Psalms 94:21
Psalms 94:21 in Multiple Translations
They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, And condemn the innocent blood.
They are banded together against the soul of the upright, to give decisions against those who have done no wrong.
They work together to destroy good people; they condemn those who are innocent to death.
They gather them together against the soule of the righteous, and condemne the innocent blood.
They decree against the soul of the righteous, And innocent blood declare wicked.
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
They assemble themselves against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
They plan to get rid of righteous people, and they declare that ◄innocent people/people who have not done what is wrong► must be executed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:21
BAB
Word Study
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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 94:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָ֭גוֹדּוּ
עַל
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
צַדִּ֑יק
וְ/דָ֖ם
נָקִ֣י
יַרְשִֽׁיעוּ
יָ֭גוֹדּוּ
gâdad
H1413
to cut
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/דָ֖ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Conj | N-ms
נָקִ֣י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Adj
יַרְשִֽׁיעוּ
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 94:21
יָ֭גוֹדּוּ
gâdad
H1413
"to cut"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To cut or crowd is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, which can also mean to gather in troops or attack, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent 'gedad'.
Definition: 1) to penetrate, cut, attack, invade 1a) (Qal) to penetrate, cut into 1b)(Hithpoel) 1b1) to cut oneself 1b2) to gather in troops or crowds Aramaic equivalent: ge.dad (גְּדַד "to chop" H1414)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves by troops), gather (selves together, self in troops), cut selves. See also: Deuteronomy 14:1; Jeremiah 16:6; Psalms 94:21.
עַל
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.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/דָ֖ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Conj | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
נָקִ֣י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
יַרְשִֽׁיעוּ
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
Study Notes — Psalms 94:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 94:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:21
- Sermons on Psalms 94:21
Context — The LORD Will Not Forget His People
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. 23He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 59:3 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 2 | Matthew 27:1 | When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:15 | Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:7 | Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. |
| 5 | Revelation 17:6 | I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 21:19 | Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ” |
| 7 | Proverbs 1:11 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, |
| 8 | James 5:6 | You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. |
| 9 | Psalms 22:16 | For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 22:12 | In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. |
Psalms 94:21 Summary
This verse, Psalms 94:21, tells us that there are people in the world who work together to hurt those who are trying to do what is right. They even try to kill people who are innocent, just because they want to get rid of them. This is a sad reality, but as believers, we can trust that God is our rock and our refuge, as He says in Psalms 94:22, and that He will ultimately bring justice to those who have been wronged, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:4. We can also remember that we are not alone, and that God is with us, even in the midst of trouble, as He promises in Psalms 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to band together against the righteous?
This phrase suggests that those who oppose God and His people often join forces to carry out their evil plans, as seen in Psalms 94:21, and is reminiscent of the way the enemies of God conspired against Him in Psalms 2:2.
Why do the wicked condemn the innocent to death?
The wicked condemn the innocent because they have no regard for justice or righteousness, and instead seek to eliminate those who stand in their way, as seen in Proverbs 17:23, where the wicked take bribes to pervert justice.
Is this verse describing a specific historical event or a general principle?
While Psalms 94:21 may have been written in response to a specific historical situation, its principles apply broadly to the ongoing struggle between good and evil, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where we are told that our struggle is against the rulers of darkness.
How can we as believers respond when we see the wicked banding together against the righteous?
We can respond by trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Psalms 37:1-2, and by praying for the salvation of the wicked and the protection of the righteous, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I see the wicked banding together against the righteous in my own community or world?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice when I see the innocent being condemned?
- What are some ways I can stand in solidarity with those who are being persecuted for their faith or righteousness?
- How can I pray effectively for those who are being oppressed or condemned by the wicked?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:21
They gather themselves together,.... As "in troops" (h), as the word signifies; in great armies; so the antichristian kings and states will, at the instigation of Popish emissaries; see Revelation
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:21
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
Against the soul; against the life, as the soul commonly signifies, and as the next clause explains it. They are not satisfied with the spoil of their estates, but do also thirst after their lives. Condemn the innocent blood; they shed the blood of those innocent persons whom they have wickedly condemned. Innocent blood is here put for the blood or life of an innocent person, as it is also .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
Psalms 94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.Ver. 21. They gather together] Heb. run by troops, as thieves do. Against the soul] Which they would gladly destroy if it lay in their power. This the Popish persecutors oft attempted, but God hath better provided, Matthew 10:28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
(21) They gather—i.e., possibly, They crowd into the courts of law to take part in the unjust condemnation of the just, or more generally, “They attack the life of the righteous.” LXX., “they hunt.” (Comp. Psalms 35:15.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:21
Verse 21. They gather themselves together] In every thing that is evil, they are in unity. The devil, his angels, and his children, all join and draw together when they have for their object the destruction of the works of the Lord. But this was particularly the case with respect to the poor Jews among the Babylonians: they were objects of their continual hatred, and they laboured for their destruction. This and the following verses have been applied to our Lord, and the treatment he met with both from his own countrymen and from the Romans. They pretended to "judge him according to the law, and framed mischief against him;" they "assembled together against the life of the righteous one," and "condemned innocent blood;" but God evidently interposed, and "brought upon them their own iniquity," according to their horrible imprecation: "His blood be upon us and upon our children!" God "cut them off in their own iniquity." All this had, in reference to him, a most literal fulfilment.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:21
21. They gather themselves together] So the Targ. and Jer., possibly reading yâgûrû, as in Psalms 56:6; Psalms 59:3. The Mass. text however seems to mean they make raids upon the life of the righteous. condemn the innocent blood] I.e. condemn the innocent to death.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:21
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous - Against the life of the righteous; that is, to take their lives.
Sermons on Psalms 94:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer) by Jon Speed | This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It |
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I Am Barabbas and So Are You by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the profound story of Barabbas and Jesus in Matthew 27, highlighting the choice between darkness and light, sin and salvation. It emphasizes the substitutio |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 76 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the events surrounding Jesus' trial and crucifixion, drawing lessons from how Jesus dealt with betrayal, false accusations, and suffering. It emphasizes the |
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Week of Meetings 1986-02 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary Hill. He highlights the presence of a curious crowd that had gathered to witness this even |
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Ford at Southside-st.louis 01 Matt 27 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker begins by talking about a hypothetical scenario where the world's greatest pianist sits down to play on a toy piano instead of a grand piano. He uses th |
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The Great Double Cross by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Great Double Cross,' focusing on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. He emphasizes the tragic irony of Judas's actions, drive |
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I Am Barabbas. and So Are You by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'I Am Barabbas. and So Are You,' emphasizing the profound truth that we, like Barabbas, are guilty and deserving of death, yet Jesus |