CINXE.COM
Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/34-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_034_014.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 34:14 - Taste and See that the LORD is Good" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/34-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/34-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm" title="Psalm 34:13">◄</a> Psalm 34:14 <a href="/psalms/34-15.htm" title="Psalm 34:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/34.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid evil and do good! Seek peace and pursue it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn aside from evil and do good, "" Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Turn aside from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good: seek after peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 33:15>Turn away from evil, and do good. Inquire about peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Pass from evil and do good, seek peace and run after it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/34-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=3716" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Taste and See that the LORD is Good</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">Turn away</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: mê·rā‘ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">from evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wa·‘ă·śêh- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: baq·qêš (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">peace</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: wə·rā·ḏə·p̄ê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">and pursue it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10-11</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a></span><br />So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Proverbs 15:17</a></span><br />Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3</a></span><br />It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.</p><p class="hdg">Depart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a></b></br> Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></b></br> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil <i>is</i> understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></b></br> Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.</p><p class="hdg">do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a></b></br> How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a></b></br> As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all <i>men</i>, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a></b></br> Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.</p><p class="hdg">seek</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-7.htm">Psalm 120:7</a></b></br> I <i>am for</i> peace: but when I speak, they <i>are</i> for war.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></b></br> If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/9-17.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/33-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/29-11.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/31-15.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/27-8.htm">Search</a> <a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/31-2.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/34-5.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/34-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/35-20.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/35-3.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/37-36.htm">Search</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">David praises God, and exhorts others thereto by his experience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-8.htm">They are blessed who trust in God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-11.htm">He exhorts to the fear of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">The privileges of the righteous</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/psalms/34.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Turn away from evil</b><br />The phrase "Turn away from evil" calls for a deliberate and conscious decision to reject sin and wrongdoing. The Hebrew word for "turn away" is "סוּר" (sur), which implies a strong action of departing or removing oneself from a path. This is not a passive suggestion but an active command to distance oneself from anything that contradicts God's holiness. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience and moral integrity were paramount. In a broader scriptural context, this aligns with the call to repentance found throughout the Bible, urging believers to forsake their old ways and embrace a life that honors God.<p><b>and do good</b><br />The phrase "and do good" complements the previous command by encouraging positive action. The Hebrew word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses what is beneficial, pleasant, and morally right. This is not merely about avoiding evil but actively pursuing righteousness and kindness. In the historical context of ancient Israel, doing good was often associated with following God's commandments and living in a way that reflected His character. Scripturally, this echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, mercy, and justice as central to the life of a believer.<p><b>seek peace</b><br />"Seek peace" is an invitation to pursue harmony and reconciliation. The Hebrew word for "peace" is "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which signifies completeness, welfare, and tranquility. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of God's order and blessing. In the historical context, peace was a sign of God's favor and a key aspect of the promised land's prosperity. Biblically, seeking peace is a recurring theme, urging believers to be peacemakers and to live in unity with others, reflecting the peace that Christ brings to the world.<p><b>and pursue it</b><br />The phrase "and pursue it" emphasizes the active and ongoing effort required to maintain peace. The Hebrew word "רָדַף" (radaf) means to chase or follow after with intensity. This suggests that peace is not something that happens by chance but requires intentional effort and perseverance. Historically, this reflects the challenges faced by Israel in maintaining peace with neighboring nations and within their own community. Scripturally, it aligns with the New Testament teachings that encourage believers to strive for peace with all people, recognizing it as a fruit of the Spirit and a testament to God's transformative work in their lives.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">And do good.</span>--Negative goodness is not sufficient. Practical good must be added.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Depart from evil,</span> <span class="cmt_word">and do good.</span> From words the psalmist proceeds to acts, and, in the briefest possible way, says all that can be said. First, he enjoins negative goodness - "depart from evil," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> do nothing that is wrong; break no laws of God, no command of conscience; have a conscience void of offence, both towards God and towards man. Secondly, he requires positive goodness - "Do good;" i.e. actively perform the will of God from the heart; discharge every duty; practise every virtue; carry out the precepts of the moral law in every particular. <span class="cmt_word">Seek peace, and pursue it.</span> It is not clear why this virtue - one of many - is specially enjoined; but probably some circumstances of the time made the recommendation advisable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/34-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Turn away</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֣וּר</span> <span class="translit">(sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from evil</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭רָע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲשֵׂה־</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·śêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good;</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seek</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּקֵּ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(baq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">peace</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁל֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pursue it.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָדְפֵֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·ḏə·p̄ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 34:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 34:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>