Psalms 11:5
Psalms 11:5 in Multiple Translations
The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
The Lord puts the upright and the sinner to the test, but he has hate in his soul for the lover of violent acts.
The Lord examines both those who do right and those who do evil, but he hates those who love violence.
The Lord will try the righteous: but the wicked and him that loueth iniquitie, doeth his soule hate.
Jehovah the righteous doth try. And the wicked and the lover of violence, Hath His soul hated,
The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?
Yahweh examines what righteous people do and what wicked people do, and he hates those who like to perform violent actions to injure others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 11:5
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 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהוָה֮
צַדִּ֪יק
יִ֫בְחָ֥ן
וְ֭/רָשָׁע
וְ/אֹהֵ֣ב
חָמָ֑ס
שָֽׂנְאָ֥ה
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צַדִּ֪יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִ֫בְחָ֥ן
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ֭/רָשָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Adj
וְ/אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
שָֽׂנְאָ֥ה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
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 11:5
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צַדִּ֪יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִ֫בְחָ֥ן
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
וְ֭/רָשָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
שָֽׂנְאָ֥ה
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Psalms 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 11:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
- Sermons on Psalms 11:5
Context — In the LORD I Take Refuge
3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
4The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.
6On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. 7For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:16–19 | There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 2 | James 1:12 | Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:9 | Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. |
| 4 | Genesis 22:1 | Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. |
| 5 | Psalms 5:4–5 | For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You. The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity. |
| 6 | Psalms 21:8 | Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 9 | Psalms 26:2 | Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. |
| 10 | Psalms 139:23–24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
Psalms 11:5 Summary
[This verse means that God is watching and testing everyone, both good and bad people, to see what's truly in their hearts, like it says in Psalms 11:4, 'The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.' God loves people who do what is right and hates those who love violence, as stated in Psalms 11:5, and wants us to live in peace and love, as seen in Romans 12:18, which says, 'If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' We can trust that God is fair and just, and He will take care of those who do wrong, as seen in Psalms 11:6-7, and we can strive to live like Him, promoting love and justice in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God test the righteous and the wicked?
God tests the righteous and the wicked to refine their character and reveal their true nature, as seen in Psalms 11:5 and Proverbs 17:3, where it says, 'The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.'
What does it mean that God's soul hates the lover of violence?
God's soul hates the lover of violence because He is a God of love, justice, and peace, as stated in Psalms 103:8, which says, 'The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.'
How can we know if we are a lover of violence?
We can examine our hearts and actions by reflecting on verses like Matthew 5:21-22, which teaches that even anger towards a brother can be considered murder, and 1 John 3:15, which states that anyone who hates their brother is a murderer.
What is the consequence for those who love violence?
The consequence for those who love violence is judgment, as seen in Psalms 11:6, where it says, 'On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.'
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life is God testing me in, and how can I respond in faith and obedience?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's love and peace to those around me, rather than violence or hatred?
- How can I align my heart with God's, who hates violence and loves justice, as seen in Psalms 11:7?
