Psalms 94:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:6 mean?

Psalms 94:6 describes people committing violent acts against those who are especially vulnerable: widows, strangers, and orphans. The verse highlights the injustice of killing those who have little protection or support in society.

The psalmist is speaking to God about the actions of wicked people in Israel who are abusing their power. The verse is part of a larger complaint, where the writer is calling attention to the suffering of the defenseless and asking God to notice and respond. This verse sets up the seriousness of the wrongs being done, emphasizing how the most powerless are being targeted.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:6

• "Slay" (הָרַג, harag) means to kill or put to death, often with violence. The use of this word underscores the brutality of the acts being described.
• "Widow" (אַלְמָנָה, almanah) refers to a woman whose husband has died, someone who in ancient Israel would have been especially vulnerable without a male protector.
• "Stranger" (גֵּר, ger) means a foreigner or sojourner, someone living among the Israelites but not originally from there, often lacking legal and social protection.
• "Murder" (רָצַח, ratsach) is a strong word for killing, usually implying premeditated or unjust killing, highlighting the deliberate wrongdoing.
• "Fatherless" (יָתוֹם, yatom) means an orphan, a child without a father, who would have had little means of support or defense.

Why Psalms 94:6 matters

• This verse makes clear that the psalmist is not just concerned about general wrongdoing, but specifically about the mistreatment of those who are least able to defend themselves.
• By naming widows, strangers, and orphans, Psalms 94:6 connects with a recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible: God's concern for the vulnerable and the expectation that His people will protect them.
• The verse helps set the tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a plea for God to act against injustice and not ignore the suffering of the innocent.