O LORD
The term "LORD" here is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often vocalized as "Yahweh." This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal relationship with His people. In the context of this Psalm, it emphasizes the personal nature of the inquiry, as the psalmist seeks to understand who can be in close fellowship with the Almighty. The invocation of "O LORD" sets a tone of reverence and submission, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness.

who may abide
The Hebrew word for "abide" is "gur," which conveys the idea of sojourning or temporarily dwelling. This suggests a sense of pilgrimage or journey, reflecting the transient nature of human life and the desire for a deeper, more permanent relationship with God. The question implies a longing for intimacy with God, seeking to understand the conditions necessary to remain in His presence.

in Your tent
The "tent" refers to the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It symbolizes God's presence and His willingness to dwell among His people. Historically, the Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship and community life, representing a place of meeting between God and man. The imagery of the tent evokes thoughts of hospitality, protection, and divine fellowship.

Who may dwell
The word "dwell" is translated from the Hebrew "shakan," which means to settle down or reside permanently. Unlike "abide," which suggests a temporary stay, "dwell" implies a lasting, stable relationship. This progression from "abide" to "dwell" indicates a deepening of the relationship with God, moving from a temporary visit to a permanent residence in His presence.

on Your holy hill
The "holy hill" refers to Mount Zion, the location of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God on earth. In a broader sense, it represents the ultimate place of divine presence and worship. The term "holy" underscores the sacredness and set-apart nature of this place, highlighting the purity and righteousness required to approach God. Historically, Mount Zion was not only a physical location but also a symbol of God's kingdom and His rule over His people.

He who walks with integrity
The phrase "walks with integrity" is derived from the Hebrew word "תָּמִים" (tamim), which means complete, whole, or blameless. In the biblical context, integrity is not merely about honesty but encompasses a life lived in accordance with God's laws and principles. It implies a consistency between one's beliefs and actions. Historically, integrity was a valued trait in ancient Israel, as it reflected one's commitment to the covenant with God. Walking with integrity suggests a daily, ongoing journey of faithfulness and moral uprightness, aligning one's life with God's will.

and practices righteousness
The term "practices righteousness" comes from the Hebrew "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which refers to justice, rightness, or righteousness. In the biblical sense, righteousness is not just about personal morality but also about social justice and fairness. It involves actively doing what is right in the eyes of God, which includes caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. This phrase emphasizes that righteousness is not passive but requires deliberate action and practice. It is a call to live out one's faith through deeds that reflect God's character and commandments.

and speaks the truth from his heart
The phrase "speaks the truth from his heart" highlights the importance of sincerity and authenticity in communication. The Hebrew word for truth, "אֱמֶת" (emet), signifies reliability and faithfulness. Speaking truth from the heart implies that one's words are not just superficially honest but are deeply rooted in one's inner convictions and beliefs. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the heart was considered the center of thought and will, not just emotion. Therefore, this phrase calls for a congruence between one's inner life and outward expression, ensuring that truthfulness is a core aspect of one's character.

He who does not slander with his tongue
This phrase emphasizes the importance of integrity in speech. The Hebrew word for "slander" is "רָגַל" (ragal), which can mean to go about as a talebearer or to spy. In the ancient context, slander was not just a personal offense but a communal one, as it could disrupt the harmony and trust within a community. The tongue, often seen as a small but powerful instrument, is highlighted throughout Scripture as having the power to bless or curse (James 3:5-10). The psalmist underscores the necessity of using one's words to build up rather than tear down, aligning with the broader biblical teaching that calls for truthfulness and love in communication.

who does no wrong to a neighbor
The phrase "does no wrong" is rooted in the Hebrew "רָע" (ra), meaning evil or harm. This part of the verse calls for a proactive commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18). In the historical context of ancient Israel, community life was tightly knit, and the actions of one individual could significantly impact the entire group. Therefore, the psalmist's call is not merely to avoid harm but to actively seek the good of others, fostering a community that mirrors God's justice and compassion.

