Psalms 101:7
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵשֵׁ֨ב׀
shall not dwell
H3427
יֵשֵׁ֨ב׀
shall not dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
within
H7130
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
within
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
בֵּיתִי֮
my house
H1004
בֵּיתִי֮
my house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עֹשֵׂ֪ה
He that worketh
H6213
עֹשֵׂ֪ה
He that worketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
דֹּבֵ֥ר
he that telleth
H1696
דֹּבֵ֥ר
he that telleth
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שְׁקָרִ֑ים
lies
H8267
שְׁקָרִ֑ים
lies
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
8 of 12
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֝כּ֗וֹן
shall not tarry
H3559
יִ֝כּ֗וֹן
shall not tarry
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Historical Context
David's court faced numerous instances of deception, from Absalom's conspiracy to various treasonous plots. This psalm likely served as an ethical code for those seeking positions in the royal household.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise truth for convenience or advantage?
- How does Christ as 'the Truth' reshape your understanding of integrity in all relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
Deceit (remiyyah) and lies (sheker) represent fundamental breaches of covenant faithfulness. David's household standards mirror God's own character as one who cannot lie (Num 23:19, Titus 1:2). This verse establishes truth-telling as essential for fellowship with God's people. The Reformed doctrine of God's truthfulness undergirds all theology; similarly, God's people must be marked by veracity. Christ declared Himself 'the truth' (John 14:6), embodying perfect integrity.