King James Version

What Does Psalms 120:6 Mean?

Psalms 120:6 in the King James Version says “My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 120 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.”

Psalms 120:6 · KJV

Peace

Context

4

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Sharp: or, It is as the sharp arrows of the mighty man, with coals of juniper

5

Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

6

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

7

I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war. for peace: or, a man of peace

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lament continues: 'My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.' The word 'soul' (Hebrew 'nephesh') denotes the whole person - mind, emotions, and will. The phrase 'long dwelt' emphasizes extended suffering; this is not momentary discomfort but sustained trial. Those who 'hateth peace' are characterized by hostility, conflict, and discord. The psalmist mourns being forced to coexist with contentious, quarrelsome neighbors. For God's people, whose covenant relationship is defined by shalom (peace, wholeness, harmony), living among peace-haters creates profound tension. This verse describes the spiritual weariness of maintaining faithfulness in hostile environments. The longing expressed here finds ultimate resolution only in God's eternal kingdom, where peace reigns perfectly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel's identity centered on being a people of peace under God's covenant. The priestly blessing promised peace (Numbers 6:24-26), and the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Living among those who rejected peace violated the covenant community's essential character. This tension would intensify during periods of exile, persecution, or diaspora.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual and emotional toll comes from 'long dwelling' in hostile environments?
  2. How do believers maintain peace within themselves while living among those who 'hate peace'?
  3. What does it mean to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) in contexts characterized by conflict?
  4. How does the psalmist's longing for peace point forward to Christ as the Prince of Peace?
  5. In what ways might prolonged exposure to ungodly influences affect our spiritual health?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רַ֭בַּת1 of 7

“hath long”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

שָֽׁכְנָה2 of 7

“dwelt”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

לָּ֣הּ3 of 7
H0
נַפְשִׁ֑י4 of 7

“My soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עִ֝֗ם5 of 7
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שׂוֹנֵ֥א6 of 7

“with him that hateth”

H8130

to hate (personally)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃7 of 7

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 120:6 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 120:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:16Psalms 57:4Ezekiel 2:6Matthew 10:361 Samuel 20:30-33Titus 3:3

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