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Psalms 139:22

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 139:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I hate them with perfect hatred: They are become mine enemies.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I hate them with perfect hatred: They are become mine enemies.
Psalms 139:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 139

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men.
20For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.
21Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22I hate them with perfect hatred: They are become mine enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts;
24And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 140 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
← Psalms 139:21Psalms 139:23 →
← Full Chapter 139 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I hate them with perfect hatred, etc.] Heartily and really; not in word only, but in deed and in truth; “odio vatiniano”, with consummate hatred: this is an answer to his own question; I count them mine enemies; being the enemies of God: the friends of God were David’s friends, as angels and good men, and God’s enemies were his; their friends and enemies, were common; so closely allied and attached were they to each other, as God and all good men are.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I hate them with perfect hatred - With no approval whatever of their conduct; with no sympathy for the evil they do; with no words of apology for their sinful acts; with entire disapprobation. I count them mine enemies - As they are the enemies of God, so I regard them as my enemies. I do not wish to be associated with them, or to be regarded as one of them. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Perfect hatred - See the difference between the Jewish and the Christian spirit! Next: Psalms Chapter 140”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“hate them: Psa 101:3-8; Luk 14:26 Psalms 139:23”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 139 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification