Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

PSALMS 7:9KJV
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Psalms 7:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 7:9 mean?

Psalms 7:9 is a prayer asking God to bring an end to the harm caused by wicked people and to support those who do what is right, because God is just and examines the deepest parts of a person’s character and motives. The verse highlights God’s role as a fair judge who knows what is truly in people’s hearts and minds.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God while facing false accusations and threats from enemies. He asks God to stop the actions of the wicked and to make sure that those who are just are firmly supported. David trusts that God, described as righteous, is able to test not just outward actions but also the inner thoughts (“hearts and reins”) of every person.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 7:9

  • "wickedness" (רָעָה, ra'ah): This word refers to evil or harmful actions, not just bad intentions. David is asking for the actual harm caused by the wicked to come to an end, not just their attitudes.
  • "establish" (כּוּן, kun): This verb means to make firm or secure. David is asking God to firmly support or secure those who are just, not just to recognize them.
  • "trieth" (בָּחַן, bachan): This word means to examine or test, often used for testing metals to see what they are really made of. Here, it shows that God examines the true nature of people, not just what they show on the outside.
  • "hearts" (לֵב, lev) and "reins" (כִּלְיָה, kilyah): "Hearts" refers to the inner self or will, while "reins" literally means "kidneys" and was used in Hebrew to refer to the deepest emotions or motives. Together, these words stress that God judges people based on their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Why Psalms 7:9 matters

  • Psalms 7:9 clears up the idea that God’s judgment is only about outward actions; the verse emphasizes that God examines the deepest parts of a person’s character and motives.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm by showing David’s confidence that God will act justly, even when people are falsely accused or treated unfairly.
  • This verse highlights the hope that evil will not last forever and that justice for the upright is something God actively supports and secures.

Where else these words appear

“end” Hebrew H1584 · used in 5 verses

  • Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
  • Psalms 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
  • Psalms 77:8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

“hearts” Hebrew H3826 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 125:4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
  • Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“reins” Hebrew H3629 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:
  • Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

“trieth” Hebrew H974 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 42:15 Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.
  • Psalms 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
  • Jeremiah 9:7 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?