Psalms 9:17

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Psalms 9:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God.

King James Version KJV

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

American Standard Version ASV

The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, Even all the nations that forget God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The sinners and all the nations who have no memory of God will be turned into the underworld.

Free Bible Version FBV

The wicked depart, going to the grave—all nations who turn their backs on God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The wicked shall turne into hell, and all nations that forget God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The wicked do turn back to Sheol, All nations forgetting God.

World English Bible WEB

The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The Lord shall be known when he executeth judgments: the sinner hath been caught in the works of his own hands.

Translation for Translators T4T

Wicked people will all die and be buried in their graves, and their spirits will go to be with all those who have ◄forgotten about/rejected► you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 9:17

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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 9:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB נ֤וֹדַ֨ע יְהוָה֮ מִשְׁפָּ֪ט עָ֫שָׂ֥ה בְּ/פֹ֣עַל כַּ֭פָּי/ו נוֹקֵ֣שׁ רָשָׁ֑ע הִגָּי֥וֹן סֶֽלָה

נ֤וֹדַ֨ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

מִשְׁפָּ֪ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

עָ֫שָׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בְּ/פֹ֣עַל pôʻal H6467 work Prep | N-ms

כַּ֭פָּי/ו kaph H3709 palm N-fd | Suff

נוֹקֵ֣שׁ nâqash H5367 to snare V-Qal

רָשָׁ֑ע râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj

הִגָּי֥וֹן higgâyôwn H1902 meditation N-ms

סֶֽלָה çelâh H5542 Selah Part

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 9:17

נ֤וֹדַ֨ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

מִשְׁפָּ֪ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

עָ֫שָׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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/פֹ֣עַל pôʻal H6467 "work" Prep | N-ms

A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.

Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.

כַּ֭פָּי/ו kaph H3709 "palm" N-fd | Suff

In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.

Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)

Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.

נוֹקֵ֣שׁ nâqash H5367 "to snare" V-Qal

This verb means to snare or entrap someone, often using a noose or trap. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, such as when God delivers people from snares. It involves laying traps or being caught in one.

Definition: 1) to knock, strike, bring down 1a) (Qal) to strike down 1b) (Niphal) to be thrust after, be impelled 1c) (Piel) to strike at, take aim at 1d) (Hithpael) to be struck 2) (CLBL) to ensnare 2a) (Qal) to ensnare 2b) (Niphal) to be ensnared 2c) (Piel) to lay snares 2d) (Hithpael) to lay snares

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: catch (lay a) snare. See also: Deuteronomy 12:30; Psalms 9:17; Psalms 38:13.

רָשָׁ֑ע râshâʻ H7563 "wicked" Adj

This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.

הִגָּי֥וֹן higgâyôwn H1902 "meditation" N-ms

This word for meditation refers to a solemn sound or music, like the sound of a lyre. It's also used to describe plotting or scheming, like when someone is thinking deeply about a plan. In the Bible, it's used in Psalm 9 to describe a musical notation.

Definition: 1) meditation, resounding music, musing 1a) resounding music 1b) meditation, plotting

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: device, Higgaion, meditation, solemn sound. See also: Psalms 9:17; Psalms 92:4; Psalms 19:15.

סֶֽלָה çelâh H5542 "Selah" Part

Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.

Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.

Study Notes — Psalms 9:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 9:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:17
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:17
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:17
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:17
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:17
Sermons on Psalms 9:17

Context — I Will Give Thanks to the LORD

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. 19Rise up, O LORD, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 50:22	Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:
2	Job 8:13	Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.
3	Romans 2:8–9	But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
4	Revelation 21:8	But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
5	2 Thessalonians 1:7–9	and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,
6	Jeremiah 2:32	Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number.
7	Revelation 20:15	And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
8	Jeremiah 13:25	This is your lot, the portion I have measured to you,” declares the LORD, “because you have forgotten Me and trusted in falsehood.
9	Jeremiah 18:15	Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.
10	Isaiah 3:11	Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.

Psalms 9:17 Summary

Psalms 9:17 tells us that people who are wicked and forget about God will face judgment and end up in a place called Sheol, which is like a holding place for those who have rejected God. This reminds us of the importance of remembering and honoring God in our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11. We must be careful not to forget God, just like the Israelites did in the wilderness (Psalm 78:11), and instead, choose to follow and obey Him. By doing so, we can avoid the judgment that awaits those who reject God and instead experience His love and mercy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 'Sheol' in Psalms 9:17?

Sheol refers to the place of the dead, often associated with a sense of separation from God, as seen in Psalms 88:3 and Job 17:13. It is not the same as the lake of fire mentioned in Revelation 20:15, but rather a temporary holding place for the wicked before final judgment.

Why are the nations punished for forgetting God?

Forgetting God leads to a life of rebellion against Him, as stated in Romans 1:28, and results in judgment, as seen in Psalms 9:17. The Bible teaches that all people have a sense of God's existence and nature, as explained in Romans 1:19-20, and are therefore accountable to Him.

