Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

PSALMS 94:20KJV
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Psalms 94:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:20 mean?

Psalms 94:20 asks whether a corrupt ruler or authority—described as a "throne of iniquity"—can truly be allied with God, especially when that authority creates harm or injustice under the cover of law. The verse strongly suggests that God does not partner with those who use their power to make evil seem legitimate.

The psalmist is speaking to God, wrestling with the problem of unjust leaders who misuse their authority. The verse highlights the tension between God’s justice and the way some rulers twist laws to justify wrongdoing. In the broader context, the psalm is a prayer for God to act against those who oppress others through corrupt systems.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:20

  • "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse'): This word points to a seat of power or authority, emphasizing that the verse is talking about rulers or governing bodies, not just individuals.
  • "iniquity" (הַוָּה, havvah): This term often means trouble, wickedness, or moral ruin, showing that the authority in question is deeply corrupt.
  • "frameth" (יָצַר, yatsar): This word means to shape or form, suggesting that these rulers actively create or design harmful policies, not just passively allow them.
  • "mischief" (עָמָל, amal): This word refers to trouble, hardship, or wrongdoing, highlighting the real harm caused by these unjust laws.
  • "law" (חֹק, choq): This word means a statute or decree, making it clear that the injustice is being carried out under the appearance of legality.

Why Psalms 94:20 matters

  • Psalms 94:20 clarifies that God does not endorse or align Himself with authorities who use their power to create or justify evil, even if their actions are technically legal.
  • The verse exposes the danger of confusing legality with morality, showing that not everything permitted by law is right in God’s eyes.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which is a plea for God to bring justice against those who use their positions to oppress others, reminding readers that God’s standards are higher than human systems.

Where else these words appear

“iniquity” Hebrew H1942 · used in 16 verses

  • Job 6:2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
  • Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
  • Proverbs 10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

“fellowship” Hebrew H2266 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Exodus 36:16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
  • Psalms 58:5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

“mischief” Hebrew H5999 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Psalms 55:10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

“frameth” Hebrew H3335 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Isaiah 41:25 I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.
  • Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.