Psalm 31:6

Psalm 31:6, in plain English

The psalmist draws a sharp line between those who chase false gods and himself. He's rejecting the cultural pressure around him to trust in idols, and he's declaring his loyalty to the real God instead.

Why it's here

In ancient Israel, everyone around you was tempted to hedge their bets—serve the LORD, sure, but also keep the Canaanite gods happy just in case. The psalmist is saying flatly: that's repulsive to me. I'm going all-in with the true God.

Who's speaking

David, making a statement about his values and allegiances.

Where it sits in the story

This connects to the first commandment and runs through the prophets who constantly called Israel back from idolatry. It prefigures Jesus's teaching that you can't serve two masters.

The scholarly reading

In contrast to those who pursue false religious comfort through idolatry, the psalmist stakes his confidence in YHWH alone.

Language and setting

The Hebrew שָׁוְא (shav, 'worthless' or 'emptiness') refers to idols as inherently futile—not merely wicked, but incapable of delivering what they promise. The psalmist's hatred is not merely moral indignation but the reasoned rejection of what demonstrably cannot save. This verse may reflect a period of syncretism or temptation within Israel's community.

Voice

The supplicant, now articulating not just personal trust but also covenantal loyalty—a repudiation of idolatry in favor of exclusive Yahwistic devotion.

Significance

This echoes the First Commandment and points toward the Christian exclusivity of faith in Christ as the sole source of redemption. The early church fathers saw in this repudiation of idols a prefiguring of Christian resistance to pagan polytheism.

4You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge.

5Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

6I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust.

7I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul.

8You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open.

Read all of Psalm 31 — The words Jesus spoke from the cross first appear here. David commits his spirit to the faithful God who has redeemed him.