and casts no slur on his fellow man
The term "slur" translates from the Hebrew "חֶרְפָּה" (cherpah), which can mean reproach or disgrace. This phrase extends the prohibition against slander to include any form of insult or defamation. In biblical times, one's reputation was a vital aspect of social standing and personal identity. To cast a slur was to attack the very essence of a person's dignity. The psalmist's instruction here is a call to uphold the honor and respect due to every individual, recognizing each person as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This aligns with the New Testament teaching to honor all people (1 Peter 2:17), promoting a culture of respect and love within the community of faith.

who despises the vile
The Hebrew word for "despises" is "נִבְזֶה" (nivzeh), which conveys a strong sense of disdain or rejection. In the context of Psalm 15, this word emphasizes the moral clarity and discernment expected of the righteous. The "vile" refers to those who are morally corrupt or wicked. This phrase underscores the importance of aligning oneself with God's standards, rejecting evil, and not being swayed by societal pressures to accept or tolerate sin. Historically, this reflects the Israelite community's call to holiness and separation from pagan practices.

but honors those who fear the LORD
The word "honors" comes from the Hebrew "יְכַבֵּד" (yekabbed), meaning to give weight or significance. This phrase highlights the value placed on those who "fear the LORD," a term that denotes reverence, awe, and obedience to God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fearing the LORD was synonymous with living a life of integrity and devotion. This part of the verse calls believers to recognize and esteem those who live righteously, reinforcing the community's commitment to uphold God's covenant.

who does not revise a costly oath
The phrase "does not revise" is derived from the Hebrew "לֹא יָמִיר" (lo yamir), meaning not to change or alter. A "costly oath" refers to a solemn promise made, often at great personal expense or sacrifice. In biblical times, oaths were binding and sacred, reflecting one's character and trustworthiness. This phrase emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. It serves as a reminder of the believer's duty to uphold their commitments, mirroring God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

who does not lend his money at usury
The phrase "does not lend his money at usury" refers to the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, which is condemned in various parts of the Bible. The Hebrew word for "usury" is "נֶשֶׁךְ" (neshek), which literally means "a bite," suggesting the harmful and predatory nature of such financial practices. In ancient Israel, lending money at interest to fellow Israelites was prohibited (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36-37), as it was seen as exploiting those in need. This principle underscores the biblical call for compassion and fairness in financial dealings, emphasizing that wealth should not be accumulated at the expense of others' suffering. In a broader sense, this phrase encourages believers to practice generosity and integrity, reflecting God's justice and mercy in their financial interactions.

or accept a bribe against the innocent
The phrase "accept a bribe against the innocent" highlights the corruption and injustice that can pervade legal and social systems. The Hebrew word for "bribe" is "שֹׁחַד" (shochad), which refers to a gift or payment given to influence judgment or decision-making. Accepting bribes undermines justice, as it perverts the course of fairness and truth, often leading to the oppression of the innocent and the acquittal of the guilty. This prohibition is rooted in the biblical call for righteousness and impartiality, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19, which warns against distorting justice. In a spiritual sense, this phrase calls believers to uphold integrity and righteousness, ensuring that their actions and decisions are guided by truth and justice, reflecting God's character.

The one who does these things will never be shaken
The concluding promise, "will never be shaken," offers assurance to those who live according to the principles outlined in the psalm. The Hebrew word for "shaken" is "מוֹט" (mot), which conveys the idea of being moved, tottering, or falling. This promise suggests stability and security for those who live righteously, as their lives are built on the firm foundation of God's truth and justice. In a world where circumstances and fortunes can change rapidly, this assurance provides comfort and confidence to believers, affirming that a life lived in accordance with God's will is anchored and steadfast. This phrase inspires believers to pursue a life of integrity, knowing that such a life is undergirded by God's unwavering support and protection.