Psalm 94 6

Psalm 94:6 kjv

They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.

Psalm 94:6 nkjv

They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless.

Psalm 94:6 niv

They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.

Psalm 94:6 esv

They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless;

Psalm 94:6 nlt

They kill widows and foreigners
and murder orphans.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 6 Meaning

Psalm 94:6 reveals the extreme wickedness of the oppressors by detailing their heinous actions: they actively kill and murder the most vulnerable members of society—widows, sojourners (foreign residents), and orphans. This highlights their complete disregard for divine law and human compassion, as these groups were explicitly placed under God's special care in the Law of Moses. The verse underscores the depth of their depravity and their contempt for justice.

Psalm 94 6 Context

Psalm 94 is a fervent cry for divine intervention against the wicked oppressors who boast in their evil and mock the idea of God's justice. The psalmist laments the prevalent injustice and corruption, especially by those in power, who mistakenly believe God is oblivious or indifferent to their deeds. Verse 6 precisely illustrates the extreme depravity of these wicked individuals, revealing the depth of their moral corruption by targeting the most unprotected members of society. This specific grievance fuels the psalmist's urgent plea for the Lord, as the righteous Judge of all the earth, to arise and administer justice, proving that He sees, knows, and will repay. The Psalm calls for vindication for the righteous and severe retribution for those who perpetrate such heinous acts, particularly against the helpless, and reject divine accountability.

Historically and culturally, widows, sojourners, and orphans were profoundly vulnerable groups in ancient Near Eastern societies. Lacking a male head of household, land inheritance, or tribal protection, they were easily exploited. Mosaic Law provided specific ordinances and commanded exceptional care and justice for them, making their protection a hallmark of Israel's faithfulness to God (e.g., Deut 24:19-21, Exod 22:22). Therefore, "slaying" and "murdering" these groups were not merely social injustices but direct affronts to God's covenant, His character as Protector of the helpless, and His established moral order.

Psalm 94 6 Word analysis

• Word by word:

  • They (הֵ֑מָּה, hemah): Refers directly to the "wicked" (v.3) and "those who work iniquity" (v.4), the haughty oppressors who scorn God and His justice. These are likely figures in positions of power who abuse their authority.
  • slay (יַהֲרֹ֤גוּ, yaharogu): From the root harag (הָרַג). This verb signifies to kill, slay, or destroy, often with violence. It can refer to killing in battle, by an aggressor, or general homicide. Its use here indicates a brutal and direct taking of life.
  • the widow (אַלְמָנָ֥ה, almanah): A woman whose husband has died. Without her husband, a woman lost her legal and social standing, property rights, and primary financial support. Widows were critically dependent on familial or communal charity, making them highly susceptible to exploitation and grave injustice in ancient patriarchal societies.
  • and the sojourner (וְגֵ֥ר, veger): A non-native resident, a foreigner living among the people. The ger often lacked tribal affiliation, land ownership, and legal recourse, making them reliant on the goodwill of their hosts and divine law for protection. The Torah repeatedly commands Israel to treat the ger with justice and kindness.
  • and murder (וַיְרַצְּח֣וּ, vay'ratsuachū): From the root râtsach (רָצַח). This verb typically denotes an unlawful, premeditated, or unjust killing, and it is the term used in the Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exod 20:13). Its use here emphasizes the heinous, criminal, and utterly morally reprehensible nature of their actions, signifying a grave violation of God's foundational law.
  • the orphan (וְיָת֖וֹם, v'yatom): A child without one or both parents (father in particular, in most contexts). Like widows, orphans were particularly vulnerable, without familial protectors or an inheritance to sustain them. God's special protection for the orphan is a recurring theme throughout biblical law and prophecy.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "They slay... and murder...": The deployment of two strong, active verbs for killing (harag and râtsach) within the same short statement serves to underscore the utter brutality, deliberate malice, and sheer magnitude of the oppressors' actions. It is not an accidental or singular event but a pervasive pattern of violence. The shift to râtsach implies a level of unlawful, cold-blooded killing that marks their depravity.
  • "...the widow and the sojourner, and the orphan.": This trifecta represents the epitome of societal vulnerability. The inclusion of these three specific groups is a powerful literary device to demonstrate the extreme lack of moral restraint and human decency on the part of the oppressors. By preying upon those whom God Himself commanded His people to protect, the wicked exhibit profound contempt not just for human life but for divine authority and compassion. It indicates that no segment of society, no matter how helpless, is safe from their malevolent intentions.

Psalm 94 6 Bonus section

The profound moral offense of targeting the widow, sojourner, and orphan is further underscored by how these categories often represent the "least of these" in biblical thought, against whom all people are called to demonstrate righteousness and charity. For the wicked to actively oppress them illustrates their moral bankruptcy and aligns their actions directly with what provokes God's ultimate wrath, rather than receiving His favor. This verse functions as a powerful theological indictment, signaling that such egregious disregard for human dignity, particularly among the powerless, cannot go unpunished by the divine Judge. It starkly contrasts human depravity with God's perfect justice.

Psalm 94 6 Commentary

Psalm 94:6 paints a stark picture of the pinnacle of human wickedness, directly opposing God's own character. By "slaying the widow and the sojourner, and murdering the orphan," the oppressors reveal a complete abandonment of fundamental moral precepts and a direct defiance of God's covenantal demands. These groups are repeatedly championed by God as requiring utmost protection and justice; thus, their victimisation signifies a societal breakdown and a brazen rejection of divine law. The use of both "slay" and "murder" heightens the intensity of their culpability, stressing the intentional and unlawful nature of their violence. This verse provides irrefutable evidence of the ungodliness described throughout Psalm 94, solidifying the psalmist's urgent petition for the Lord to execute His righteous judgment against those who show no regard for life or the sacred trust of caring for the vulnerable. It reminds us that true faith is manifested in upholding justice and defending the helpless.