King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:6 Mean?

Psalms 31:6 in the King James Version says “I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.”

Psalms 31:6 · KJV

Context

4

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

6

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

7

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

8

And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. This verse declares a fundamental choice between worthless idols and the faithful covenant God. The Hebrew phrase "lying vanities" (havlei-shav, הַבְלֵי־שָׁוְא) combines two words for emptiness, falsehood, and worthlessness—describing idols as deceptive nothings that promise much but deliver nothing. The word havel appears prominently in Ecclesiastes as "vanity," denoting that which is fleeting, empty, and meaningless.

"I have hated" (saneti, שָׂנֵאתִי) expresses intense aversion and moral rejection, not mere preference. This reflects covenant loyalty's requirement to reject all rivals to Yahweh's exclusive claim on worship and allegiance. The contrast "but I trust in the LORD" (ani al-YHWH batachti, אֲנִי אֶל־יְהוָה בָּטָחְתִּי) presents the positive alternative: confident reliance on Yahweh's character, promises, and covenant faithfulness.

Theologically, this verse articulates a choice every believer faces: place confidence in false securities (wealth, power, human approval, religious performance) or trust wholly in the living God. The New Testament develops this theme extensively—warning against idolatry in its many forms (1 Corinthians 10:14; Colossians 3:5; 1 John 5:21) while calling believers to single-minded devotion to God through Christ. The verse challenges any divided loyalty, calling for wholehearted trust in God alone as the source of security, meaning, and hope.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 31 is a lament psalm attributed to David, likely written during one of his many periods of distress and persecution. The historical superscription doesn't identify a specific occasion, but themes of enemies, distress, and divine refuge suggest experiences like his flight from Saul or Absalom's rebellion. David's rejection of "lying vanities" may reference the idolatry prevalent in surrounding nations or the false securities (military alliances, political maneuvering) that kings typically relied upon.

The psalm's language echoes Israel's covenantal commitment to exclusive Yahweh worship versus the polytheism of Canaan and neighboring nations. Ancient Near Eastern people commonly "hedged their bets" by worshiping multiple deities, but Israel's covenant required total allegiance to Yahweh alone. David's declaration represents covenant faithfulness in practice—choosing singular trust in God over pragmatic reliance on false securities.

This psalm gained significance in Christian tradition when Jesus quoted verse 5 from the cross ("into thy hands I commit my spirit," Luke 23:46). This connection shows that David's trust in God amid affliction typologically pointed forward to Christ's perfect trust in the Father through suffering and death. The psalm thus bridges Old Testament covenant faithfulness with New Testament redemptive suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the "lying vanities" most tempting to contemporary believers—what false securities or worthless pursuits compete for your trust?
  2. How does hatred of false securities differ from mere avoidance, and why does wholehearted devotion to God require this intensity?
  3. In what areas of life do you find yourself trusting in visible, tangible securities rather than the invisible but faithful God?
  4. How does the consumerist, materialistic culture create "lying vanities" that promise fulfillment but deliver emptiness?
  5. What spiritual practices help maintain exclusive trust in the LORD when circumstances tempt us to seek security elsewhere?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שָׂנֵ֗אתִי1 of 8

“I have hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

הַשֹּׁמְרִ֥ים2 of 8

“them that regard”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַבְלֵי3 of 8

“vanities”

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

שָׁ֑וְא4 of 8

“lying”

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

וַ֝אֲנִ֗י5 of 8
H589

i

אֶל6 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 8

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּטָֽחְתִּי׃8 of 8

“but I trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

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 31:6 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 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jonah 2:8Psalms 24:4Jeremiah 10:81 Corinthians 10:20Psalms 26:5Jeremiah 10:15

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