Psalm 94 14

Psalm 94:14 kjv

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Psalm 94:14 nkjv

For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

Psalm 94:14 niv

For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

Psalm 94:14 esv

For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage;

Psalm 94:14 nlt

The LORD will not reject his people;
he will not abandon his special possession.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 14 Meaning

Psalm 94:14 proclaims God's steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment to His chosen people. It affirms that the covenant LORD will never abandon or completely reject Israel, His special possession. This verse provides a profound theological assurance that His relationship with His elect, based on His faithful character and sovereign choice, is eternally secure, even amidst their trials or His temporary discipline.

Psalm 94 14 Context

Psalm 94 opens with a fervent prayer for divine retribution against oppressors who scorn the Most High, believing their wickedness goes unnoticed (vv. 1-7). The psalmist challenges such foolish thinking, reminding them that the Creator of the ear hears, and the Maker of the eye sees (vv. 8-10), and that the LORD knows the thoughts of man (v. 11). The Psalm then transitions from petition and warning to assurance and comfort. It speaks of divine discipline leading to peace (vv. 12-13) and culminates in the strong affirmation of God's unfailing commitment to His people (v. 14). This verse provides the ultimate comfort, guaranteeing that God's justice will prevail because His covenant with His people is immutable, ensuring He will never ultimately abandon them, but will secure justice for them (v. 15).

Psalm 94 14 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): This conjunction introduces a powerful statement of theological certainty and provides the fundamental reason or basis for the comfort offered and justice anticipated. It signifies "because" or "indeed."

• the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God's unique covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature, and especially His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It is the name that establishes His unique relationship with Israel, affirming He is the one true, unchanging God.

• will not (לֹא, lo): A strong negative particle, conveying absolute negation. It emphatically states that the action described will, without doubt, not occur.

• cast off (יִטֹּשׁ, yiṭṭōsh, from נָטַשׁ, natash): To abandon, leave, relinquish, reject. This word suggests a definitive and permanent act of discarding or severing ties. In this context, it asserts God's absolute refusal to ever disown or completely release His claim on His people.

• his people (עַמּוֹ, ʿammō): Refers to Israel, God's chosen nation. This term highlights their identity as a distinct community uniquely called into covenant relationship with God. It speaks of a special, intimate bond forged by divine election and promise.

• neither (וְלֹא, wᵉlo): A compound meaning "and not." This links the second part of the declaration, reinforcing the previous negation and building a parallel, equally emphatic assertion.

• will he forsake (יַעֲזֹב, yaʿazov, from עָזַב, ʿazav): To leave, abandon, desert, loosen one's hold. Similar in meaning to 'natash,' but sometimes carries a nuance of neglect or failing to provide support. The parallelism ensures the complete absence of any form of divine abandonment or neglect.

• his inheritance (נַחֲלָתוֹ, naḥălatō): Literally "His portion," "His possession," or "His property." In this theological context, it designates Israel as God's special, divinely chosen possession, acquired through His redemptive acts (like the Exodus) and bound to Him by covenant. It emphasizes His sovereign ownership and deep personal investment.

• "the LORD will not cast off his people": This phrase asserts God's absolute and unswerving faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. It dispels any fear that the temporary trials or even their unfaithfulness might lead God to completely revoke His promises or annul His special relationship with them. His commitment is rooted in His own character, not in their flawless performance.

• "neither will he forsake his inheritance": This parallel declaration reiterates and strengthens the assurance. The use of "inheritance" underscores God's deep and personal proprietary claim over Israel. The doubling of the negative expressions ("will not cast off... neither will he forsake") coupled with the synonymous verbs ("cast off" / "forsake") emphatically conveys the immutable nature of God's bond with His people. This confirms God’s enduring ownership and loving stewardship over them, guaranteeing His ultimate preservation and triumph on their behalf.

Psalm 94 14 Bonus section

• The steadfast assurance in Psalm 94:14 stands as a theological anchor for the concept of God's faithfulness throughout salvation history. Even when Israel faced exile or spiritual declension, this truth remained: God’s covenant purposes would prevail, often through a faithful remnant.
• In the New Covenant, the Church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile believers united in Christ, becomes the "Israel of God" (Gal 6:16), "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people" (1 Pet 2:9). This verse's assurance therefore extends to all who are in Christ; they are His cherished possession whom He will never abandon.
• The terms "people" and "inheritance" denote not just a collection of individuals, but a collective entity with a divine purpose, emphasizing that God’s faithfulness extends to the realization of His plans for His Kingdom through them.

Psalm 94 14 Commentary

Psalm 94:14 is a profound theological declaration embedded within a psalm of plea and divine affirmation. It provides an unshakable guarantee of God's unwavering commitment to His people, dispelling any notion that His perceived inaction against the wicked means He has abandoned His covenant promises. The use of the covenant name "Yahweh" establishes this promise on the bedrock of God's character, asserting that His nature dictates His faithfulness. He will not "cast off" or "forsake" those He has chosen as "His people" and "His inheritance." This absolute negation assures that even amidst intense persecution or the apparent triumph of evil, God's bond with His elect is permanent and unbreakable. It means while He may bring discipline, He will not ultimately disinherit them or cease to be their God. This enduring fidelity serves as the foundation for the psalmist's confidence that God will ultimately deliver justice (v. 15), providing comfort and steadfast hope in turbulent times. For the believer today, this principle underscores that while difficulties will arise, God's love and saving grace in Christ mean He will never utterly abandon His purchased possession.