Psalms 5:4 Meaning and Explanation
“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's character naturally rejects wickedness and refuses to harbor evil.
The Context of Psalms 5:4
A declaration of God's absolute incompatibility with evil and wickedness.
What Does Psalms 5:4 Mean?
This statement establishes a fundamental truth about God's nature: holiness and evil are incompatible. God does not merely punish wickedness from a distance; God's very being is opposed to it. Evil finds no home, no approval, no comfort in God's presence.
The structure 'hath pleasure in wickedness' and 'shall evil dwell with thee' emphasizes both active rejection and complete exclusion. This is not grudging tolerance or moral ambivalence but radical, total incompatibility between God's nature and any form of evil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 5:4
What does Psalms 5:4 mean?
God's character naturally rejects wickedness and refuses to harbor evil.
What is the context of Psalms 5:4?
A declaration of God's absolute incompatibility with evil and wickedness.