Psalms 94:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:16 mean?

Psalms 94:16 is a cry for help, where the psalmist asks who will stand up and defend him against those who do evil and act unjustly. The verse highlights the psalmist’s sense of isolation and his need for someone to oppose wrongdoing on his behalf.

In this psalm, the speaker is addressing God and expressing distress over the actions of wicked people who seem to go unchallenged. The verse comes in a context where the psalmist is troubled by injustice and is looking for someone to take a stand against those who do harm. The question is rhetorical, emphasizing that without God’s intervention, no one else seems willing or able to help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:16

• "Rise up" (קוּם, qum, H6965) means to stand or take action. Here, it conveys the idea of someone actively stepping forward to confront evil.
• "Evildoers" (מְרֵעִים, merei‘im, H7489) refers to people who intentionally do harm or act wickedly. This word points to deliberate wrongdoing, not just mistakes.
• "Stand up" (יִתְיַצֵּב, yityatzev, H3320) often means to take a firm position or to present oneself boldly. The psalmist is looking for someone to firmly oppose the wrongdoers.
• "Workers" (פֹּעֲלֵי, po‘alei, H6466) means those who actively practice or produce something—in this case, evil.
• "Iniquity" (אָוֶן, aven, H205) is a word for deep moral corruption or injustice, not just minor faults.

Why Psalms 94:16 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that standing against evil is easy or automatic; the psalmist’s question shows that it often feels like no one is willing to take that risk.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of the injustice being described, using strong words for both the actions ("workers") and the nature ("iniquity") of the wrongdoers.
• In the wider context of Psalms 94, this question sets up the following verses, where the psalmist finds hope and help in God when human help is lacking.