King James Version
What Does Psalms 97:10 Mean?
“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Context
8
Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9
For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. at: or, to the memorial
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **Ye that love the Lord.**—Notwithstanding certain points of similarity between this verse and Psalm 34:10-20; Psalm 37:28, and between Psalm 97:12 and Psalm 32:11, the psalmist shows himself at the close more than a compiler—a true poet.
**Hate evil.**—It is better to point for the indicative, *They who love Jehovah, hate evil, *in order to avoid the awkward transition in the next clause. This practical test of true religion can never be obsolete. Love of God implies the hatred of all He hates. A heathen writer has expressed this in a striking way. Philosophy, holding a dialogue with Lucian, is made to say, “To love and to hate, they say, spring from the same source.” To which he replies, “That, O Philosophy, should be best known to you. My business is to hate the bad, and to love and commend the good, and that I stick to.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 97:10 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 97:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge