Psalms 119:163
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:163
163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, faith. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-176: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 119:163
163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Analysis
I hate and abhor lying (שֶׁקֶר שָׂנֵאתִי וַאֲתַעֵבָה, sheqer saneti va'ata'evah)—Two intensifying verbs: sane (hate) and ta'av (abhor, detest, loathe). Sheqer means 'lie, falsehood, deception, emptiness.' The double-verb construction emphasizes vehement rejection. Contrast: but thy law do I love (תּוֹרָתְךָ אָהָבְתִּי, toratekha ahavti). Love for Torah (ahavah) drives hatred of sheqer.
Jesus is 'the truth' (aletheia, John 14:6) and cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Satan is 'father of lies' (John 8:44). The psalm's either/or—love Torah or love sheqer—anticipates Christ's 'no man can serve two masters' (Matthew 6:24).
Historical Context
The ninth commandment prohibits false witness (Exodus 20:16), but the psalm expands this to an internal disposition. Proverbs repeatedly condemns sheqer (Proverbs 6:17, 12:22). In a world of competing truth-claims, loving Torah meant hating falsehood—particularly idolatry's lies about God's character.
Reflection
- How does loving God's Law necessarily produce hatred for falsehood rather than mere disapproval?
- What 'lies' (<em>sheqer</em>) do you need to cultivate holy hatred toward—culturally acceptable deceptions about identity, purpose, morality?
- How does Jesus as 'the Truth' embodied fulfill and intensify the psalmist's hatred of lying and love of Torah?
Word Studies
- Law: תּוֹרָה (Torah) H8451 - Law, instruction
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:128