The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

PSALMS 34:16KJV
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Psalms 34:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 34:16 mean?

Psalms 34:16 says that the LORD is actively opposed to those who do evil, and He will erase their memory from the earth. This verse emphasizes that God does not ignore wrongdoing but will ultimately remove the legacy of those who persist in evil.

In this psalm, David is speaking about how God responds differently to the righteous and the wicked. The verse comes in a section where David is encouraging people to seek God and live rightly. Here, he warns that those who choose evil will not only face God’s opposition but also lose their place and remembrance in the world.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 34:16

  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): This word often represents God’s attention or presence. Here, it means God is turning His attention against evildoers, not just ignoring them.
  • "off" (כָּרַת, karat): This verb means to cut off or destroy. It shows that the removal is decisive and complete, not just a temporary setback.
  • "remembrance" (זֵכֶר, zeker): This word refers to memory or legacy. The idea is not just physical destruction but erasing even the memory or impact of those who do evil.

Why Psalms 34:16 matters

  • Psalms 34:16 clarifies that God’s justice involves more than punishment; it includes the complete removal of evil’s influence and legacy.
  • The verse highlights a strong contrast with earlier verses, where God’s face is turned toward the righteous to help them, but here it is turned against evildoers.
  • This warning fits into the psalm’s larger message that seeking God and living rightly brings blessing, while choosing evil leads to lasting consequences.

Where else these words appear

“remembrance” Hebrew H2143 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 3:15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
  • Psalms 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
  • Psalms 135:13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.