Psalm 119 115

Psalm 119:115

ESV: Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

KJV: Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

NIV: Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!

NKJV: Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God!

NLT: Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.

Meaning

Psalm 119:115 is a firm declaration of the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's divine instructions, explicitly coupled with a command for those who practice wickedness to depart from his presence. It asserts a deliberate choice for righteousness and a definitive separation from corrupting influences.

Cross References

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem (divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with 8 verses per section) entirely devoted to meditating on the excellence, beauty, and power of God's law (Torah). The psalmist passionately employs numerous synonyms for God's revealed will—law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, word, ordinances—to express his deep love and devotion. This particular verse (115) falls within the "Samekh" section (verses 113-120), where the psalmist explicitly expresses disdain for those with divided loyalties (v.113) and claims God as his refuge and shield (v.114). The verse reflects the psalmist's personal struggle and resolution to maintain purity and unwavering adherence to God's standards amidst a world often hostile to divine truth. It underlines that a sincere walk with God often requires intentional separation from influences that contradict His Word.

Word analysis

• Depart: The Hebrew word is "סוּרוּ" (suru), an imperative verb meaning "to turn aside," "to remove," "to withdraw," or "to depart." It is a strong command, not a mere suggestion, indicating the psalmist's definitive and active rejection of the presence and influence of evil.

• from me: The Hebrew is "מִמֶּנִּי" (mimmenni). This emphasizes the personal sphere and space of the psalmist from which the wicked are to be removed. It highlights a necessary boundary-setting for spiritual protection.

• ye evildoers: The Hebrew term is "מְרֵעִים" (mere'im), literally "workers of evil" or "those who do evil." This refers to individuals whose actions, character, and lifestyle are habitually contrary to God's will and law. It describes their nature not as merely having made mistakes, but as consistently engaged in wickedness.

• for: This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for the psalmist's preceding command. The rejection of evil is directly linked to his primary allegiance and intention.

• I will keep: The Hebrew is "וְאֶשְׁמְרָה" (ve'eshmerah), from the verb "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning "to guard," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to diligently keep." This signifies a firm, deliberate, and ongoing commitment to obey and protect God's commandments. It's an active intention to safeguard and live by the divine law.

• the commandments: The Hebrew is "מִצְוֹת" (mitzvot), the plural form of "mitzvah," referring to God's divine instructions, precepts, or authoritative directives. These are specific rules and principles given by God for righteous living.

• of my God: The Hebrew is "אֱלֹהָי" (Elohai). The possessive suffix ("my") appended to "Elohim" (God) denotes a profoundly personal and intimate relationship with God. It indicates a covenantal bond and an ownership that deepens the commitment to His commands. It's not just generic commands, but the instructions from his God.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Depart from me, ye evildoers": This phrase expresses an active separation and drawing of boundaries. It reflects a decisive choice to maintain spiritual purity by eliminating ungodly influences from one's personal sphere. It is a declarative stand against complicity with wickedness.
  • "for I will keep the commandments of my God": This clause provides the ultimate motivation and justification for the preceding command. The psalmist's rejection of evil company is not an end in itself but a means to the higher end of wholehearted, devoted obedience to God's law. The personal ownership expressed by "my God" underscores the deep-seated spiritual resolve that fuels this commitment.

Commentary

Psalm 119:115 powerfully articulates the essential principle that wholehearted devotion to God's Word demands a clear separation from those who persistently defy it. The psalmist's emphatic "Depart from me, ye evildoers" is not a call to judge others, but a resolute boundary-setting to protect his own spiritual integrity. He recognizes that intimate fellowship with those whose lives are characterized by unrighteousness compromises his ability to "keep the commandments of my God." The connection between separating from evil and keeping God's law is direct and causal: one facilitates the other. His commitment is deeply personal ("my God"), rooted in a covenantal relationship that makes obedience a non-negotiable priority. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that living a life pleasing to God often requires difficult choices regarding associations and influences. For instance, a person pursuing a consecrated life might choose to avoid environments or relationships that consistently promote activities contrary to biblical principles. A young believer might decline invitations that would compromise their Christian walk, choosing instead to prioritize fellowship that encourages spiritual growth and adherence to God's Word.

Bonus section

• The imperative "Depart" showcases the psalmist's empowered stance, rooted in his decision to align with divine truth. This isn't a passive wish but an authoritative declaration, stemming from a soul anchored in God's law.
• The verse implies a practical spiritual discipline: protecting one's personal space and influences to foster an environment conducive to obedience and devotion to God. This includes both physical distance and emotional/spiritual disengagement from ungodly counsel.
• It highlights the conflict between walking with God and walking with the unrighteous. True obedience often necessitates confronting and making deliberate choices about one's closest relationships and external influences.
• This statement reveals a robust moral compass that prefers isolation with God over compromise with evil, demonstrating the deep conviction of a soul utterly dedicated to God's ways.

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