Psalms 26:4
I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָ֭שַׁבְתִּי
I have not sat
H3427
יָ֭שַׁבְתִּי
I have not sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מְתֵי
persons
H4962
מְתֵי
persons
Strong's:
H4962
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
שָׁ֑וְא
with vain
H7723
שָׁ֑וְא
with vain
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
5 of 9
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
וְעִ֥ם
H5973
וְעִ֥ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
נַ֝עֲלָמִ֗ים
with dissemblers
H5956
נַ֝עֲלָמִ֗ים
with dissemblers
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
7 of 9
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.Jeremiah 15:17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.Psalms 119:115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Psalms 119:63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Proverbs 12:11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Historical Context
Covenant faithfulness required Israel to separate from pagan practices while dwelling among nations. This tension between engagement and separation characterized biblical ethics. The psalmist's protestation of innocence claims covenant loyalty, not sinless perfection.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'vain persons' and 'dissemblers' do you need to avoid in your relationships?
- How do you balance holy separation with gospel engagement of unbelievers?
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers' expresses moral separation. 'Vain persons' (empty, worthless people) and 'dissemblers' (hypocrites) represent ungodly influence. This reflects Psalm 1:1—blessing comes through avoiding ungodly counsel. Reformed theology emphasizes antithesis: believers must separate from worldly values while engaging the world evangelistically. Separation is moral/spiritual, not physical withdrawal. Holy living requires careful choice of companions and influences.