Psalm 94:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise?

NIV: Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

NASB: Pay attention, you stupid ones among the people; And when will you understand, foolish ones?

CSB: Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise?

NLT: Think again, you fools! When will you finally catch on?

KJV: Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

NKJV: Understand, you senseless among the people; And you fools, when will you be wise?

Psalm 94:8–11 refutes the arrogant claim that God is unaware of human sin (Psalm 10:11; 94:7). The basis of all truth and knowledge is an understanding of God's role as Creator (Proverbs 1:7). The One who created human senses knows everything a mortal person could know. Those who defy the Lord by oppressing the weak (Psalm 94:5–6) should take care to change their ways.

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.

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.

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 1:20:26 PM