Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist isn't just saying he dislikes people who oppose God; he's expressing a deep alignment of his heart with God's own will. This isn't a casual aversion, but a fervent, internal "loathing" that mirrors God's righteous indignation against sin.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge and presence, the psalmist declares his deep aversion to those who oppose God. This isn't just personal dislike, but a reflection of a heart aligned with God's own righteousness and hatred of evil, setting the stage for a plea for divine examination of his own heart.
In a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, how do we know where to stand? This verse challenges us to consider our deepest loyalties.
Psalm 139:21 is a powerful declaration from the Psalmist. He's not just saying he dislikes those who oppose God; he's asking God to witness his deep aversion. This isn't about personal vendettas, but about alignment with God's character.
A Holy Distaste
The Psalmist isn't just stating a feeling; he's making an appeal to the One who knows all. What does this tell us about genuine faith?
This verse is framed as an appeal to God, the omniscient One. The Psalmist is essentially saying, 'You know my heart, God. You see that my aversion to Your enemies is genuine and deep.'
Ask a follow-up
A Plea for Scrutiny
Understand the original words
sane' · Hebrew Verb
To feel intense hostility or aversion toward something or someone. In a biblical context, it often denotes a settled opposition to those who oppose God and His righteousness.
qut · Hebrew Verb
An intensive verb describing a feeling of utter detestation or disgust. It signifies a profound, active rejection of something that is abhorrent to God.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It represents the self-existent, eternal God who reveals Himself to His people.
This passage warns against loving the world and its desires, which are often opposed to God's will, directly paralleling the psalmist's rejection of those who oppose the Lord.
Romans 12:9Paul urges believers to 'hate what is evil; cling to what is good,' which echoes the psalmist's passionate stance against those who are against God.
Psalm 119:158The psalmist declares, 'I saw the treacherous, and loathed them, because they did not keep thy word,' showing a consistent theme of abhorring those who disregard God's commands.
Jude 1:23This verse calls for 'hating even the garment stained by the flesh,' emphasizing a strong, purifying aversion to sin and its proponents, much like the psalmist's feelings towards God's enemies.
ellicottPsalms 139:21: "Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?"
(21) Do not I . . .—Better— “Must I not hate thy haters, Jehovah, And feel loathing for thy assailants?”
pulpitPsalms 139:21: "Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?"
Verse 21. - Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? Those who love God must hate God's enemies. The psalmist claims to be of this number.
The Psalmist isn't just saying he dislikes people who oppose God; he's expressing a deep alignment of his heart with God's own will. This isn't a casual aversion, but a fervent, internal "loathing" that mirrors God's righteous indignation against sin.
Following a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge and presence, the psalmist declares his deep aversion to those who oppose God. This isn't just personal dislike, but a reflection of a heart aligned with God's own righteousness and hatred of evil, setting the stage for a plea for divine examination of his own heart.
Following a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge and presence, the psalmist declares his deep aversion to those who oppose God. This isn't just personal dislike, but a reflection of a heart aligned with God's own righteousness and hatred of evil, setting the stage for a plea for divine examination of his own heart.
"Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?" — The Psalmist isn't just saying he dislikes people who oppose God; he's expressing a deep alignment of his heart with God's own will. This isn't a casual aversion, but a fervent, internal "loathing" t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026