Is this verse speaking of individuals or groups of people?

This verse is addressing 'the nations' who forget God, implying a corporate or collective judgment, similar to what is seen in Isaiah 13:11. However, individual wickedness is also addressed throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 11:21.

How does this verse relate to God's love and mercy?

While Psalms 9:17 highlights God's judgment on the wicked, it is essential to remember that God is also a loving and merciful God, as seen in Psalms 103:8 and John 3:16. His justice and love are not mutually exclusive, but rather work together to bring about His perfect will.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be forgetting God in my daily life, and how can I intentionally remember Him?
How does the reality of judgment and Sheol impact my evangelism and sharing of the Gospel with others?
In what ways can I, as a believer, demonstrate God's love and justice to those around me, especially to those who may be rebellious against Him?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of remembering and honoring God in all aspects of life?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell,.... Some render it, "shall return to the grave" (p), to the earth, the original dust from whence they came; but this is common to all men, to the righteous as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. The wicked shall be turned into hell. The Hebrew for "hell" is emphatic [ li-Shª'owlaah (H7585), the Hebrew suffix, -aah, being expressive of locality].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:17

Into hell; either 1. Into the grave which is oft called sheol, into which they are said to be turned, or to return, because they were made of or taken out of the dust, . Or, 2. Into the place of eternal perdition; which also is sometimes called sheol, as , and elsewhere. For he seems to speak here of those punishments which are peculiar to the wicked, whereas the grave is common to good and bad. And as, , he seems to speak of the last and general judgment of all the world, so this verse may be understood of the general punishment of all persons and nations consequent upon it. And into this place wicked men may be said to be turned back, or to return; either, 1. Because it is their own proper place, , to which they belong, and from which they have their original and their wicked qualities, as being of their father the devil, ; in which respect the locusts (who are by all interpreters understood to be living men) are said to come out of the bottomless pit, ,3. Or, 2. Because they had set themselves as it were in battle array against God, and were beaten back and driven from his presence into their graves, and into hell itself. All the nations; whom their great numbers and power cannot protect from God’ s wrath. That forget God; that do not consider nor regard God, nor his precepts, nor his threatenings and judgments, but go on securely and presumptuously in their oppressive and wicked courses.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:17

Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.Ver. 17. The wicked shall be turned into hell] Heb. into into hell (twice), that is, into the nethermost hell, the lowest dungeon of hell. The word lesheolah hath a vehement inforcement from ç local, as grammarians call it, and importeth that they shall be cast into outer darkness, In tenebras ex tenebris infeliciter exclusi, infelicius excludendi (August.). R. Solomon’ s note here is, they shall be carried away from hell to judgment, and from judgment they shall be returned to the deepest pit of hell. This, if men did but believe, they durst not do as they do, as once Cato said to Caesar. And all the nations] The wicked, be they never so many of them, they may not think to escape for their multitudes, as among mutineers in an army, the tenth man sometimes is punished, the rest go free.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:17

(17) The wicked.—This is a most unfortunate rendering. The true translation is, the wicked shall return, as in LXX. and Vulg. (not “be turned”) to the grave, i.e., to dust, according to the doom in Genesis 3:19, or to the unseen world, as in Job 30:23; Psalms 90:1-3; or the verbs may be imperative, as in LXX. and Vulg., let them return. The verse is closely connected with the previous one. The wicked are bringing about their own destruction, and so witnessing to the righteous judgment of Jehovah. There is an intensity about the original word, lisheôlah, with its double sign of direction, “right down to the world of death.” And all.—Better, the heathen all, forgetters of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:17

Verse 17. The wicked shall be turned into hell] לשאולה lisholah, headlong into hell, down into hell. The original is very emphatic. All the nations that forget God.] They will not live in his fear. There are both nations and individuals who, though they know God, forget him, that is, are unmindful of him, do not acknowledge him in their designs, ways, and works. These are all to be thrust down into hell. Reader, art thou forgetful of thy Maker, and of HIM who died for thee?

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:17

17, 18. Stanza of Yod. Confident anticipation for the future, arising naturally out of the contemplation of Jehovah’s recent judgement.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:17

The wicked - All the wicked; all who come properly under the denomination of wicked persons.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:17

17, 18. The point in the last strophe is, that God had made the devices of the wicked the instruments of their own defeat and punishment.

Sermons on Psalms 9:17

	Sermon	Description
	(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn! by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5 by Alan Cairns	This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual
	Paul's Gospel by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was establi
	The Neglected Place Called Hell by David Legge	This sermon delves into the neglected truth of the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding its existence as a real place of torment. Through the story in Luke
	The Great White Throne Judgement by David Legge	In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane
	Robert Murray Mccheyne by Thomas Martin	In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a church that started praying fervently for the work of God, for backslidden members, and for individuals. One man's simple prayer,