Psalms 94:1
Psalms 94:1 in Multiple Translations
O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
O Jehovah, thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, Thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, shine forth.
O God, in whose hands is punishment, O God of punishment, let your shining face be seen.
The Lord is a God of vengeance! God of vengeance, shine out!
O Lord God the auenger, O God the auenger, shewe thy selfe clearely.
God of vengeance — Jehovah! God of vengeance, shine forth.
LORD, you God to whom vengeance belongs, you God to whom vengeance belongs, shine out.
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself.
Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our saviour.
Yahweh, you are able to get revenge on your enemies. So show them that you are going to punish them!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:1
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 94:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵל
נְקָמ֥וֹת
יְהוָ֑ה
אֵ֖ל
נְקָמ֣וֹת
הוֹפִֽיַע
אֵל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
נְקָמ֥וֹת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
נְקָמ֣וֹת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fp
הוֹפִֽיַע
yâphaʻ
H3313
to shine
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
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 94:1
אֵל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
נְקָמ֥וֹת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fp
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
נְקָמ֣וֹת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fp
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
הוֹפִֽיַע
yâphaʻ
H3313
"to shine"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to shine or send out beams of light, used in the Bible to describe God's glory. It appears in the Psalms and Isaiah, describing God's radiant splendor. In the KJV, it's translated as 'be light' or 'shine forth'.
Definition: 1) to shine, shine forth or out, cause to shine, send out beams 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to shine out, shine forth, send out beams 1a2) to cause to shine
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be light, shew self, (cause to) shine (forth). See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Job 37:15; Psalms 50:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 94:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 94:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
- Sermons on Psalms 94:1
Context — The LORD Will Not Forget His People
1O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.
2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud. 3How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:4 | Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 2 | Nahum 1:2 | The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. |
| 3 | Romans 12:19 | Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” |
| 4 | Hebrews 10:30 | For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:41–42 | when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh— the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 59:17 | He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal. |
| 8 | 2 Thessalonians 1:8 | in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 50:28 | Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple. |
| 10 | Psalms 80:1 | Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth |
Psalms 94:1 Summary
[This verse is a prayer to God, asking Him to shine forth and bring justice to the world. The psalmist is calling on God to act as the righteous judge of the world, punishing evil and rewarding good, as seen in Psalm 58:11. It's a reminder that God is not indifferent to sin and will ultimately bring justice to the world, and we can trust in His goodness and justice, as taught in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call God the 'God of vengeance'?
This title emphasizes God's role as a just judge who will punish evil and wrongdoing, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19. It's a reminder that God is not indifferent to sin and will ultimately bring justice to the world.
Why does the psalmist repeat the phrase 'O God of vengeance'?
The repetition is for emphasis, underscoring the psalmist's desire for God to take action against evil and to avenge His people, much like in Exodus 15:6 where God's power is emphasized through repetition.
Is the psalmist promoting violence or revenge?
No, the psalmist is not promoting personal revenge, but rather calling on God to act as the righteous judge of the world, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 5:38-42, where we are told to love our enemies and not take revenge.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse sets the tone for the rest of Psalm 94, which is a call for God to judge the wicked and to bring justice to the world, a theme that is also found in Psalms 37:28 and Isaiah 11:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust God's timing and justice in my own life, even when I see wickedness prevailing?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the command to love my enemies and not take revenge?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God as the 'God of vengeance' and not try to take matters into my own hands?
- In what ways can I reflect God's heart of justice and mercy in my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:1
O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth,.... As it does to God, and to him only; not to Heathen deities, one of which has the name of Vengeance given it, Acts 28:4, nor to Satan, the enemy and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:1
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
Psalms 94 THE The matter of this Psalm plainly declares the occasion of it to be the oppressions and persecutions of God’ s people by wicked and cruel tyrants and enemies, against whom he prays for the Divine aid. The psalmist, calling to God for justice, , complaineth of tyranny and impiety, ; teacheth fools God’ s providence, ; showeth the blessed effects of affliction, ,13; and a promise of his presence with the afflicted, ,15. He is their support, . As thou art the supreme Judge of the world, the Patron and Protector of the righteous, and the declared enemy of all wickedness and wicked men.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.Ver. 1. O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth] Heb. Jehovah, God of revenges; so Jeremiah 51:56, "The Lord God of recompences." "Vengeance is mine," saith he, "I will repay," Deuteronomy 32:35. And it is best he should, for he returneth "a just recompense of reward," Hebrews 2:2; whereas men seek oft an unequal revenge, Hebrews 10:30, as a stab for the lie given; and, besides, in seeking the lives of others, they sometimes lose their own. Show thyself] Heb. shine forth, appear for thy poor wronged servant. David knew the law, and submitted to it; he turneth over his enemies to God to be ordered by him, neither did he himself herein any disservice. "I seek not mine own glory" (so mine own revenge), saith Christ, but there is one that seeketh it. God never faileth to do it, to be their champion, who strive not for themselves; only they must wait his leisure, and not usurp his executions.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
(1) The original is far more striking in its conciseness. God of retributions, Jehovah, God of retributions shine forth. The emphatic repetition of a phrase is a feature of this psalm. (See Psalms 94:3; Psalms 94:23.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
PSALM XCIV An appeal to God against oppressors, 1-7. Expostulations with the workers of iniquity, 8-11. God's merciful dealings with his followers, 12-15; and their confidence in him, 16-19. The punishment of the wicked foretold, 20-23. NOTES ON PSALM XCIV This Psalm has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldee. The Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic, have "A Psalm of David, for the fourth day of the week;" but this gives us no information on which we can rely. In three of Kennicott's MSS. it is written as a part of the preceding. It is probably a prayer of the captives in Babylon for deliverance; and was written by the descendants of Moses, to whom some of the preceding Psalms have been attributed. It contains a description of an iniquitous and oppressive government, such as that under which the Israelites lived in Babylon. Verse 1.
O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth] God is the author of retributive justice, as well as of mercy. This retributive justice is what we often term vengeance, but perhaps improperly; for vengeance with us signifies an excitement of angry passions, in order to gratify a vindictive spirit, which supposes itself to have received some real injury; whereas what is here referred to is that simple act of justice which gives to all their due.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:1
1, 2. An appeal to Jehovah to manifest Himself as Judge of the world and Avenger of wrong.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:1
O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth ... - Margin, God of revenges The idea is, that it pertains to God to take vengeance, or to punish for crimes. See the notes at Romans 12:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:1
1. O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth—The original is very vehement: O God of vengeance, Jehovah; God of vengeance, shine forth. “Vengeance” is in the plural, vengeances, or revenge, and is twice repeated to give intensity.
Sermons on Psalms 94:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |
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The God of Elijah by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian focuses on Psalm 94 and the need for God's vengeance against the wicked. He emphasizes that God is aware of the wickedness and injustice in the world, |
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Divine Justice by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter's house being invaded by two strangers. He expresses his anger and fear for his daughter's safety, but also |
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Crossed Over the Line by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 94, focusing on the theme of God's vengeance and justice. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, s |
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God Is Our Refuge by Chuck Smith | In this video, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking refuge in God. He begins by reading from Psalm 94 and emphasizes that God is our ultimate refuge and source of |
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(The Royal Psalms) Part 1 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the kingship of Christ as the foundation for our faith. He emphasizes that every person must begin with the ba |