King James Version

What Does Psalms 34:14 Mean?

Psalms 34:14 in the King James Version says “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

Psalms 34:14 · KJV

Peace

Context

12

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

13

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

15

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16

The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Read Psalms 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. David continues practical instruction on fearing LORD with three imperatives addressing behavior. This moves from speech (v. 13) to conduct, establishing that godliness requires both negative separation (depart from evil) and positive action (do good, pursue peace).

Depart from evil commands separation. Depart (sur) means turn aside, turn away, remove oneself. Evil (ra') means bad, wicked, harmful, morally wrong. This is active rejection, not passive avoidance. Requires identifying what God calls evil then decisively turning away. Reformed sanctification includes mortification—putting to death sinful patterns, habits, desires. Cannot fear God while embracing evil; must intentionally, repeatedly, decisively depart from it.

And do good provides positive counterpart. Do ('asah) means make, produce, perform, accomplish. Good (tov) means beneficial, righteous, morally right. Sanctification isn't merely avoiding bad but actively pursuing good. Ephesians 4:22-24 commands: Put off old man...put on new man created in righteousness and true holiness. Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good. Christian life requires positive godliness, not merely negative abstinence.

Seek peace, and pursue it addresses relationships. Seek (baqash) means search for, inquire after, desire. Peace (shalom) means wholeness, harmony, well-being, reconciliation. And pursue (radaph) intensifies—chase after, follow hard, persistently hunt. Seeking initiates; pursuing persists. Peace requires active effort—initiating reconciliation, maintaining harmony, resolving conflicts, promoting unity. Romans 12:18: If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all. Hebrews 12:14: Pursue peace with all, and holiness without which no one will see Lord.

These three imperatives (depart, do, pursue) summarize practical godliness. Turn from sin, practice righteousness, maintain peace. This is comprehensive sanctification—ethical (depart from evil), moral (do good), relational (pursue peace). Fearing LORD manifests in transformed behavior affecting self, neighbors, God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse echoes fundamental biblical ethics. Amos 5:14-15 commands: Seek good, not evil, that you may live...Hate evil, love good, establish judgment in gate. Isaiah 1:16-17 calls: Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek judgment, relieve oppressed. Micah 6:8 summarizes: What does LORD require? To do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.

Jesus continued this teaching. Love your enemies, do good to those hating you (Luke 6:27). Blessed are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Paul commanded: Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). 1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 1 Peter 3:11 quotes this verse directly as Christian ethic.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific evils do you need to depart from, and what practical steps will you take to turn away?
  2. How does actively doing good differ from merely not doing evil?
  3. Why does David command both seeking and pursuing peace—what's difference between initiating and persisting in peacemaking?
  4. In what relationships do you need to actively pursue peace rather than passively avoiding conflict?
  5. How do these three imperatives (depart, do, pursue) provide comprehensive framework for sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
ס֣וּר1 of 7

“Depart”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵ֭רָע2 of 7

“from evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַעֲשֵׂה3 of 7

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ט֑וֹב4 of 7

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בַּקֵּ֖שׁ5 of 7

“seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שָׁל֣וֹם6 of 7

“peace”

H7965

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

וְרָדְפֵֽהוּ׃7 of 7

“and pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

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 34:14 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 34:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:271 Peter 3:11Hebrews 12:143 John 1:11Romans 12:9Romans 12:18

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