Psalms 94:4-7
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is the active way the wicked operate; they don't just think arrogant thoughts, they "pour them out" and "boast," acting with utter impudence and carrying themselves proudly. This isn't passive evil; it's a loud, deliberate, and self-exalting rebellion that claims a prominence it doesn't deserve.
The Psalmist is crying out to God against wicked oppressors who are actively harming God's people. These evildoers are not just quietly doing wrong; they are shamelessly boasting about their power and pouring out arrogant, cruel words against God and His followers. This verse highlights the audacity of those who reject God and revel in their wrongdoing, setting the stage for the Psalmist's plea for divine justice.
Ever notice how the loudest voices often belong to those who are the most destructive? This verse describes a disturbing phenomenon.
The original language suggests a forceful, almost overflowing outpouring of arrogant words. It's not just speaking; it's a deluge of pride and insolence directed against God and His people.
A Flood of Arrogance
This isn't idle chatter; it's a deliberate, sustained assault of prideful words aimed at undermining God's truth and crushing His followers.
Why do the wicked seem so confident in their destructive ways? This verse reveals the root of their pride.
The psalm contrasts the arrogant words with the boasting of the evildoers. This boast isn't just bragging; it's a proud declaration of their own perceived power and success, often at the expense of God's people.
Defining the Boast
Their boasting stems from a deceptive sense of triumph, believing their success means God is either absent or approves of their actions. They see their power and prosperity as justification for their cruelty.
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
This verse echoes the theme of the wicked boasting and speaking arrogantly, highlighting the pervasive nature of such behavior that the psalmist laments in Psalm 94:4.
Proverbs 6:12-15This passage describes a type of wicked person who 'winks with his eyes,' 'signals with his feet,' and 'points with his fingers' – a non-verbal boasting and plotting that parallels the verbal arrogance mentioned in Psalm 94:4.
Romans 1:29-30Paul lists 'arrogance' and 'boasting' among the character traits of those who have turned away from God, showing that this proud, defiant speech is a deep-seated spiritual problem.
James 3:5-6James speaks of the tongue as a 'world of iniquity' and a 'restless evil, full of deadly poison,' directly correlating the 'hard things' spoken in Psalm 94:4 with the destructive power of unrestrained speech.
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.
What's striking here is the active way the wicked operate; they don't just think arrogant thoughts, they "pour them out" and "boast," acting with utter impudence and carrying themselves proudly. This isn't passive evil; it's a loud, deliberate, and self-exalting rebellion that claims a prominence it doesn't deserve.
The Psalmist is crying out to God against wicked oppressors who are actively harming God's people. These evildoers are not just quietly doing wrong; they are shamelessly boasting about their power and pouring out arrogant, cruel words against God and His followers. This verse highlights the audacity of those who reject God and revel in their wrongdoing, setting the stage for the Psalmist's plea for divine justice.
The Psalmist is crying out to God against wicked oppressors who are actively harming God's people. These evildoers are not just quietly doing wrong; they are shamelessly boasting about their power and pouring out arrogant, cruel words against God and His followers. This verse highlights the audacity of those who reject God and revel in their wrongdoing, setting the stage for the Psalmist's plea for divine justice.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 94:4-7 is available in the Sola app.
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.
"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…" — What's striking here is the active way the wicked operate; they don't just think arrogant thoughts, they "pour them out" and "boast," acting with utter impudence and carrying themselves proudly. Th…
