Psalms 94
Old Testament · King James Version
Psalm 94 confronts arrogant oppressors who harm God's people and vulnerable people while imagining that God does not see. It appeals to the Creator who hears, sees, teaches, and knows; then turns to instruction, restored justice, consolation amid anxious thoughts, and God as refuge against corrupt power.
O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage.
They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off.
Context
An unnamed lament and wisdom-shaped prayer for justice. Its vengeance language appeals to God as judge, not private retaliation. Discipline must not be confused with abuse, and criticism of corrupt law is not blanket rejection of civil authority.
Themes & application
- Justice
- Oppression
- God's knowledge
- Discipline
- Consolation
- Refuge
Name injustice truthfully, defend vulnerable people through just and non-retaliatory means, receive God's instruction without confusing discipline with abuse, and seek refuge in God when fear or anxious thoughts multiply.
Key verses
Justice and vengeance are entrusted to God.
The Creator who formed ear and eye sees and hears.
God's steadfast love supports the slipping foot.
The LORD is a stronghold and rock of refuge.
Common misreadings of Psalms 94
Misreading: Psalm 94 authorizes personal revenge.
In context: The psalm appeals to God as judge and entrusts final judgment to him.
Misreading: Every hardship proves punitive discipline.
In context: Verse 12 praises divine instruction but does not make every suffering a punishment diagnosis or excuse abuse.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:19 — A New Testament parallel that forbids personal vengeance and leaves judgment to God.
Frequently asked questions about Psalms 94
Does Psalm 94 authorize revenge against enemies?
Sources & editorial notes
- Translation
- Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 94 text used by the site (en).
- Authorship
- No individual author is named in the psalm heading used for this chapter.
- Editorial process
- Synthesis checked against five literary movements and safeguards around vengeance, vulnerable people, discipline, corrupt authority, anxiety, and violence.
References
- Psalm 94 — Primary text and structure.
Author: The Lord Will Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Ugo Candido · Updated: 2026-08-20