They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word translated "boast" suggests more than just bragging; it implies these evildoers are presenting themselves as important figures, even rulers, over God's people. Their arrogant words aren't just empty talk, but a deliberate display of pride and self-exaltation that seeks to dominate and belittle others.
They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist begins by calling out to God for justice against the wicked who are oppressing His people. He describes the ungodly not just as acting wickedly, but as boasting loudly and speaking cruel words against God and His chosen ones. This isn't just about personal hardship; it's about a widespread, arrogant rebellion against divine authority that afflicts the vulnerable.
Ever notice how some people seem to just let loose with the harshest, most arrogant words, as if there are no consequences?
The verse paints a vivid picture of the wicked. The Hebrew word translated as 'utter' or 'pour forth' suggests an overflowing, like water gushing from a spring. It's not just occasional harsh words; it's a constant stream.
Overflowing Arrogance
Boasting in Wickedness
The Psalmist asks, 'How long?' Why does this question echo through Scripture when we see the wicked acting with such impunity?
While the ESV presents Psalm 94:4 as a statement, many scholars and translations see it as a continuation of the question in verse 3: 'How long, O wicked people, will you boast?' This shifts the focus from merely describing the wicked to questioning their actions and God's apparent inaction.
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A Cry for Justice
God's Timetable vs. Ours
Understand the original words
po'al 'awen · Hebrew Noun
Refers to people who actively practice iniquity or sin. It denotes a life pattern characterized by behavior that violates God's commandments and causes harm to others.
This psalm speaks powerfully to the anguish of a people who have seen their land devastated, their city destroyed, and their worship disrupted by wicked oppressors. The boasting of evildoers, described as 'pouring out arrogant words,' directly reflects the cruel taunts and proud declarations of conquering armies and oppressive rulers who seemed to mock God and His people in their deepest hour of suffering.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and replacing them with foreign populations. This event was a devastating blow to the people of God and led to the 'lost tribes'.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and exiles King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including prominent figures like Ezekiel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This was a catastrophic event, leaving the nation in ruins and God's people without a homeland or central place of worship.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus of Persia overthrows the Babylonian Empire, a pivotal moment that ultimately leads to the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 520-516 BC
Rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the returned exiles rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This marked a significant step in the restoration of Jewish life and worship.
This verse echoes Psalm 94:4 by describing the wicked speaking with arrogance and boasting about their perceived strength and success.
Psalm 73:8-9This passage describes a similar theme of the wicked speaking arrogantly and presumptuously, even against God, highlighting the pervasive nature of such pride.
Jeremiah 12:1-2Here, the prophet questions God about the prosperity of the wicked, who speak arrogantly and act with impunity, mirroring the sentiment of Psalm 94:4.
Proverbs 1:22This verse speaks of scoffers delighting in their scoffing and fools hating knowledge, showing a pattern of proud and defiant speech from the wicked.
pulpitPsalms 94:4: "How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?"
Verse 4. - How long shall they utter and speak hard things? rather, they pour forth, they utter arrogant things; literally, arrogance. And all the workers of iniquity boast themselves; or, "carry themselves proudly" (Cheyne).
ellicottPsalms 94:4: "How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?"
(4) How long . . . and. —It is better to omit the italics, and render: They speak out of utter impudence: all evil-doers boast. The word rendered “boast” is by modern scholars connected with the Arabian title Emir, a “commander.” They make themselves out to be persons of distinction, or, perhaps, lord it over God’s people.
The Hebrew word translated "boast" suggests more than just bragging; it implies these evildoers are presenting themselves as important figures, even rulers, over God's people. Their arrogant words aren't just empty talk, but a deliberate display of pride and self-exaltation that seeks to dominate and belittle others.
The Psalmist begins by calling out to God for justice against the wicked who are oppressing His people. He describes the ungodly not just as acting wickedly, but as boasting loudly and speaking cruel words against God and His chosen ones. This isn't just about personal hardship; it's about a widespread, arrogant rebellion against divine authority that afflicts the vulnerable.
The Psalmist begins by calling out to God for justice against the wicked who are oppressing His people. He describes the ungodly not just as acting wickedly, but as boasting loudly and speaking cruel words against God and His chosen ones. This isn't just about personal hardship; it's about a widespread, arrogant rebellion against divine authority that afflicts the vulnerable.
"They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast." — The Hebrew word translated "boast" suggests more than just bragging; it implies these evildoers are presenting themselves as important figures, even rulers, over God's people. Their arrogant words ar…
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Last reviewed October 2026