Psalm 94 2

Psalm 94:2 kjv

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

Psalm 94:2 nkjv

Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.

Psalm 94:2 niv

Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.

Psalm 94:2 esv

Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve!

Psalm 94:2 nlt

Arise, O Judge of the earth.
Give the proud what they deserve.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 2 Meaning

Psalm 94:2 is an impassioned plea to God to demonstrate His divine authority and execute justice against those who act with arrogance and impunity on the earth. It is a direct invocation for God, as the supreme Judge of all humanity, to intervene and dispense righteous recompense upon the proud oppressors, indicating an urgent need for His intervention in the face of widespread wickedness. The verse emphasizes that divine retribution is both warranted and inevitable for those who defy God's standards and oppress His people.

Psalm 94 2 Context

Psalm 94 belongs to a collection of psalms known as communal laments, characterized by cries for help in the face of distress, appeals for God's intervention, and often ending with an affirmation of trust in God. Chapter 94 specifically laments the widespread injustice and oppression perpetrated by the wicked who seem to act with impunity. The psalmist vividly describes how these unrighteous individuals crush the afflicted, murder the vulnerable, and mock God, believing that He neither sees nor cares. Verse 2 is therefore a direct and urgent prayer, serving as the core petition, urging God to take swift action in light of the oppressive situation detailed in the preceding and following verses (e.g., Ps 94:3-7). It expresses the faithful's deep longing for the vindication of God's justice in a world seemingly dominated by evil.

Psalm 94 2 Word analysis

• Rise up (קוּמָה - qumah): This is an imperative verb, "Arise!" It is a common plea in the Psalms for God to initiate decisive action. It signifies a transition from apparent inaction or silence to vigorous intervention. It's a prayer that God will publicly demonstrate His power and presence. It counters the wicked's belief (implied in Ps 94:7) that God "does not see" or "does not perceive."

• O Judge (שֹׁפֵט - shofet): A direct address to God, emphasizing His inherent and universal authority to execute justice and render judgment. It underscores His role as the moral arbiter and upholder of righteousness. This title for God is central to Israelite theology, distinguishing Him from any earthly, corruptible judge.

• of the earth (אֶרֶץ - erets): This phrase highlights God's universal jurisdiction. He is not merely a tribal or national deity, but the sovereign Judge over all the world, transcending human political or geographical boundaries. This emphasizes the scope of His authority and His concern for justice across all creation.

• render retribution (הָשֵׁב גְּמוּל - hashev gemul):

  • Hashev: "bring back," "restore," "return."
  • Gemul: "recompense," "requital," "reward." Often, as here, it implies a negative consequence or deserved punishment for an evil deed.This phrase asks God to reciprocate or repay the wicked according to their actions. It signifies the principle of proportionate justice, where the consequences align with the offense. It is not about vengeance in a human sense, but divine justice bringing things into balance.

• to the proud (לְגֵאִים - lega'im):

  • Ge'im: "the arrogant," "the haughty," "the insolent." These are individuals characterized by their self-exaltation, disdain for God's law, and oppression of the vulnerable. Their pride blinds them to divine judgment and leads them to abuse power. This term highlights not just their actions, but their underlying sinful attitude. They often exploit their position or perceived strength without regard for justice.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Rise up, O Judge of the earth": This is an urgent, direct, and universal appeal to God's ultimate authority. It calls upon His sovereign power and righteous character to intervene where human justice has failed or is absent. It is a desperate cry for cosmic order to be restored by its divine upholder.
  • "render retribution to the proud": This phrase succinctly expresses the desired outcome: divine recompense against the specific type of offender. It asserts the conviction that God will not let unpunished wickedness stand, particularly the arrogance that disregards God and exploits others. It reflects a theological understanding that divine justice demands accountability.

Psalm 94 2 Bonus section

The concept of God "rising up" or "awakening" is an anthropomorphism found frequently in the Psalms (e.g., Ps 7:6, 35:23). It does not suggest that God is literally asleep or inactive, but rather is a poetic device to express the people's earnest desire for a visible and decisive manifestation of His power and justice in a situation where He seems to be withholding His intervention. The psalmist is effectively asking for a public display of God's character as the ultimate righteous arbiter, countering the widespread perception among the wicked that He is oblivious or impotent. This plea serves as a potent theological corrective against the idea that injustice will always prevail.

Psalm 94 2 Commentary

Psalm 94:2 is a profound expression of a fundamental truth about God's character: He is an active, righteous Judge. The plea to "Rise up" indicates that the psalmist and his community perceive God as, perhaps for a time, seemingly passive in the face of injustice. This perception is then countered by a fervent call for God to reveal His inherent nature as the "Judge of the earth." The very title invoked—Shofet—emphasizes His role in upholding universal moral order and His ultimate authority over all human actions. The request to "render retribution" against the "proud" reflects a belief in divine recompense, not human vengeance. "Retribution" (gemul) in this context means repaying evil deeds with fitting consequences, affirming that no wickedness, especially that fueled by arrogance and oppression, will go unaddressed by the Almighty. This verse, therefore, offers hope that God is sovereign over human affairs, attentive to injustice, and will ultimately vindicate the righteous while humbling the haughty.