Psalms 34:14
Psalms 34:14 in Multiple Translations
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
Be turned from evil, and do good; make a search for peace, desiring it with all your heart.
Reject what is evil, do what is good. Look for peace, and work to make it a reality.
Eschewe euill and doe good: seeke peace and follow after it.
Turn aside from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it.
Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
As a neighbour and as an own brother, so did I please: as one mourning and sorrowful so was I humbled.
Turn away from doing evil, and do what is good! Always try hard to enable people to live peacefully with each other.
Turn away from doing bad things, and do good things. Don’t fight with people or make trouble. Try very hard to live happily with other people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 34:14
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 34:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְצֹ֣ר
לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֣
מֵ/רָ֑ע
וּ֝/שְׂפָתֶ֗י/ךָ
מִ/דַּבֵּ֥ר
מִרְמָֽה
נְצֹ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֣
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
וּ֝/שְׂפָתֶ֗י/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | N-fd | Suff
מִ/דַּבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
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 34:14
נְצֹ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֣
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | 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.
וּ֝/שְׂפָתֶ֗י/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
מִ/דַּבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 34:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 34:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
- Sermons on Psalms 34:14
Context — Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
12Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days?
13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. 16But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:27 | Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:11 | He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:14 | Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. |
| 4 | 3 John 1:11 | Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. |
| 5 | Romans 12:9 | Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. |
| 6 | Romans 12:18 | If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. |
| 7 | Romans 14:19 | So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. |
| 8 | James 3:17–18 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 9 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 13:11 | Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. |
Psalms 34:14 Summary
Psalms 34:14 teaches us to turn away from evil and do good, and to seek peace and pursue it. This means intentionally avoiding sinful actions and behaviors, and instead choosing to do what is right and just. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can overcome evil and create an environment where peace can flourish, as seen in Psalms 37:3 and Philippians 4:7. As we seek to follow this verse, we can remember that turning away from evil is a necessary step in seeking peace, and that God is always with us to guide and empower us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'turn away from evil' in Psalms 34:14?
To turn away from evil means to reject and intentionally avoid sinful actions and behaviors, as seen in Proverbs 3:7, which says to 'fear the Lord and turn away from evil'.
How can we 'seek peace and pursue it' in our daily lives?
Seeking peace and pursuing it involves actively striving for harmony and reconciliation in our relationships, as encouraged in Romans 12:18, and also pursuing a deep sense of inner peace that comes from knowing God, as described in Philippians 4:7.
Is it always possible to turn away from evil and do good, or are there situations where this is not possible?
While it may be challenging, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's power and provision to overcome evil and do good, as seen in Psalms 37:3, which says to 'trust in the Lord and do good' and to 'dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture'.
What is the relationship between turning away from evil and seeking peace?
Turning away from evil is a necessary step in seeking peace, as evil actions and behaviors can disrupt peace and harmony, but by rejecting evil, we can create an environment where peace can flourish, as seen in Psalms 119:165, which says that 'great peace have those who love Your law'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can turn away from evil in my own life, and what steps can I take to do good?
- How can I balance the desire to seek peace with the need to stand up for what is right and just, even if it means facing conflict or opposition?
- What are some practical ways I can pursue peace in my relationships and in my community, and what role can I play in promoting harmony and reconciliation?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision to help me turn away from evil and do good, even when it feels difficult or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil,.... This denotes that evil is near to men; it keeps close to them, and should be declined and shunned: and it regards all sorts of evil; evil men, and their evil company; evil
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Depart ... do. This verse refers to deeds. Seek peace, and pursue it - i:e., inoffensiveness toward thy neighbour, and harmony with him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil, i.e. from all sin, and especially from all wicked and injurious acts and practices against try neighbour. Do good; be ready to perform all good and friendly offices to all men, as thou hast opportunity. Seek peace; study by all means possible to live peaceably and quietly with all men, avoiding grudges, debates, dissensions, strifes, and enmities. Pursue it; do not only embrace it gladly when it is offered, but follow hard after it when it seems to flee away from thee, and use all possible endeavours, by fair words, by condescensions, and by the mediation or assistance of others, to recover it, and to compose all differences which may arise between thee and others. It is here observable, that whereas he said he would teach them the fear of the Lord, , the lessons he teacheth them, ,14, are only such as concern men. Not that he meant to exclude duties of piety towards God, which he every where enjoineth and presseth as most necessary, but only to teach us what is oft inculcated both in the Old and New Testament, that sincere religion towards God is always accompanied with a conscientious discharge of our duties to men; and to convince the hypocritical Israelites, and particularly his adversaries, that so long as it was their daily course and practice to speak and act all manner of evil against him, and other good men, all their pretences to religion were but vain.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.Ver. 14. Depart from evil, and do good] For negative goodness helpeth not. A man must so abstain from evil as that he do good, or he doth nothing. It is said of Ithacius, that the hatred of the Priscillian heresy was the best that could be said of him; this was but a slender commendation. Seek peace and pursue it] As hunters do the prey. If it fly from thee, make after it; it will pay thee for thy pains. It is said of Frederick III, emperor, that he putting up many injuries, he reigned quietly fifty and three years and five months. He had need be patient that would be at peace. Ut habeas quietum tempus, perde aliquid, was a proverb at Carthage; not unlike that of ours, Do anything for a quiet life. Concedamus de iure ut careamus lite (Val.
Max. Christian. 304, Augustine). And if, in this pursuit of peace, thou meet with many rubs and remoras , yet be not discouraged, considering what follows in the two next verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
(14) And do good.—Negative goodness is not sufficient. Practical good must be added.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:14
14. The first line recurs in Psalms 37:27. Comp. the character of Job, the ideal righteous man (Job 1:1; Job 1:8; Job 2:3); and Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:17. pursue it] Do not be discouraged if it should need prolonged effort to overtake it. Cp. the pursuit of righteousness (Proverbs 21:21; Isaiah 51:1); and see Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14. In P.B.V. eschew and ensue are archaisms for avoid and follow after. 15ff. The fear of the Lord is commended by the consideration of His favour toward the righteous, which is contrasted with His displeasure against the wicked.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil - From all evil; from vice and crime in every form. And do good - Do good to all people, and in all the relations of life. Seek peace - Strive to live in peace with all the world.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:14
12-14. Contain instructions for useful and happy living: first in the government of the tongue, and an honest and sincere habit of speech; secondly in the avoidance of evil, and the diligent pursuit of peace.
Sermons on Psalms 34:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 1 by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of hating sin and loving righteousness. It encourages listeners to flee from iniquity and pursue godliness. The speaker also highlig |
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We Have Been Called to Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its s |
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Christ's Legacy of Peace by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly believing and trusting in God in order to experience peace. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife reminding h |
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Letters to Parents [#2] by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of parents in the moral and emotional training of their children, urging them to avoid insincerity, impatience, and scolding. He advocat |
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Seeking the Good of His People, and Speaking by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking the good of others and speaking peace into their lives. He encourages adopting a mindset of self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness, sugge |
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Make Peace by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the call to make peace in a world rife with violence, referencing Jesus' command to put away the sword. He highlights the prevalence of violence in contempor |
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Cross: Peace by the Cross by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that true peace in human experience stems from forgiveness and purity, asserting that sin disrupts harmony with God and leads to inner turmoil. He exp |