Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

PSALMS 101:6KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 101:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 101:6 mean?

Psalms 101:6 describes the speaker’s commitment to watch over and welcome those in the land who are trustworthy and live uprightly, allowing only such people to serve alongside him. The verse highlights a standard for close companionship and service based on faithfulness and integrity.

King David is speaking, outlining the kind of people he wants around him as he leads. He is not just talking about anyone in Israel, but specifically those who are loyal and live in a blameless way. This verse is part of a larger psalm where David sets out his ideals for personal conduct and the kind of community he wants to build.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 101:6

  • "faithful" (אָמֵן, ’āman): This word means someone who is reliable, trustworthy, or loyal. David is looking for people he can depend on, not just those who claim to follow God but who actually live it out.
  • "perfect" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word is often understood as “blameless” or “whole,” not necessarily perfect in a modern sense, but someone who is sincere and has integrity. David wants those who serve him to have a genuine and upright character.
  • "walketh" (הָלַךְ, halak): This verb means “to walk” but is often used in Hebrew to describe a person’s way of life or conduct. The focus is on consistent behavior, not just isolated actions.

Why Psalms 101:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s standard for those around him is not based on status or power, but on character and faithfulness.
  • The emphasis on “dwelling” and “serving” shows that David is thinking about both personal relationships and official roles, setting a tone for leadership that values integrity.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse connects to David’s desire to create a just and righteous household and kingdom, showing that leadership starts with the company one keeps.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

“serve” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

“faithful” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: