O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

PSALMS 94:1KJV
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Psalms 94:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:1 mean?

Psalms 94:1 is a call to God, recognized as the one to whom vengeance belongs, asking Him to reveal Himself and act. The verse expresses a plea for God to show His presence and justice in a situation where wrongs need to be addressed.

The psalmist is speaking directly to God, using strong language to highlight that true vengeance—meaning just repayment or setting things right—belongs only to God. This verse opens a psalm where the writer is troubled by injustice and is appealing to God as the ultimate judge, asking Him to intervene and make His power known.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with His people and His authority to judge.
  • God (אֵל, El): This word for God highlights God's strength and might, underlining His ability to act powerfully in response to wrongdoing.
  • vengeance (נָקָם, naqam): This word means more than simple revenge; it refers to rightful justice or retribution, something that is God's alone to carry out fairly.
  • shew (הוֹפִיעָה, hophi‘a): This verb means to shine forth or appear, suggesting a request for God to make His presence and justice visible in a clear and unmistakable way.

Why Psalms 94:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that vengeance, or setting things right, is not for humans to carry out on their own but is God's responsibility, which can prevent misunderstandings about personal revenge.
  • By repeating the idea that vengeance belongs to God, the psalmist emphasizes God's unique role as judge and the hope that God will act justly even when people cannot.
  • This opening sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a prayer for justice in a world where the wicked seem to prosper, anchoring the reader's attention on God's ultimate authority.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Hebrew H3313 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?
  • Job 37:15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 149:7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
  • Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.