Psalm 94:5 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalm 94:5 mean?

ESV: They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage.

NIV: They crush your people, Lord; they oppress your inheritance.

NASB: They crush Your people, Lord, And afflict Your inheritance.

CSB: Lord, they crush your people; they oppress your heritage.

NLT: They crush your people, Lord, hurting those you claim as your own.

KJV: They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage.

NKJV: They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, And afflict Your heritage.

Verse Commentary:

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 94, verse-level content coming soon!

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 12:59:40 PM