Psalms 5:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 5:6 mean?

Psalms 5:6 says that God will destroy those who tell lies and that the LORD hates people who are violent and deceitful. The verse highlights God’s strong opposition to dishonesty and cruelty.

King David is speaking to God in this psalm, asking for help against his enemies. In this verse, David describes the kind of people God rejects: those who speak “leasing” (an old word for lies), and those who are both violent and deceptive. The verse emphasizes that God’s character is completely against falsehood and bloodshed.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 5:6

• “Leasing” comes from כָּזָב (kazav), meaning “lie” or “falsehood.” This word points to deliberate dishonesty, not just a mistake or misunderstanding.
• “Bloody” uses דָּם (dam), which means “blood.” Here, it refers to people who are violent or have blood on their hands, not just literal murderers but anyone who harms others.
• “Deceitful” is מִרְמָה (mirmah), meaning “deceit” or “treachery.” This word covers all kinds of trickery and betrayal, not just obvious lies.
• “Abhor” is תָּעַב (ta’av), which means to detest or loathe. This is a very strong word for rejection, showing just how seriously God views these actions.

Why Psalms 5:6 matters

• Psalms 5:6 makes it clear that God’s opposition is not only to violence but also to dishonesty and trickery, showing that both actions and words matter to Him.
• The verse helps explain why David is confident in asking God for protection: he trusts that God will not side with those who are corrupt or cruel.
• This verse connects to the larger psalm, which contrasts the fate of the wicked with the safety God offers to those who seek Him honestly.