Old Testament
Psalms 119:115
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Compare translations
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
What Psalms 119:115 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a strong desire to separate from those who do evil. The phrase 'depart from me, you evildoers' indicates a clear boundary between the righteous and the wicked. The psalmist emphasizes their commitment to following God's commandments, suggesting that obedience to God is paramount. This reflects a deep conviction that living according to God's laws is essential for a faithful life. The psalmist's declaration serves as a reminder that one must choose their companions wisely, aligning with those who share a commitment to righteousness. The verse highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and staying true to one's beliefs, even in the face of opposition or temptation from those who do not uphold the same values. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that faithfulness to God’s commandments is a source of strength and identity for the believer.
How to apply Psalms 119:115 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our relationships and associations. We should strive to distance ourselves from influences that lead us away from God's teachings. By focusing on obedience to God's commandments, we can cultivate a life that reflects our faith and values.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 119:115
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 119:115
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 119:115 mean?
Psalms 119:115 expresses the psalmist's desire to separate from evildoers, emphasizing a commitment to following God's commandments. It highlights the importance of maintaining moral boundaries and integrity in one's life.
What is the meaning of 'evildoers' in Psalms 119:115?
In Psalms 119:115, 'evildoers' refers to those who act contrary to God's laws and principles. The psalmist seeks to distance themselves from such individuals to remain faithful to God's commandments.
How can I apply Psalms 119:115 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 119:115 by evaluating your relationships and distancing yourself from influences that lead you away from God's teachings. Focus on obedience to God's commandments to reflect your faith and values.
What themes are present in Psalms 119:115?
Key themes in Psalms 119:115 include separation from evil, commitment to God's commandments, integrity, righteousness, and the importance of moral boundaries in a believer's life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.