Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

PSALMS 119:115KJV
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Psalms 119:115 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:115 mean?

Psalms 119:115 shows the psalmist telling those who do evil to stay away from him, because he is determined to obey the commandments of his God. The verse is a personal declaration to separate from wrongdoing in order to stay faithful to God’s instructions.

The writer of this psalm is speaking directly, likely to people around him who do not follow God’s ways. The situation is one of choosing loyalty to God’s commandments over the influence of people who do wrong. The verse highlights a clear boundary: the psalmist wants nothing to do with those who might tempt him away from obedience.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:115

  • "Depart" (סוּרוּ, suru, H5493) means to turn aside or go away. The psalmist is not just asking for distance, but commanding evildoers to remove themselves from his presence.
  • "Evildoers" (מֵרֵעִים, mere‘im, H7489) refers to people who do what is harmful or wicked. This word points to active wrongdoers, not just those who make mistakes.
  • "Keep" (אֶצְרָה, etzrah, H5341) carries the sense of guarding or watching over. The psalmist is not just following God’s commandments, but carefully protecting his commitment to them.
  • "Commandments" (מִצְוֺת, mitzvot, H4687) are the specific instructions or orders given by God. The focus is on concrete, known requirements.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהָי, Elohai, H430) uses a form of the word for God that emphasizes a personal relationship—“my God.”

Why Psalms 119:115 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that following God’s commandments is just a private matter; it often means making clear choices about who influences you.
  • Psalms 119:115 shows that loyalty to God sometimes requires active separation from those who might lead you astray.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 119, which is all about loving and keeping God’s law, this verse highlights the practical steps someone might take to stay true to that commitment.

Where else these words appear

“keep” Hebrew H5341 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Psalms 119:33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
  • Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

“evildoers” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 2 Kings 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;