- What are some practical ways I can promote peace and non-violence in my community, reflecting God's character?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 11:5
The Lord trieth the righteous,.... As gold is tried in the fire, by afflictive providences; hereby he tries their graces, their faith, and patience, their hope, and love, and fear; and, by so doing,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. The Lord trieth the righteous - in love; as the contrast to "hateth" in the second clause requires.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
The Lord trieth the righteous; either, 1. He examines them, and knows them to be righteous, and consequently approveth, and loveth, and will preserve and bless them; which may be gathered from the contrary condition of the wicked, whom God is supposed to try, though that be not expressed, and upon trial finds them to be wicked, and therefore hates and punisheth them, as it follows. The like ellipsis of a whole sentence, see on . Or, 2. He trieth and exerciseth them and their graces by afflictions, or he corrects them for their sins; which is oft called trying, as . So this is spoken by way of concession, and to remove the offence which some men might take at David, whose person and cause they might be apt to condemn because of his troubles. Therefore he saith, God tries, i.e. chastens, even righteous persons; yet still he loves them, and therefore will in due time deliver them. But as for the wicked, let not them rejoice in my trials, for far worse things are appointed for them; God hates them, and will severely punish them. Him that loveth violence; by which character he describes and brands his enemies, and aggravates their malice, because they chose and practised violence against him, not for any need which they had of it, (for David was a most peaceable and harmless man, and neither pretended nor endeavoured to do any more than to defend himself, and that, as far as was possible, without the offence or injury of any other man,) but merely from their love to injustice and violence, and their implacable hatred against goodness and good men. His soul hateth; he hateth with or from his soul, i.e. inwardly and ardently.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
Psalms 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.Ver. 5. The Lord trieth the righteous] Or approveth, as James 1:12; he justifieth and accepteth him, as appeareth by the opposition here. The Vulgate rendereth it thus: Deus interrogat iustum et impium, sc. quia per interrogatoria veritas dignoscitur: The Lord interrogateth the just and the wicked, sc. that so he may sift out the truth of things. But neither doth the Hebrew word so signify, nor doth God need any such help. His soul hateth] i.e. He can in no wise away with; and this is spoken of God after the manner of men, for fury, hatred, and the like affections are not in him. If it could be said of Trajan the emperor, that he neither feared nor hated any man, how much more of God! And if of the tribunal at Zante, much better of God’ s throne: Hic locus odit, amat, punit, conservat, honorat, Nequitiam, pacem, crimina, iura, bonos.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
Verse 5. The Lord trieth the righteous] He does not abandon them; he tries them to show their faithfulness, and he afflicts them for their good. His soul hateth.] The wicked man must ever be abhorred of the Lord; and the violent man-the destroyer and murderer-his soul hateth; an expression of uncommon strength and energy: all the perfections of the Divine nature have such in abomination.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 11:5
5. Each half of the verse is to be completed from the other. God proves and approves the righteous: He proves and rejects the wicked. trieth] Alloweth in P.B.V. means ‘approveth after trial.’ Cp. Romans 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:4. his soul hateth] Cp. Isaiah 1:14. God’s soul is a bold expression for His innermost, essential nature, which cannot do otherwise than hate evil, and of necessity also the evil man, in so far as he surrenders himself to ‘love violence,’ deliberately choosing evil for his good. Cp. Micah 3:2; Romans 1:32.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 11:5
The Lord trieth the righteous - That is, he “proves” them, searches them, tests the reality of their piety.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 11:5
5. Trieth the righteous—An early and fundamental Hebrew doctrine. The trials of the righteous are not punishments for sin, but fatherly and corrective chastisements for their profit. Hebrews 12:6-8.
Sermons on Psalms 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Danger of Loving a Theological System More Than the Savior by Daniel L. Akin | In this sermon, Danny Akin addresses the issue of extreme Calvinism and its negative impact on believers. He emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus and his church above any theo |
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Jesus' First Temptation by David Servant | This sermon delves into the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, highlighting the purpose behind Jesus being led by the Spirit to face temptation by the devil. It emphasizes the |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the Book of Psalms, highlighting its significance in the New Testament and the various authors behind its composition. It explores the division of Psalms in |
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4 Proofs of the Utter Severity by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for faith and total commitment to God. He shares the example of Daniel Rowland, a preacher from the 18th century who experienced se |
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God's Love/hate Relationship With the World by David Servant | David Servant challenges the common Christian cliché 'God loves the sinner but hates the sin,' pointing out that Scripture reveals God's hatred towards sinners as well. He emphasiz |
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(So Great a Salvation) Temptation and Sin by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his journey of faith. He describes a moment of deep conviction and repentance after disobeying his parents. He then reflec |
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The Awful Sin of Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing. He warns against making impulsive and fleshly decisions that can lead to disaster. T |