Psalm 15 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Psalms Chapter 15 (Old Testament)
4 In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 15:1
Verse: יְהוָה, מִי יִשְׁכֹּן בְּאָהֳלֶךָ?
Transliteration: Adonai, mi yishkon b’oholekha?
English: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?”
Focus Word: שָׁכַן (Shakan)
- Root: ש-כ-נ (Shin-Kaf-Nun)
- Meaning: “To dwell,” “to inhabit,” “to abide.”
- Deeper Insight: Hebrew shakan implies permanent, intimate residence, often used for God’s presence. The question points to the character qualities that allow closeness with God.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 15 |
|---|---|---|
| John Lightfoot (Jesus College, Cambridge, 1602–1675) | Commentarius Hebraicus in Psalmos | Lightfoot highlights the Psalm as defining moral integrity and upright conduct required by God. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Manton emphasizes walking blamelessly and living faithfully according to God’s commands. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Henry interprets the Psalm as providing a practical guide to godly character and relationships. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Owen stresses that righteousness, honesty, and humility are markers of those who dwell with God. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes focuses on the inward qualities—integrity, truth, and faithfulness—required to enjoy God’s presence. |
Prayer: Thank You, Righteous Father for this wisdom in this psalm. Thank you Lord that Your blessing is upon those who fear you, keeping Your commandments and thus showing that they love You. Thank you God that You are so wonderful and gracious to me. I bless You and thank You that in serving You with all of my being I shall never be moved in Jesus' Name. Amen!
