Psalms 5:4
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י׀
H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵֽל
For thou art not a God
H410
אֵֽל
For thou art not a God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
3 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 11:5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Psalms 140:13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.Psalms 50:21These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.Psalms 92:15To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.Habakkuk 1:13Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?Malachi 2:17Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?Psalms 101:7He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.Psalms 94:20Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Historical Context
This reflects Israel's temple theology where only the ritually clean could approach God's presence. The stark separation between holy and profane governed all worship. Christians understand this fulfilled in Christ, who is our purity and righteousness, enabling us to enter God's holy presence through His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's absolute holiness shape your understanding of sin's seriousness?
- How should the reality that evil cannot dwell with God affect your pursuit of holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse declares God's absolute holiness and incompatibility with evil. The Hebrew 'chaphets' (pleasure) indicates not mere tolerance but active delight - God takes no pleasure in wickedness. 'Evil shall not dwell with thee' uses temple imagery - nothing impure can abide in God's holy presence. This foundational truth establishes the doctrine of God's holiness and the impossibility of fellowship between light and darkness (1 John 1:5-6). It underscores why atonement is necessary - sinners cannot stand before this holy God apart from Christ's righteousness.