The Meaning of Psalms 31:6 Explained

Psalms 31:6

KJV: I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

YLT: I have hated the observers of lying vanities, And I toward Jehovah have been confident.

Darby: I have hated them that observe lying vanities; and as for me, I have confided in Jehovah.

ASV: I hate them that regard lying vanities; But I trust in Jehovah.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I have hated  them that regard  lying  vanities:  but I trust  in the LORD. 

What does Psalms 31:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The opposite of trusting in Yahweh is putting confidence in an idol, a vain object of hope, whatever that object might be (cf. Jonah 2:8).

Context Summary

Psalms 31:1-13 - A Cry Out Of Deep Trouble
Some have supposed that this psalm was written during the Sauline persecutions; but it is more likely that it dates from Absalom's rebellion. It alternates between the depths of despondency and the heights of sublime faith, and well befits those who walk in darkness and have no light, Isaiah 50:10.
It sounds as if the soul were on a wind-swept moor, with no shelter from the storm. All is dark and wild; and it dreads to be caught in the entangling net, Psalms 31:4. What a magnificent prayer is that of Psalms 31:5! It supplied their last words to Stephen, Polycarp, Bernard, Hus, Luther, Melanchthon-above all, to our Lord, Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59. The Psalter was our Lord's prayer book. This verse is a suitable petition also, as we go forth into the unknown day, 2 Timothy 1:12.
Sin, slander, neglect make the heart break; but God is all-sufficient. Hide in Him; that life is safe which is God-encompassed. "Hid with Christ in God!" Colossians 3:1-4. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 31

1  David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help
7  He rejoices in his mercy
9  He prays in his calamity
19  He praises God for his goodness

What do the individual words in Psalms 31:6 mean?

I have hated those who regard idols useless but I in Yahweh trust
שָׂנֵ֗אתִי הַשֹּׁמְרִ֥ים הַבְלֵי־ שָׁ֑וְא וַ֝אֲנִ֗י אֶל־ יְהוָ֥ה בָּטָֽחְתִּי

שָׂנֵ֗אתִי  I  have  hated 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Perfect, first person common singular
Root: שָׂנֵא  
Sense: to hate, be hateful.
הַשֹּׁמְרִ֥ים  those  who  regard 
Parse: Article, Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine plural
Root: שָׁמַר  
Sense: to keep, guard, observe, give heed.
הַבְלֵי־  idols 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural construct
Root: הֶבֶל  
Sense: vapour, breath.
שָׁ֑וְא  useless 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: שָׁוְא  
Sense: emptiness, vanity, falsehood.
וַ֝אֲנִ֗י  but  I 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Pronoun, first person common singular
Root: אֲנִי  
Sense: I (first pers.
יְהוָ֥ה  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.
בָּטָֽחְתִּי  trust 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Perfect, first person common singular
Root: בָּטוּחַ 
Sense: to trust.