Psalms 9:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 9:20 mean?

Psalms 9:20 is a prayer asking the LORD to cause the nations to realize their own human limits and weakness by putting them in fear. The verse expresses a desire for people and nations to recognize that they are not all-powerful, but are merely human before God.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God about the nations that oppose Israel. He asks God to act in a way that will humble these nations, making them aware of their true place in the world. The word "Selah" at the end signals a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to consider the seriousness of this request.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 9:20

• "Put" (שִׁית, shith): This word means to set, place, or appoint. Here, it is a request for God to actively place fear upon the nations, not just allow it to happen passively.
• "Fear" (מוֹרָה, morah): This word refers to dread or terror. The psalmist is asking God to instill a sense of awe and fear that will make the nations realize their vulnerability.
• "Nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This term often refers to peoples or groups outside of Israel. The focus is on those who might see themselves as powerful or independent.
• "Know" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to know deeply or recognize. The psalmist wants the nations to come to a real, personal understanding of their humanity.
• "Men" (אֱנוֹשׁ, enosh): This word emphasizes human frailty or mortality, highlighting the contrast between God’s power and human weakness.
• "Selah" (סֶלָה, selah): This term likely signals a pause or reflection, encouraging the reader to stop and think about the message.

Why Psalms 9:20 matters

• Psalms 9:20 clarifies that the psalmist’s hope is not for destruction, but for humility and awareness among the nations, so they recognize their place before God.
• The verse highlights a key theme in the psalms: God’s sovereignty over all people, not just Israel, and the idea that all humanity is accountable to Him.
• The use of "Selah" invites readers to reflect on their own limitations and the importance of humility before God, connecting personal reflection to the broader message of the psalm.