Psalms 101:3 Meaning and Explanation
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist vows to guard his sight against wickedness and to reject the works of those who depart from righteousness.
The Context of Psalms 101:3
The psalmist commits to guarding his perception and rejecting the influence of the wicked.
What Does Psalms 101:3 Mean?
The psalmist makes a specific commitment about what he will allow into his consciousness and attention. 'Setting no wicked thing before mine eyes' goes beyond mere avoidance; it is an active discipline of guarding the mind and perception. This reflects the understanding that what we view shapes our character and judgment.
The declaration 'I hate the work of them that turn aside' identifies those who deliberately abandon righteous paths. The psalmist's vow is personal separation from such works—they will not 'cleave' (cling or adhere) to him. This establishes that boundaries against wickedness are essential to maintaining integrity.
Psalms 101:3 in the Original Language
sātar (סָטַר), 'turn aside' — to deviate from a path, to abandon direction; often used of turning from righteousness to idolatry or wickedness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 101:3
What does Psalms 101:3 mean?
The psalmist vows to guard his sight against wickedness and to reject the works of those who depart from righteousness.
What is the context of Psalms 101:3?
The psalmist commits to guarding his perception and rejecting the influence of the wicked.