Psalms 34:14
What does Psalms 34:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:14 means
Expanding on practical righteousness, this verse gives a twofold command for action: "Depart from evil, and do good." It signifies that righteous living is not merely the absence of wrongdoing but also the active pursuit of what is right. It requires consciously turning away from sin and intentionally engaging in good works. Further, it urges the believer to "seek peace, and pursue it." This implies a diligent and proactive effort to establish and maintain harmony, not just avoiding conflict but actively striving for reconciliation and goodwill. This holistic approach covers both internal disposition and external interaction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be turned from evil, and do good; make a search for peace, desiring it with all your heart.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Turn aside from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As a neighbour and as an own brother, so did I please: as one mourning and sorrowful so was I humbled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Context
Building on the specific command to guard the tongue in verse 13, this verse broadens the moral instruction to encompass general conduct. It provides a dual imperative: avoiding evil and actively pursuing good and peace. This comprehensive advice for righteous living sets the stage for the promises of God's watchful care over the righteous, providing a foundation for why God attends to such individuals.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Psalms 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore.
- Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.
- Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
- Proverbs 8:13
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.
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