Psalms 94:20
Psalms 94:20 in Multiple Translations
Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree?
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee, Which frameth mischief by statute?
What part with you has the seat of sin, which makes evil into a law?
Can unjust judges really be on your side, Lord, when their corrupt use of the law causes misery?
Hath the throne of iniquitie fellowship with thee, which forgeth wrong for a Lawe?
Is a throne of mischief joined [with] Thee? A framer of perverseness by statute?
Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with you, which brings about mischief by statute?
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
You have nothing to do with wicked judges, who establish laws that allow people to do what is not legal.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:20
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 94:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ֭/יְחָבְרְ/ךָ
כִּסֵּ֣א
הַוּ֑וֹת
יֹצֵ֖ר
עָמָ֣ל
עֲלֵי
חֹֽק
הַֽ֭/יְחָבְרְ/ךָ
châbar
H2266
to unite
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּסֵּ֣א
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms
הַוּ֑וֹת
havvâh
H1942
desire
N-fp
יֹצֵ֖ר
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal
עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חֹֽק
chôq
H2706
statute
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 94:20
הַֽ֭/יְחָבְרְ/ךָ
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
כִּסֵּ֣א
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
הַוּ֑וֹת
havvâh
H1942
"desire"
N-fp
Havvah refers to a strong desire, but often in a bad sense, and can also mean ruin or calamity. It's used to describe something naughty or wicked, like mischief or iniquity. This concept appears in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire (in bad sense) 2) chasm (fig. of destruction) 2a) engulfing ruin, destruction, calamity
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness. See also: Job 6:2; Psalms 57:2; Psalms 5:10.
יֹצֵ֖ר
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חֹֽק
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 94:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 94:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
- Sermons on Psalms 94:20
Context — The LORD Will Not Forget His People
18If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
19When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
20Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree?
21They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:2 | No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth. |
| 2 | Isaiah 10:1 | Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 3:16 | Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. |
| 4 | John 11:57 | But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him. |
| 5 | Revelation 13:15–17 | The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name. |
| 6 | Micah 6:16 | You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations. ” |
| 7 | Daniel 6:7–9 | All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. |
| 8 | Amos 6:3 | You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. |
| 9 | Daniel 3:4–7 | Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. |
| 10 | Esther 3:6–12 | And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.” On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. |
Psalms 94:20 Summary
Psalms 94:20 is asking if a corrupt and unjust government can really be friends with a holy God. The answer is no, because God is righteous and just, as seen in Psalms 119:137. This verse reminds us that God is against all forms of injustice and corruption, and we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him, following His teachings in the Bible, such as in Proverbs 29:4, where it is written that a king's throne is established through righteousness. We can trust that God will always be our rock and refuge, as stated in Psalms 94:22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'corrupt throne' mean in Psalms 94:20?
The phrase 'corrupt throne' refers to a governing authority that is morally decayed and unjust, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 29:4, where it is written that a king's throne is established through righteousness.
How can I apply the principle of not being allied with corrupt systems in my daily life?
As followers of God, we are called to be separate from the world's corrupt systems, as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and instead, strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, guided by His Word and the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean for a throne to 'devise mischief by decree'?
It means that the governing authority is using its power to create and enforce laws or policies that are harmful and unjust, which is contrary to God's nature and will, as seen in Psalms 119:137, where God is described as righteous and just.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's holiness and His hatred for injustice, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as a Rock, whose works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure that I am not contributing to or supporting corrupt systems in my community or workplace?
- How can I discern whether a particular authority or system is 'corrupt' and therefore not aligned with God's will?
- In what ways can I be a voice for justice and righteousness in my sphere of influence, as God calls us to do in Micah 6:8?
- What are some personal areas where I may be tempted to compromise with corrupt or unjust systems, and how can I seek God's strength to resist those temptations?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:20
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee,.... Or "be joined with thee", be "partner with thee" (f), as antichrist affects to be; who may well be called "the throne of iniquity", since
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:20
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
Wilt thou take part with the unrighteous powers of the world, who oppress thy people? It is true, they partake of thy name, being called gods, , but I know thou wilt not afford them thy protection and patronage, but wilt manifest thy justice and displeasure against them. This seems to have been one of those comfortable thoughts wherewith the psalmist delighted his soul, as he now said. Which frameth mischief; who devise wicked devices, and lay heavy burdens upon men that are more righteous than themselves. By a law; either by virtue of those unrighteous decrees which they have made in form of laws; or by false pretences of law. Or, against law; against all right, and the laws both of God and men.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
Psalms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?Ver. 20. Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee] Shall tyrants and oppressors (who do exercise regiment without righteousness) entitle thee to their wicked proceedings, and go unpunished? See Isaiah 36:10; Isaiah 37:36; the throne or tribunal is called, The holy place, Ecclesiastes 8:10; woe, then, to those that pollute it! Which frameth mischief by a law?] As did the primitive persecutors, with their bloody edicts against Christians; and the Popish bishops, of whose laws that of Politian was verified, Inventum Actiae dicuntur iura Draconis: Vera est fama nimis, nil nisi virus habent. Some render it Procter, vel contra legem, beside or against law.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
(20) Throne of iniquity.—This is an apt expression for an oppressive and unjust government. The word rendered “iniquity” might mean “calamity” or “destruction” (see Psalms 57:1, and comp. Psalms 91:3 : “noisome”), but in Proverbs 10:3 it seems to mean “lawless desire,” which best suits this passage. Have fellowship—i.e., be associated in the government. Could the theocracy admit to a share in it, not merely imperfect instruments of justice, but even those who perverted justice to evil ends? Which frameth mischief by a law?—i.e., making legislation a means of wrong. Others, however, render, “against the law.” But the former explanation best suits the next verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
Verse 20. Shall the throne of iniquity] No wicked king, judge, or magistrate shall ever stand in thy presence. No countenance shall such have from thy grace or providence. Which frameth mischief] Devise, plan, and execute, as if they acted by a positive law, and were strictly enjoined to do what they so much delighted in.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:20
20–23. The doom of tyrants and the deliverance of their victims.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:20
Shall the throne of iniquity - The throne established in iniquity; or, sustaining iniquity.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:20
20. Throne of iniquity—The miseries which these “evil doers” cause thy people to suffer, are not the doings of a few individuals, nor a few exceptional outbursts of violence, but the settled policy
Sermons on Psalms 94:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Inquisition by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley delivers a sermon reflecting on the horrors of the Inquisition, describing it as a system born out of prodigious iniquity and cruelty, incompatible with freedom and hum |
|
Deliverance From Sodom by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Sodom represents the wickedness within our own hearts rather than just external cities. He explains that we are all born with a sinful nature, but G |
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(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
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(John) 15 - the Life Saving by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on John chapter 11, which tells the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. The sermon is divided into four sections: the occasion of the miracle, |
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Gospel of John (Study 24 of 24, Chap 11 Cont) by G.W. North | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of not building anything of wood, hay, and stubble, but instead allowing the Lord to work and have His way. The speaker emphasizes th |
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The Mark of the Beast by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the mark of the beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that this mark will be given by the Antichrist, who wil |
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(Happenings Ahead) the Man of Sin 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not allowing blasphemies against God's name. He warns that believers should not remain silent or pretend to be unaffected w |