Psalm 64 9

Psalm 64:9 kjv

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Psalm 64:9 nkjv

All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.

Psalm 64:9 niv

All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

Psalm 64:9 esv

Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done.

Psalm 64:9 nlt

Then everyone will be afraid;
they will proclaim the mighty acts of God
and realize all the amazing things he does.

Psalm 64 verses

Psalm 64 9 Meaning

Psalm 64:9 declares that in the aftermath of God's swift and decisive judgment on the wicked, all humanity will witness these divine actions and be moved to both reverence God and proclaim His powerful deeds, thoughtfully considering the profound implications of what He has accomplished. It signifies a universal response of fear, proclamation, and understanding to God's revealed justice.

Psalm 64 9 Context

Psalm 64 is an individual lament, where David, the psalmist, earnestly petitions God for deliverance from his hidden enemies. These adversaries are described as maliciously plotting in secret, sharpening their tongues like swords and aiming their bitter words stealthily (Ps 64:1-6). Their confidence is rooted in the belief that their insidious plans will remain unseen ("Who will see us?"). The preceding verses (7-8) reveal God's dramatic and swift intervention. He turns the enemies' own wickedness back upon them, striking them down unexpectedly with His "arrow," causing their immediate and self-inflicted ruin. This divine act is sudden and undeniable. Verse 9 then describes the far-reaching consequence of this divine justice, shifting the focus from David's immediate relief to the universal spiritual impact upon all humanity. It highlights that God's judgments are not confined to the wicked but serve a revelatory purpose for everyone, compelling witnesses to acknowledge and meditate upon His powerful and righteous deeds.

Psalm 64 9 Word analysis

• And (וַיִּרְאוּ): This conjunction introduces the immediate and universal consequence flowing from God's actions described in the preceding verses. It links God's direct intervention to humanity's subsequent response.
• all mankind (כָּל־אָדָם, kol-ʾāḏām): This phrase underscores the global scope and universality of the response to God's judgment. It implies that the divine act is intended for or will impact humanity at large, not just a localized group.
• will fear (וַיִּרְאוּ, wayyirəʾū): From the Hebrew root יָרֵא (yare), meaning "to fear, be in awe of, reverence." In this context, it signifies a profound reverential awe, born out of witnessing God's awesome power and righteous justice. This fear leads to proper recognition and respect for God.
• they will declare (וַיַּגִּ֥ידוּ, wayyaggīḏū): Derived from נָגַד (nagad), "to make known, tell, announce, report." This verb denotes an active and public proclamation. Those who witness God's work are compelled to speak about it, testifying to His mighty deeds and sovereignty to others.
• the works of God (פֹ֥עַל אֱלֹהִ֑ים, pōʿal ʾělōhīm): Refers to God's deeds, actions, or operations, particularly His acts of judgment and deliverance witnessed in this Psalm. It emphasizes that these events are not random but deliberate, purposeful actions of the divine (Elohim, the mighty Creator God).
• and ponder (וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥הוּ יִתְבֹּֽנָנוּ׃, ūmaʿăśēhū yitbōnānū): The verb yitbōnānū comes from the root בִּין (bin), meaning "to discern, understand, perceive, gain insight." This indicates a deep, thoughtful reflection and consideration, going beyond superficial observation to truly grasp the significance and implications of God's actions.
• what he has done (מַעֲשֵׂ֥הוּ, maʿăśēhū): Similar to "the works of God," but specifically referring to "His doing" or "His accomplishment." This reiteration emphasizes the specific, active nature of God's completed work, prompting comprehensive contemplation.

• Words-group Analysis:
• "And all mankind will fear": This signifies a universal human acknowledgment and reverential response to God's power. It marks a shift from ignorance or defiance towards an appropriate reverence for divine authority, instilled by a direct witness to His justice.
• "they will declare the works of God": This emphasizes an outward and vocal response, compelled by the demonstrable reality of God's intervention. It highlights the public nature of God's justice, turning observers into witnesses who bear testimony to His active involvement in the world.
• "and ponder what he has done": This points to a deeper cognitive and spiritual engagement beyond mere observation or vocalization. It indicates that God's actions are not just spectacles but profound lessons, leading to discernment, understanding, and a fuller grasp of His character and ways.

Psalm 64 9 Bonus section

This verse powerfully communicates that God's justice is not performed in obscurity but with the intention of revealing His nature and His active role as the ruler of all creation. It counters any belief that the wicked can perpetually evade divine scrutiny or that God is unaware or inactive. The universal response of "fear" and "declaration" suggests a forced acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, even by those who may have previously disregarded Him. This foreshadows eschatological scenes where every knee will bow (Phil 2:10) and the world will witness and glorify God's righteous judgments (Rev 11:13). It underscores that the ultimate purpose of divine intervention, particularly through judgment, is the glorification of God's name and the education of humanity about His righteous ways.

Psalm 64 9 Commentary

Psalm 64:9 succinctly captures the transformative effect of God's righteous judgment on the wicked. As God, in a sudden and precise manner, exposes and overcomes those who scheme in secret, their demise serves as a compelling and undeniable revelation. This act provokes a dual response from "all mankind": a reverential "fear" or awe of God, moving beyond mere terror to a respectful acknowledgment of His divine sovereignty and power. Coupled with this awe is an active "declaration of His works," indicating that such dramatic demonstrations of God's justice cannot remain unspoken but compel witnesses to proclaim His active involvement in human affairs. More profoundly, humanity will "ponder what He has done," signifying deep, discerning consideration rather than superficial observation. This calls for reflection on the character of God—His holiness, justice, and faithfulness—as revealed through His interventions. Ultimately, this verse shows that divine judgment serves not merely as punishment, but as a potent means of revelation and teaching, bringing all humanity to a proper understanding and reverence for the Most High God.