Psalms 9:16
Psalms 9:16 in Multiple Translations
The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
Jehovah hath made himself known, he hath executed judgment: The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. [Higgaion. Selah
The Lord has given knowledge of himself through his judging: the evil-doer is taken in the net which his hands had made. (Higgaion. Selah.)
The Lord is known for his fairness; the wicked are trapped by their own actions. Higgaion. Selah.
The Lord is knowen by executing iudgement: the wicked is snared in the worke of his owne handes. Higgaion. Selah.
Jehovah hath been known, Judgment He hath done, By a work of his hands Hath the wicked been snared. Meditation. Selah.
The LORD has made himself known. He has executed judgment. The wicked is snared by the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah.
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
I will rejoice in thy salvation: the Gentiles have stuck fast in the destruction which they have prepared. Their foot hath been taken in the very snare which they hid.
Because of what you have done, people know that you decide matters fairly/justly, but you allow wicked people to be trapped by the same evil things that they themselves do. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 9:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טָבְע֣וּ
ג֭וֹיִם
בְּ/שַׁ֣חַת
עָשׂ֑וּ
בְּ/רֶֽשֶׁת
ז֥וּ
טָ֝מָ֗נוּ
נִלְכְּדָ֥ה
רַגְלָֽ/ם
טָבְע֣וּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
to sink
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ג֭וֹיִם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
בְּ/שַׁ֣חַת
shachath
H7845
pit
Prep | N-fs
עָשׂ֑וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְּ/רֶֽשֶׁת
resheth
H7568
net
Prep | N-fs
ז֥וּ
zûw
H2098
this
Rel
טָ֝מָ֗נוּ
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נִלְכְּדָ֥ה
lâkad
H3920
to capture
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
רַגְלָֽ/ם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 9:16
טָבְע֣וּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
"to sink"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To sink is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, which can also mean to drown or settle down, as seen in various KJV translations. It appears in different forms, such as sink, fasten, or settle, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. This verb is used to describe something going down or being submerged.
Definition: 1) to sink, sink into, sink down, pierce, settle down, drown, be settled, be planted 1a) (Qal) to sink, sink down 1b)(Pual) to be sunk 1c) (Hophal) to cause to sink
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: drown, fasten, settle, sink. See also: Exodus 15:4; Psalms 69:15; Psalms 9:16.
ג֭וֹיִם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
בְּ/שַׁ֣חַת
shachath
H7845
"pit"
Prep | N-fs
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
עָשׂ֑וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְּ/רֶֽשֶׁת
resheth
H7568
"net"
Prep | N-fs
A net used for catching animals, but also a symbol of judgment or a trap. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it describes a net that can snare people. The tabernacle even had a network of bronze for its altar.
Definition: 1) net 1a) net 1a1) for catching 1a2) of judgment (fig) 1a3) of leaders leading people to sin 1a4) as a trap for man 1b) network (brazen-for altar of tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: net(-work). See also: Exodus 27:4; Psalms 57:7; Psalms 9:16.
ז֥וּ
zûw
H2098
"this"
Rel
Similar to H2097, this word is used to identify something, as in Exodus 32:1 where the people say 'this is your god'. It's a way of saying 'this' or 'that', often to point out a specific thing or person.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, such rel pron 2) (of) which, (of) whom
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: that, this, [idiom] wherein, which, whom. See also: Exodus 15:13; Psalms 32:8; Psalms 9:16.
טָ֝מָ֗נוּ
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
נִלְכְּדָ֥ה
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
רַגְלָֽ/ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
- Sermons on Psalms 9:16
Context — I Will Give Thanks to the LORD
14that I may declare all Your praises— that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.
15The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
16The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah
17The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God. 18For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 7:5 | And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” |
| 2 | Judges 1:7 | Then Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have gathered the scraps under my table. As I have done to them, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 4 | Exodus 14:4 | And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did. |
| 5 | Isaiah 8:15 | Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” |
| 6 | Joshua 2:10–11 | For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:2 | if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, |
| 8 | 2 Kings 19:34–35 | ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 9 | Psalms 58:10–11 | The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!” |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 29:22–28 | Then the generation to come—your sons who follow you and the foreigner who comes from a distant land—will see the plagues of the land and the sicknesses the LORD has inflicted on it. All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them. Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against this land, and He brought upon it every curse written in this book. The LORD uprooted them from their land in His anger, rage, and great wrath, and He cast them into another land, where they are today.’ |
Psalms 9:16 Summary
This verse tells us that God is known for being fair and just, and that those who do wrong will ultimately be trapped by their own actions. This is a reminder that our choices have consequences, and that God will always do what is right, as seen in Psalms 119:137. We can trust in God's justice and know that He will always come through for us, just like it says in Deuteronomy 32:4, that God is a rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD is known by the justice He brings?
This phrase means that God's character is revealed through His righteous judgments, as seen in Psalms 9:16 and also in Psalms 119:75, where it says that God's judgments are righteous and true.
