Psalm 9 8

Psalm 9:8 kjv

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Psalm 9:8 nkjv

He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.

Psalm 9:8 niv

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.

Psalm 9:8 esv

and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

Psalm 9:8 nlt

He will judge the world with justice
and rule the nations with fairness.

Psalm 9 verses

Psalm 9 8 Meaning

Psalm 9:8 proclaims the sovereign authority and character of God as the universal judge and ruler. It declares that the Almighty will perfectly administer justice across all creation and humanity. This divine judgment is inherently rooted in God's perfect moral standard of righteousness and is executed with unwavering impartiality and fairness (equity). The verse asserts that God's governance over all nations will be founded upon these just principles, establishing true order and setting wrongs right.

Psalm 9 8 Context

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving from David, initially celebrating God's triumph over enemies and expressing joy in the Almighty's character and actions (vv. 1-6). It swiftly transitions to an affirmation of God's role as the eternal, sovereign judge of all the earth. The verse itself stands as a foundational statement of confidence in God's justice, contrasted with the fleeting and often oppressive rule of human nations mentioned earlier in the psalm (e.g., v. 5). Historically, the ancient Near East was rife with human rulers whose justice was often partial or corrupt; this psalm unequivocally positions Yahweh as the perfect, reliable, and universal dispenser of justice for all humanity. This belief was a strong counter-cultural assertion, proclaiming the God of Israel's unique and unmatched authority over every earthly domain and its inhabitants, in direct polemic against the arbitrary whims of pagan deities or oppressive empires.

Psalm 9 8 Word analysis

• He will judge (יִשְׁפֹּ֥ט - yishpoṭ): From the Hebrew verb "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), this word carries the dual meaning of judging in a legal sense (condemning or vindicating) and ruling or governing. It denotes the act of setting things right, establishing order, and administering justice.
• the world (תֵּבֵ֥ל - tēḇêl): Refers specifically to the inhabited or productive earth, signifying the global scope of God's jurisdiction. It underscores that God's authority extends to all living peoples and all parts of the globe, not merely one nation or region.
• in righteousness (בְּצֶ֥דֶק - betzedeq): From "צֶדֶק" (tzedeq), which means righteousness, justice, integrity, or conformity to a divine standard. This specifies the inherent character and basis of God's judgment; it is always perfectly moral, fair, and just, aligning with His holy nature.
• He will govern (יָדִ֣ין - yadin): From the verb "דִּין" (din), this term parallels "shaphat" (judge) but can emphasize the act of vindicating, contending, or bringing order. It implies an active, sovereign administration over nations and peoples.
• the peoples (לְאֻמִּֽים - l'umîm): Refers to nations, peoples, or distinct ethnic groups. This plural form, combined with "the world," reinforces the universal reach of God's judgment, encompassing all human societies and cultures beyond Israel.
• with equity (בְּמֵישָׁרִֽים - bemêshārîm): From "מֵישָׁרִים" (meysharim), meaning uprightness, straightness, fairness, or equity. It signifies that God's rule and judgment are without bias, distortion, or favoritism, ensuring impartial application of His righteous standards to everyone.

• "He will judge the world in righteousness": This phrase emphasizes God's comprehensive, future-oriented act of sitting in judgment over the entire human populace. The outcome of this judgment is not arbitrary but flows directly from His unblemished character of justice and moral rectitude.
• "He will govern the peoples with equity": This parallel phrase underscores the administrative and relational aspect of God's universal rule. His governance over all diverse nations will be characterized by absolute impartiality, ensuring fair and just dealings for every person and every group, without showing favoritism. The two phrases together form a powerful, poetic affirmation of God's total and perfect moral authority over His creation.

Psalm 9 8 Bonus section

This verse offers an early theological declaration of God's eschatological role as the universal Judge. It is a cornerstone for understanding that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity, but the rightful and final authority over all nations and peoples. The parallel structure of "judge the world in righteousness" and "govern the peoples with equity" reinforces the absolute certainty and multifaceted nature of God's justice. The Old Testament consistently looks forward to a time when this universal judgment will be fully enacted, a hope that culminates in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the appointed agent of this righteous and equitable judgment. This biblical theme provides both a basis for hope amidst present injustice and a profound call to living righteously in anticipation of this divine accounting.

Psalm 9 8 Commentary

Psalm 9:8 powerfully asserts God's ultimate authority as the perfectly just sovereign over all the earth. David expresses profound confidence that the Almighty, seated on His eternal throne (Ps 9:7), will eventually rectify all injustices. This divine judgment is not a mere punitive act but a demonstration of God's holy character, executed with absolute moral perfection (righteousness) and without any favoritism or bias (equity). It offers immense comfort to the oppressed and afflicted, knowing their cries will ultimately be heard and vindicated by an incorruptible judge. Conversely, it serves as a stern warning to those who engage in wickedness, exploitation, or rebellion against God's standards, assuring them of ultimate accountability. This declaration foresees a future where all chaos will be ordered and true justice established globally under God's impeccable governance, reflecting His inherent goodness and flawless integrity.