This verse highlights that the boasting of evildoers isn't just proud talk; it's a deliberate outpouring of "arrogant things" that are harsh and cruel. Their "boasting" isn't just self-congratulation, but an active attempt to present themselves as powerful and in control, even as they oppress God's people.
They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist is crying out to God, overwhelmed by the wicked who are actively oppressing God's people. In the verses leading up to this, he's asked God to reveal Himself and punish the proud. This verse describes the unrepentant attitude of these oppressors – they spew arrogant, harsh words and openly glory in their evil deeds, seemingly without consequence.
Ever notice how some people just can't seem to stop talking about how great they are? The Psalmist saw this too, and he used a powerful image to describe it.
The verse paints a vivid picture of ungodly people. They don't just speak; they "pour out" their words.
A Deluge of Defiance
Think of a river overflowing its banks, or a fountain that won't stop gushing. This is the intensity described here. Their speech isn't just occasional; it's a relentless flood.
"Hard Things"
What are they pouring out? "Arrogant words" or "hard things." These aren't just mean comments; they are words that are insolent, severe, and often blasphemous against God and His people. They boast of their power and success, as if God Himself isn't in control.
Why do the wicked boast? It seems counterintuitive to celebrate wrongdoing. This verse sheds light on their mindset.
The second part of the verse focuses on the "boasting" of these evildoers. This isn't just idle bragging; it's a proud self-exaltation that often comes with a disregard for divine authority.
"Workers of Iniquity"
They are identified as "workers of iniquity." This emphasizes that their arrogance isn't just in their words, but in their actions. They actively engage in wickedness and then proudly display their supposed triumphs.
Elation in Impunity
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Their boasting stems from a sense of impunity. They act as if their actions go unnoticed or unpunished by God. They may "make themselves out to be persons of distinction" or "lord it over" others because they feel no immediate consequence.
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.
daka · Hebrew Verb
To oppress, break, or trample upon someone, often used to describe the harsh treatment of the vulnerable by the powerful. It conveys a sense of cruelty and the exertion of destructive force.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
That which is received as an inheritance or possession. In the Bible, Israel is frequently called God's heritage, denoting His special choice, ownership, and commitment to protect and sustain His people.
'almana · Hebrew Noun
A woman whose husband is deceased, frequently identified in the Bible as a vulnerable person under God's special protection and care. Biblical law often mandates social justice and provision for widows.
ger · Hebrew Noun
A foreigner or temporary resident living in a land not their own. In Israel, they were to be treated with justice and hospitality, reflecting God’s own heart for the stranger.
yatom · Hebrew Noun
A child who has lost one or both parents. In Scripture, God presents Himself as the specific defender, father, and provider for the fatherless, demanding that His people care for them.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH), revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful presence with His people.
The verse captures a raw human response to overwhelming injustice, where the proud and powerful seem to get away with their cruelty. The historical context reveals this wasn't a new problem, but a recurring reality for God's people facing powerful empires and wicked rulers throughout their history.
c. 1000 BC - 500 BC
Period of Davidic Monarchy and Divided Kingdom
The Psalmist likely lived during a time of significant internal and external conflict, with the actions of oppressive rulers and foreign enemies frequently challenging the people of Israel.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The fall of Samaria and the deportation of the northern tribes by Assyria demonstrated the brutal power of empires and likely fueled fears among the remaining tribes in Judah.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Invasions and Exile
The successive Babylonian invasions and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC represent a peak of national catastrophe, with the exile intensifying the sense of God's people suffering under the arrogant boasts of oppressors.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Conquest of Babylon
The overthrow of Babylon by the Persian Empire under Cyrus offered a glimmer of hope for the exiles, marking a shift in imperial power but not necessarily the end of oppression for all.
Post-Exilic Period (538 BC onwards)
Return and Reconstruction
The return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple and city walls were met with opposition from surrounding peoples and internal challenges, highlighting ongoing struggles against those who mocked and opposed God's people.
Unknown, but within the period of Israel's history— this verse
Psalmist's Cry Against Arrogant Oppressors
The Psalmist cries out against the unchecked arrogance and boasting of wicked individuals and groups who inflict suffering and injustice, feeling as though God is distant or slow to act.
This passage describes the character of a scoundrel who 'winks with his eyes, gives a sign with his feet, points with his fingers, with perverse heart devises evil, sows discord, and is always at it.' This echoes the 'hard things' and boasting of the wicked in Psalm 94, highlighting their persistent, malicious intent and actions.
Psalm 73:2-9The psalmist here reflects on seeing the wicked prosper and boast, 'They are arrogant and wear pride as their necklace.' This parallel shows the temptation to doubt God's justice when observing the ungodly's proud and seemingly unchecked success, a theme closely tied to the cry in Psalm 94.
Daniel 11:36-37This prophecy describes a king who 'shall exalt and magnify himself above every god' and 'shall not regard the desire of gods or the desire of women, but he shall magnify himself above all.' This powerful image of a ruler speaking arrogant, blasphemous words and exalting himself mirrors the insolent speech and pride of the evildoers mentioned in Psalm 94.
2 Peter 2:18-19Peter warns against false teachers who 'utter high-sounding words of vanity and employ them to ensnare.' He states that these teachers 'promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption.' This connects to the 'hard things' spoken by the wicked, showing how arrogant words can be a deceptive tool leading others astray.
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.
This verse highlights that the boasting of evildoers isn't just proud talk; it's a deliberate outpouring of "arrogant things" that are harsh and cruel. Their "boasting" isn't just self-congratulation, but an active attempt to present themselves as powerful and in control, even as they oppress God's people.
The Psalmist is crying out to God, overwhelmed by the wicked who are actively oppressing God's people. In the verses leading up to this, he's asked God to reveal Himself and punish the proud. This verse describes the unrepentant attitude of these oppressors – they spew arrogant, harsh words and openly glory in their evil deeds, seemingly without consequence.
The Psalmist is crying out to God, overwhelmed by the wicked who are actively oppressing God's people. In the verses leading up to this, he's asked God to reveal Himself and punish the proud. This verse describes the unrepentant attitude of these oppressors – they spew arrogant, harsh words and openly glory in their evil deeds, seemingly without consequence.
"They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The LORD does…" — This verse highlights that the boasting of evildoers isn't just proud talk; it's a deliberate outpouring of "arrogant things" that are harsh and cruel. Their "boasting" isn't just self-congratulation…
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Last reviewed October 2026
