What does Psalm 94:4 mean?
ESV: They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
NIV: They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.
NASB: They pour out words, they speak arrogantly; All who do injustice boast.
CSB: They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
NLT: How long will they speak with arrogance? How long will these evil people boast?
KJV: How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
NKJV: They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 94:1–7 addresses the Lord as the God of vengeance. The psalmist longs to see God's wrath brought onto those who harm the innocent. These wicked people brag about their sin, as if the Lord weren't aware of their crimes (Psalm 10:11). Though this seems to apply to enemy nations, it may also refer to corrupt leaders and judges.
Chapter Summary:
This song begins with the psalmist's prayer for God's vengeance on arrogant, evil people bragging about their sin. These criminals abuse the Lord's people and think God is unaware. But the Creator who made man knows everything men can know. God sees. He will continue to work out His plan. This will end in restoration for His people and eternal disaster for those who hate Him.
Chapter Context:
This psalm may refer to corrupt leaders within Israel, or to oppressing Gentile nations. Their sins don't escape God's notice; He will punish them one day. The text shares themes with Psalm 10, such as the arrogance of men assuming the Lord doesn't know or care about their sin. First Corinthians 3:20 cites Psalm 94:11 when pointing out that God is perfectly aware of human scheming.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 12/18/2024 12:19:14 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
