Psalms 94:16
Psalms 94:16 in Multiple Translations
Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity?
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Who will give me help against the sinners? and who will be my support against the workers of evil?
Who came to my defense against the wicked; who stood up for me against those who do evil?
Who will rise vp with me against the wicked? or who will take my part against the workers of iniquitie?
Who riseth up for me with evil doers? Who stationeth himself for me with workers of iniquity?
Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand up for me against the evildoers?
Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
But when wicked people ◄oppressed me/treated me cruelly►, ◄who defended me?/no one defended me.► [RHQ] No one stood up to testify for me against those evil people [RHQ].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:16
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 94:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
יָק֣וּם
לִ֭/י
עִם
מְרֵעִ֑ים
מִֽי
יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
לִ֝/י
עִם
פֹּ֥עֲלֵי
אָֽוֶן
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ֭/י
Prep | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
מְרֵעִ֑ים
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
לִ֝/י
Prep | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
פֹּ֥עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
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 94:16
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לִ֭/י
""
Prep | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מְרֵעִ֑ים
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
לִ֝/י
""
Prep | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
פֹּ֥עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 94:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 94:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
- Sermons on Psalms 94:16
Context — The LORD Will Not Forget His People
14For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage.
15Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity?
17Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. 18If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:23 | ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ |
| 2 | Numbers 25:6–13 | Just then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and the whole congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, got up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand, followed the Israelite into his tent, and drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and on through the belly of the woman. So the plague against the Israelites was halted, but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites; for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” |
| 3 | John 7:50–51 | Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked, “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” |
| 4 | 3 John 1:8 | Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth. |
| 5 | Isaiah 59:16 | He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:1 | “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 10:15 | When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, |
| 8 | Isaiah 63:5 | I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. |
| 9 | Matthew 12:30 | He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. |
| 10 | Exodus 32:26–29 | So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” |
Psalms 94:16 Summary
The psalmist is asking who will stand up for him against the wicked people who are doing bad things. He's feeling overwhelmed and needs God's help. This verse reminds us that we can cry out to God for help when we're feeling overwhelmed, just like the psalmist did (Psalms 94:17-18). We can trust that God will be our helper and support us, just like He promised in Psalms 94:14, and as we see in other scriptures, such as Deuteronomy 31:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 94:16?
The psalmist is surrounded by wickedness and iniquity, and is seeking God's intervention, as seen in the preceding verses, such as Psalms 94:14, where God promises not to forsake His people.
Is the psalmist seeking revenge against the wicked, or something else?
The psalmist is seeking justice and protection from the wicked, not personal revenge, as evident from the tone of the verse and the surrounding context, such as Psalms 94:15, which mentions righteous judgment.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Psalms 94?
This verse is part of the psalmist's lament and cry for help in the face of evil, which is a central theme of Psalms 94, and is reminiscent of other biblical themes, such as the cry for justice in Isaiah 59:15-16.
What can we learn from the psalmist's dependence on God in this verse?
We can learn that, like the psalmist, we should depend on God for help and protection in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 94:17-18, and as encouraged in other scriptures, such as Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel overwhelmed by wickedness or iniquity, and how can I cry out to God for help like the psalmist?
- How can I trust in God's promise to never forsake His people, as mentioned in Psalms 94:14, and apply that to my own life?
- What does it mean to 'stand' for God against the workers of iniquity, and how can I do that in my daily life?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need to trust in God's timing and plan, as seen in Psalms 94:15?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:16
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?.... These are the words of the psalmist, representing the church of God, under sore persecutions from the antichristian party; called "evildoers",
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:16
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Who will rise up for me against the evil doers? The answer is contained in Psalms 94:17. Who else except Yahweh?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
To defend and help me. I looked hither and thither, and called to my friends for their help, saying, Who will, & c.? but none of them appeared, but God alone helped me, as he saith in the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
Psalms 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? [or] who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?Ver. 16. Who will rise up for me] q.d. But a very few fast friends find I at court, Jonathan excepted. Some there are that will sprinkle me with court holy water, as they say, give glossing speeches; but it is little that they will do, and yet less that they will suffer for me. Faithful friends, saith one, are gone on pilgrimage, and their return is uncertain.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
(16) Rise up.—Stand up—i.e., as champion. (Comp. 2 Samuel 23:11, of the exploit of Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite; comp. Psalms 2:2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
Verse 16. Who will rise up for me] Who is he that shall be the deliverer of thy people? Who will come to our assistance against these wicked Babylonians?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:16
16–19. Israel has no champion but Jehovah. Experience has proved His goodness. The Psalmist is partly speaking in the name of the people even when he uses the singular (Psalms 94:16-18; Psalms 94:23, our God), partly expressing his own personal feelings (Psalms 94:19).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:16
Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers?... - This is the language of the psalmist.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:16
16. Who will rise up for me—Who is able to rise up for our help against these evil doers? That is, there is no human power to do it. God alone can do it.
Sermons on Psalms 94:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Champions Arise by Lewis Gregory | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes that despite facing giants in our lives, we must see the truth and know it as it |
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America Needs a Slap in the Face by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for America and the church to awaken from their slumber of unrepentant sin and moral decay. He emphasizes that many justify the |
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The Veil of Deception: Truth Is Not a Conspiracy Theory by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the pervasive veil of deception affecting society, emphasizing that truth is not a conspiracy theory but a necessity for discernment in turbulent times. He |
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The Reformation of Manners by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the necessity of uniting against wickedness and the importance of the Church's role in opposing the works of darkness. He emphasizes that true members of th |
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"Kill Them!" by Jill Briscoe | Jill Briscoe delivers a powerful sermon on standing up against injustice and oppression, drawing parallels between the courage of Festo in speaking out against the cruel killings u |
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Judges 5:23 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the curse of Meroz, highlighting the consequences of inaction in the face of evil. He recounts the story of Israel's oppression under Jabin and Sisera, and h |
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Bible Survey - Judges by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Judges, highlighting the themes of the faithfulness of the Covenant-keeping God and the unfaithfulness of the Covenant-breaking people. The bo |