How are the wicked ensnared by the work of their hands?
The wicked are trapped by their own sinful actions, similar to what is described in Proverbs 5:22, which says that the wicked are held captive by the cords of their own sin.
What is the significance of 'Higgaion Selah' at the end of this verse?
The words 'Higgaion Selah' are musical terms, with 'Higgaion' meaning a murmuring sound or a meditation, and 'Selah' meaning a pause or a reflection, indicating a moment to ponder the significance of God's justice and the fate of the wicked, as also seen in Psalms 3:2 and Habakkuk 3:9.
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's judgment?
This verse highlights God's justice and judgment, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in Romans 2:5-11, where it talks about God's righteous judgment and the consequences of sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's justice at work in my own life or in the world around me?
- How can I apply the principle of being ensnared by my own actions to my daily decisions and choices?
- What does it mean for me to 'declare all Your praises' as mentioned in Psalms 9:14, and how can I live out that declaration in my life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's justice and judgment, even when I don't understand the circumstances around me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:16
The Lord is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth,.... The judgment which God will execute upon antichrist, and the antichristian powers, will be a means of making known his name, his glory,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:16
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. The Lord is known (by) the judgment (which) he executeth. The Hebrew expresses joyful abruptness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
The Lord is known, or, hath made himself known, or famous even among his enemies, by his most wise counsels and wonderful works. By the judgment which he executeth upon the wicked, as it followeth. Higgaion is either a musical term, or a note of attention, a kind of behold, intimating that the matter deserves deep and frequent meditation, or consideration, as the word signifies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.Ver. 16. The Lord is known by the judgment, &c.] The heathen historian Herodotus oberved, that the ruin of Troy served to teach men that God punisheth great sinners with heavy plagues. "Go up to Shiloh," &c The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands] Heb. palms, hollows, noting the close conveyance of his wicked plots and practices, but for his own mischief. Higgaion. Selah] Ainsworth rendereth it Meditation Selah; meaning that this is a matter of deep meditation, worthy to be well minded, and spoken or sung with earnest consideration always. The word is found only here and Psalms 92:3, where also the wonderful works of God are discoursed. R. Solomon’ s note here is, Ultimum iudicium debet esse continua meditatio, The last judgment should be continually thought upon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
(16) The Lord.—Better, Jehovah hath made himself known. He hath executed judgment, snaring the wicked in the work of his own hands.Higgaion. Selah.—Higgaion occurs three times in the Psalms—here. Psalms 19:14, and Psalms 92:4 (Heb.). In the two latter places it is translated; in Psalms 19:14, “meditation;” in Psalms 92:4, “solemn sound.” Both meanings are etymologically possible, but the word apparently, indicates some change in the music, or possibly, as joined with selah, a direction to some particular part of the orchestra.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
Verse 16. The Lord is known by the judgment] It is not every casualty that can properly be called a judgment of God. Judgment is his strange work; but when he executes it, his mind is plainly to be seen. There are no natural causes to which such calamities can be legally attributed. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.] There is nothing that a wicked man does that is not against his own interest. He is continually doing himself harm, and takes more pains to destroy his soul than the righteous man does to get his saved unto eternal life. This is a weighty truth; and the psalmist adds: Higgaion; Selah. Meditate on this; mark it well. See on Psalms 3:3. Some think that it is a direction to the musicians, something like our Presto, Largo, Vivace, Allegro, "Play briskly and boldly; beat away; and let sense and sound accompany each other."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:16
16. Jehovah hath made himself known, he hath executed judgment, Snaring the wicked in the work of his own hands. For God’s revelation of Himself in judgment comp. Psalms 48:3 (R.V.): Exodus 7:5; Exodus 14:4; Exodus 14:18; Ezekiel 38:23. Higgaion] A musical term, rendered a solemn sound in Psalms 92:3, and here in conjunction with Selah directing the introduction of a jubilant interlude, to celebrate the triumph of the divine righteousness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:16
The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth - By what; he does in his dealings with men, in dispensing rewards and punishments, bestowing blessings upon the righteous, and sending punishments upon the ungodly.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:16
15, 16. The natural anxiety for the final result is but momentary. The psalmist returns to the consciousness of victory and restful confidence in the divine judgments. Sunk down—That is, plunged. Pit—See on Psalms 7:15.
Sermons on Psalms 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Memoirs of the Revivalist by Robert Wurtz II | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who was transformed by God. The man had previously come with a gun to harm the preacher, but after encountering Go |
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The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of |
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Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |
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Turning the Tide of Lawlessness by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of the 'fear of the Lord' in combating the darkness and sin prevalent in society, highlighting how fear leads to obedience and ultimately wis |
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 5 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to reveal His power and superiority over the gods of Egypt. The plagues were not random, but were specif |
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Our Daily Homily - Exodus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt led to their multiplication, illustrating that God's people often thrive under persecution. He draws parallels bet |