119:163 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:128Proverbs 6:16-19Romans 12:9Psalms 119:29Amos 5:15Psalms 101:7

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