Psalms 31:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:6 mean?

Psalms 31:6 describes the speaker’s strong rejection of those who cling to false and empty things, while declaring personal trust in the LORD. The verse draws a sharp line between valuing truth and trusting God versus following deceitful, worthless ideas.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God during a time of distress, likely surrounded by people who put their hope in things that cannot help or save. The verse highlights David’s loyalty to God alone, contrasting his faith with the empty pursuits of others around him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:6

• "hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane'): This word means to have strong aversion or rejection. David is not just mildly disapproving; he is deeply opposed to the path of those who follow falsehood.
• "regard" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word often means to keep, watch, or pay close attention to. Here, it suggests people who are devoted to or carefully follow "lying vanities."
• "lying" (שָׁוְא, shav'): This word means falsehood or deception. It points to things that are not just untrue but also misleading.
• "vanities" (הֶבֶל, hevel): This word means emptiness or things without substance. Together with "lying," it paints a picture of people putting their hope in things that are both false and worthless.
• "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to rely on or feel secure in. David is expressing a deep, settled confidence in the LORD.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a relationship with the one true God.

Why Psalms 31:6 matters

• Psalms 31:6 clarifies that trusting in God is set in contrast to following empty or deceptive beliefs, showing that faith is not just about what one accepts, but also what one rejects.
• The verse highlights the personal nature of David’s faith, making it clear that his loyalty is not to popular ideas or idols, but to the LORD alone.
• This verse helps the reader see the broader theme of the psalm: in times of trouble, where people turn for security reveals what they truly value and trust.