King James Version

What Does Psalms 139:21 Mean?

Psalms 139:21 in the King James Version says “Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 139 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?”

Psalms 139:21 · KJV

Context

19

Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20

For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21

Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22

I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? David's rhetorical questions demand assent: loving God requires hating His enemies. Hate (שָׂנֵא, sane) is strong language, but it's directed at those who hate God—not personal enemies but enemies of righteousness. Grieved (אֶתְקוֹטָט, etqotat, from קוּט, qut) means to loathe, feel disgust, be weary with—moral revulsion at evil.

Those that rise up against thee (תְּקוֹמְמֶיךָ, teqomemecha) are active rebels, insurgents against divine authority. This verse reflects biblical 'holy hatred'—not personal malice but alignment with God's moral judgments. Revelation 2:6 praises the Ephesian church: 'you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.' Love for God produces corresponding opposition to what opposes God. David's question form shows this isn't optional for those who know God intimately.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David faced enemies who were simultaneously political and theological threats—they opposed God's anointed king and thus God's plan. The concept of 'holy hatred' appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 97:10, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9). Jesus expressed fierce anger at those who profaned the temple (John 2:13-17) and defiled God's sheep (Matthew 23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between hating God's enemies (their rebellion) and hating people personally?
  2. What things that God hates have you learned to tolerate or even embrace in contemporary culture?
  3. How does Jesus's command to love enemies integrate with David's call to hate those who hate God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הֲלֽוֹא1 of 6
H3808

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

אֶשְׂנָ֑א2 of 6

“Do not I hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

יְהוָ֥ה׀3 of 6

“them O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶשְׂנָ֑א4 of 6

“Do not I hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וּ֝בִתְקוֹמְמֶ֗יךָ5 of 6

“with those that rise up”

H8618

an opponent

אֶתְקוֹטָֽט׃6 of 6

“thee and am not I grieved”

H6962

properly, to cut off, i.e., (figuratively) detest

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 139:21 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 139:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:158Psalms 31:6Psalms 26:5Revelation 2:22 Chronicles 19:2Revelation 2:6

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