Psalms 119:113
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Original Language Analysis
סֵעֲפִ֥ים
vain thoughts
H5588
סֵעֲפִ֥ים
vain thoughts
Strong's:
H5588
Word #:
1 of 4
divided (in mind), i.e., (concretely) a skeptic
Cross References
James 1:8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Historical Context
Israel constantly struggled with syncretism—mixing Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices. The prophets repeatedly condemned this double-mindedness. For the psalmist, intellectual and emotional purity required hating divided loyalties and loving Torah exclusively.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'vain thoughts' or divided loyalties compete with your wholehearted love for God's word?
- How do you cultivate hatred (strong aversion) toward spiritual double-mindedness in your thought life?
- In what ways does loving God's law require rejecting attractive alternatives that would divide your heart?
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Analysis & Commentary
I hate vain thoughts (סֵעֲפִים שָׂנֵאתִי, se'afim saneti)—the word se'afim appears only here, meaning divided opinions, doubts, half-hearted loyalties. The LXX translates it paranomous (lawless ones). The psalmist hates (sane, strong aversion) mental double-mindedness. James warns: A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
The contrast: but thy law do I love (וְתוֹרָתְךָ אָהָבְתִּי, vetoraткha ahavti). Hate and love are not mere emotions but covenant terms of rejection and election. Elijah challenged Israel: How long halt ye between two opinions? (1 Kings 18:21). Jesus demanded: No man can serve two masters (Matt 6:24). This verse calls for radical singularity of devotion—expelling divided loyalties and loving God's word exclusively. The Shema declares this: Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart (Deut 6:5)—no room for vain thoughts.