Psalms 101:7

Psalms 101:7 Meaning and Explanation

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

King James Version (KJV)

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Those who practice deceit and falsehood will be permanently excluded from the psalmist's presence and household.

The Context of Psalms 101:7

The psalmist vows to exclude those who practice deceit from his household.

What Does Psalms 101:7 Mean?

The focus returns to exclusion, this time targeting deception at its root. 'He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house' applies the principle to the inner circle—those with ongoing access to the ruler. Deceit is particularly dangerous there, where trust is necessary. The permanence of this exclusion ('shall not dwell') indicates a categorical rejection, not a temporary discipline.

'He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight' emphasizes the immediacy of removal. Unlike those merely passing through, a person known as a liar will not be permitted to remain in the ruler's presence. This reflects the understanding that a court built on truth requires removal of those who traffic in falsehood, and that tolerance of lies erodes the foundation of justice.

Psalms 101:7 in the Original Language

kāzāb (כָּזַב), 'lies' — falsehood, empty words; describing utterances that contradict reality and truth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 101:7

What does Psalms 101:7 mean?

Those who practice deceit and falsehood will be permanently excluded from the psalmist's presence and household.

What is the context of Psalms 101:7?

The psalmist vows to exclude those who practice deceit from his household.

Keep Studying Psalms 101

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.