Bible Strands
Psalms 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses those who seek the LORD, within a run of imperatives (vv. 10–15) governing speech and conduct. The verse sits between a command on the tongue (v. 13) and a statement of divine attention (v. 15).
The words — רָדְפֵהוּ (rādpēhû, H7291) is the verb for hunting or chasing, applied here to peace; the image is not passive wishing but active pursuit.
The thread — 1 Peter 3:11 quotes the verse nearly verbatim; Psalms 37:27 repeats the first half ("turn away from evil and do good"); Hebrews 12:14 echoes the "pursue peace" language.
Why it lands — It commands two directions simultaneously: turning away from evil and chasing peace, leaving no room for mere avoidance as a substitute for active effort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Cross-references
- Psalms 37:27 Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever.
- 1 Peter 3:11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
- Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
- 3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
- Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
- Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
- Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.