Psalms 119:113
I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 119:113
I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about disliking fleeting thoughts, but actively hating those who are "double-minded" – people who waver between allegiance to God and the world. The Psalmist's passionate love for God's law stands in stark contrast, revealing a desire for unwavering devotion.
This verse sits within a larger section where the psalmist contrasts his devotion to God's law with the actions and attitudes of those who stray from it. He expresses deep aversion to anything that pulls his heart or mind away from God's truth, declaring his love for divine instruction instead. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which detail the psalmist's hope and anticipation of God's comfort amidst the wicked's faithlessness.
Ever feel like you're pulled in two directions, trying to serve both God and something else? This verse dives into that struggle.
The psalmist uses a powerful word here, 'double-minded,' to describe those who are unstable or wavering in their commitment. It's not just about having a bad thought; it's about a divided heart, trying to hold onto two opposing loyalties.
What 'Double-Minded' Looks Like:
This isn't just about people; it can describe our own internal state when we're not fully devoted. The psalmist hates this instability because it is the opposite of the steadfast love and obedience God desires.
If a 'double mind' is the problem, what's the solution? The psalmist points to a deep, passionate love for God's Word.
The second half of the verse reveals the psalmist's passionate devotion: 'but I love your law.' This isn't a casual liking; it's a deep affection and commitment.
The Power of Loving God's Law:
Understand the original words
sa'eph · Hebrew Adjective
Literally "divided" or "double-hearted," describing those who are unstable, hypocritical, or lacking singular devotion to God. It represents spiritual inconsistency or divided allegiance.
torah · Hebrew Noun
The revealed instruction or direction of God, encompassing His will, moral requirements, and guidance for life. It is the primary means by which God makes Himself known.
This passage directly illustrates the 'double-minded' concept, showing the Israelites trying to serve both God and Baal, highlighting the danger of divided loyalties that the Psalmist rejects.
James 1:8James echoes the sentiment by describing the 'double-minded' person as unstable in all their ways, reinforcing the Psalmist's rejection of such instability in favor of devotion to God's law.
Romans 8:5Paul contrasts setting the mind on the flesh versus setting the mind on the Spirit, mirroring the Psalmist's clear choice to love God's law over the unstable, fleshly thoughts.
Joshua 24:14-15Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, directly aligning with the Psalmist's declaration of hating divided loyalties and loving God's clear commands.
gillPsalms 119:113: "SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love."
SAMECH.--The Fifteenth Part. SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts,.... Or thoughts: evil thoughts are undoubtedly meant, no other can be the object of hatred to a good man; they are such as are contrary to the law of God, and forbidden by it, mentioned in the next clause as the object of love, in opposition to these; and which are abominable to God, and defiling to men; should be forsaken, need pardon; and, if not pardoned, will be…
cambridgePsalms 119:113: "SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love."
113 . vain thoughts ] Rather as R.V., them that are of a double mind, unstable waverers, half Israelites, half heathen. Cp. 1 Kings 18:21 ; James 1:8 . 113–120 . Samech . The loyalty of the Psalmist and his hope contrasted with the faithlessness of the wicked and their fate.
This verse isn't just about disliking fleeting thoughts, but actively hating those who are "double-minded" – people who waver between allegiance to God and the world. The Psalmist's passionate love for God's law stands in stark contrast, revealing a desire for unwavering devotion.
This verse sits within a larger section where the psalmist contrasts his devotion to God's law with the actions and attitudes of those who stray from it. He expresses deep aversion to anything that pulls his heart or mind away from God's truth, declaring his love for divine instruction instead. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which detail the psalmist's hope and anticipation of God's comfort amidst the wicked's faithlessness.
This verse sits within a larger section where the psalmist contrasts his devotion to God's law with the actions and attitudes of those who stray from it. He expresses deep aversion to anything that pulls his heart or mind away from God's truth, declaring his love for divine instruction instead. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which detail the psalmist's hope and anticipation of God's comfort amidst the wicked's faithlessness.
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When we truly love God's law, it becomes our compass, our delight, and our refuge. This love actively pushes out the vain thoughts and divided loyalties that plague us.
"I hate the double-minded, but I love your law." — This verse isn't just about disliking fleeting thoughts, but actively hating those who are "double-minded" – people who waver between allegiance to God and the world. The Psalmist's passionate love f…