Psalms 101:4
Psalms 101:4 in Multiple Translations
A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
A perverse heart shall depart from me: I will know no evil thing.
The false heart I will send away from me: I will not have an evil-doer for a friend.
I won't think bad thoughts—I won't even consider anything evil.
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will knowe none euill.
A perverse heart turneth aside from me, Wickedness I know not.
A perverse heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil.
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person .
For my days are vanished like smoke: and my bones are grown dry like fuel for the fire.
I will not be dishonest, and I will not have anything to do with evil (OR, evil people).
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 101:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 101:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵבָ֣ב
עִ֭קֵּשׁ
יָס֣וּר
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
רָ֝֗ע
לֹ֣א
אֵדָֽע
לֵבָ֣ב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
עִ֭קֵּשׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
twisted
Adj
יָס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 101:4
לֵבָ֣ב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
עִ֭קֵּשׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
"twisted"
Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
יָס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 101:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 101:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 101:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 101:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 101:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 101:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
- Sermons on Psalms 101:4
Context — I Will Set No Worthless Thing before My Eyes
2I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
3I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
4A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.
5Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. 6My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:20 | The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” |
| 3 | Matthew 7:23 | Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:19 | Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” |
| 5 | Psalms 119:115 | Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God. |
| 6 | Proverbs 9:6 | Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 22:24 | Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 9 | Proverbs 2:12–15 | to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious. |
| 10 | Psalms 6:8 | Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping. |
Psalms 101:4 Summary
This verse means that we should not want to be around people who have bad hearts or do bad things, and we should try to stay away from evil. This is because God wants us to be holy and set apart for Him, as written in Leviticus 11:44-45. We can do this by focusing on good things, like what is true and noble, as stated in Philippians 4:8, and by surrounding ourselves with people who love and follow God. By doing so, we can keep our hearts pure and our lives free from evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a perverse heart?
A perverse heart refers to a heart that is twisted or turned away from God's will, as seen in Proverbs 11:20, where it says that the Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse.
How can we know if we have a perverse heart?
We can examine our hearts by reflecting on our thoughts, words, and actions, and comparing them to God's standards, as written in Psalms 139:23-24, where David asks God to search his heart and reveal any wicked ways.
What does it mean to know nothing of evil?
Knowing nothing of evil means to be ignorant of or uninvolved in wickedness, as stated in Psalms 101:4, and to instead focus on righteousness, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8, where we are told to think on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy.
Is it possible to completely avoid evil in this world?
While it is not possible to completely avoid evil in this world, as stated in John 17:15, where Jesus prays for believers to be protected from the evil one, we can strive to separate ourselves from evil and instead pursue righteousness, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tolerating or even embracing perverse thoughts or behaviors in my own life, and how can I repent and turn to God?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is pure and righteous, and what practices can I adopt to help me stay focused on God's will?
- What are some evil influences or relationships in my life that I need to separate myself from, and how can I do so in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the need to be aware of evil and wickedness in the world with the command to know nothing of evil, and what role should discernment play in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 101:4
A froward heart shall depart from me,.... A man of a froward heart, that devises frowardness in his heart, and speaks it out with his mouth; that which is perverse, and contrary to the law of God and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 101:4
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. A froward heart shall depart from me - (Psalms 18:26.) So Solomon, David's son, writes in Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 17:20.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
A froward heart; a man of a corrupt mind and wicked life, such as other princes choose and prefer, as being suitable to themselves, and to their wicked designs. Shall depart from me; shall be turned out of my court, lest they should tempt me, or infect the rest of my family, or be injurious or scandalous to my people. I will not know, i.e. not own nor countenance.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
Psalms 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked [person].Ver. 4. A froward heart shall depart from me] i.e. Say some, I will endeavour to put off the old man with the lusts thereof, Ephesians 4:22, the old crooked frame shall be dissolved, and a better erected. I will not know evil, that is, regard, or allow it, Psalms 1:6. Others understand the text of rotten hearted and wicked counsellors, whom David would abhor and abandon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
(4) Froward.—See Note, Psalms 18:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
Verse 4. A froward heart] Rash and headstrong men shall not be employed by me. I will not know a wicked person.] I will give no countenance to sinners of any kind; and whatever is evil shall be an object of my abhorrence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 101:4
4. The Psalmist is still speaking of himself. All crookedness and perversity shall be banished from his heart, he will not consciously tolerate evil there. Render the second line, Evil I will not know. With 4 a and 2 b cp. Proverbs 11:20. froward] Lit. crooked. Cp. Proverbs 11:20.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 101:4
A froward heart shall depart from me - The word here rendered froward means perverse, false, deceitful, depraved. See the notes at Psalms 18:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 101:4
4. A froward heart—A heart turned from the right way. Such is never to be trusted. I will not know a wicked person—That is, not to approve. I will not tolerate a wicked person as an officer of government or a servant of my house.
Sermons on Psalms 101:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Delight by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God not only loves His people but also delights in each one of us, taking great pleasure in our lives and well-being. He compares this divine deligh |
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And Ahab Said to Elijah, Hast Thou Found Me, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustr |
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The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c |
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You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by you |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o |
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(Blood Covenant) 3 - Our Covenant With Christ by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its opposition to the covenant and love of God. Sin is described as self-centeredness, selfishness, and se |
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How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou |