Psalm 94 15

Psalm 94:15 kjv

But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

Psalm 94:15 nkjv

But judgment will return to righteousness, And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:15 niv

Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:15 esv

for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:15 nlt

Judgment will again be founded on justice,
and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 15 Meaning

Psalm 94:15 proclaims a divine certainty: that the Lord’s ultimate judgment will unfailingly realign itself with perfect righteousness, triumphing over all perversions of justice. This future restoration of divine order is not only guaranteed by God's character but will also be recognized and naturally embraced by all those whose hearts are pure and upright before Him, causing them to follow in the wake of His true justice. It offers a powerful message of hope and assurance in the face of widespread wickedness and corruption.

Psalm 94 15 Context

Psalm 94 is a fervent appeal to God for justice against those who inflict evil, oppression, and violence upon His people, boasting in their perceived immunity. The Psalmist decries rulers and wicked individuals who crush the widow, the sojourner, and the fatherless, assuming that the Lord neither sees nor understands their actions (Ps 94:6-7). Against this backdrop of apparent injustice and the silence of divine retribution, verse 15 emerges as a powerful declaration of hope and ultimate divine sovereignty. It provides assurance that despite the current suffering and perversion, God's inherent nature guarantees that judgment will inevitably realign with His perfect righteousness, thus transforming the perceived chaos into divine order. Historically, the plea resonates with periods in Israel's history marked by internal corruption or foreign oppression, longing for a righteous judge in contrast to the capricious and unjust systems of surrounding pagan nations or the failed justice within their own society.

Psalm 94 15 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This conjunctive particle introduces a reason or an emphatic assurance. It links the statement of future certainty in verse 15 with the lament and the call for divine intervention described in the preceding verses, explaining the Psalmist's confidence.

• Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): Refers to judicial actions, legal decrees, governance, and the execution of justice. In this context, it speaks of God's divine verdict and the ultimate administration of His justice.

• Shall return (יָשׁוּב - yashuv): From the verb shuv, meaning "to turn," "to return," or "to restore." It signifies a profound reorientation or a return to a proper state. It implies that justice, though currently seeming to deviate or be perverted (as depicted earlier in the psalm), will definitively and inevitably be restored to its rightful, divine trajectory.

• Unto (עַד - ad): A preposition meaning "to," "unto," or "until." It indicates the direction, destination, or outcome of the return; judgment will not merely approach righteousness, but fully arrive at and conform to it.

• Righteousness (צֶדֶק - tzedek): A fundamental biblical concept denoting uprightness, integrity, conformity to God's holy standard, and divine justice. It represents God’s own perfect moral character and His unchanging standard of what is true, just, and fair.

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, connecting the two clauses and indicating a resultant or correlative effect.

• After it (אַחֲרָיו - acharayv): Literally "after him" or "after it," referring back to mishpat (judgment). It means "in its wake," "following in its footsteps," or "according to it." This denotes adherence, agreement, and willing conformity.

• All (כָּל - kol): An intensifier signifying complete universality within the specified group. It means "every one" without exception.

• The upright (יִשְׁרֵי - yishrei): From yashar, meaning "straight," "right," "honest," "sincere." It describes those whose moral character and actions are truly aligned with divine standards, possessing integrity.

• In heart (לֵב - lev): The "heart" in Hebrew thought refers not just to emotions, but to the entire inner being—the seat of intellect, will, conscience, and moral decision-making. "Upright in heart" means integrity of motive and character, genuine sincerity, and an inner disposition that aligns with God.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "For judgment shall return unto righteousness": This phrase expresses an unbreakable divine promise. It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to upholding His perfect standard of tzedek. It is a declaration that even when mishpat (judgment or governance) appears distorted or absent in the world, God will ensure its definitive return to perfect alignment with His inherent character and standard of truth. It is an affirmation of ultimate divine order prevailing over all present chaos and perversion.
  • "and all the upright in heart shall follow it": This clause describes the discerning response of God's true people. Once God's righteous mishpat is clearly manifested, those whose inner beings (lev) are truly yashar (straight, honest, pure) before Him will intuitively, willingly, and universally recognize and align themselves with this divine judgment. Their adherence is not forced but a natural reflection of their righteous character resonating with God's perfect ways. It implies an embracing of divine justice as a guiding principle for their lives and a confirmation of their faith.

Psalm 94 15 Bonus section

• The prophetic tone of Psalm 94:15 extends beyond the immediate circumstances of the Psalmist, pointing towards a future time—even the eschatological era—when God's kingdom will be fully established, and perfect justice will be universally realized under the righteous rule of Christ.
• The phrase "judgment shall return unto righteousness" indicates a moral rectification or an absolute correction, ensuring that every act of justice originates from and culminates in God's holy character. This speaks against any notion of arbitrary divine rule and emphasizes God's consistent holiness.
• The passive reception implied for the "upright in heart"—they "shall follow it"—highlights their prepared state. Their hearts are already attuned to God's righteousness, making their alignment with His perfected judgment a natural and joyful response, rather than a grudging compliance.

Psalm 94 15 Commentary

Psalm 94:15 serves as a beacon of hope amid cries for justice against oppressors. It unequivocally states that God’s judgment, His active administration of justice, will inevitably align itself fully with His intrinsic righteousness. This declaration is paramount because it roots divine action in divine character, assuring that corruption and wickedness will not have the final say. Consequently, this perfect, revealed judgment will serve as a clear standard and guide for those whose hearts are pure and upright. They will instinctively recognize and willingly submit to this true standard, reflecting their inward alignment with God's perfect ways. The verse thus intertwines divine sovereignty in justice with the responsive obedience and discerning nature of God's faithful people.