I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

PSALMS 26:5KJV
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Psalms 26:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 26:5 mean?

Psalms 26:5 describes the psalmist’s strong rejection of joining with people who do evil, saying he hates the gatherings of wrongdoers and refuses to associate with the wicked. The verse expresses a personal commitment to stay separate from corrupt influences.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, defending his integrity and asking for God’s favor. David emphasizes that he distances himself from those who do wrong, not just in actions but even in company. This highlights his desire to live uprightly and to be found blameless before God, especially in contrast to those who act wickedly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 26:5

  • "hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word often means a deep aversion or rejection, not just a mild dislike. David is expressing a strong moral stance, not personal animosity.
  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This term refers to an assembly or gathering, often with a sense of shared purpose. Here, it points to organized groups of people united in wrongdoing, not just isolated individuals.
  • "doers" (רָעַע, ra’a): This word refers to those who actively practice evil, emphasizing ongoing behavior rather than a one-time act.
  • "sit" (יָשַׁב, yashav): In Hebrew, to "sit" with someone often means to associate closely or identify oneself with them, not just physically being present.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word describes people who are guilty of wrongdoing or injustice, highlighting a settled character rather than a single bad deed.

Why Psalms 26:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s separation from evil is both moral and social; he avoids even the appearance of approving wrongdoing by refusing to join such groups.
  • The verse helps explain the psalmist’s plea for God’s vindication in the wider passage, showing that his claim to innocence is backed by deliberate choices.
  • It clears up any idea that the psalmist is only concerned with private actions; instead, he is also careful about the company he keeps and the influences he allows into his life.

Where else these words appear

“doers” 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;

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: