King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.
Complete Jewish Bible:
ADONAI understands that people's thoughts are merely a puff of wind.
Berean Standard Bible:
The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.
American Standard Version:
Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The LORD{H3068} knoweth{H3045}{H8802)} the thoughts{H4284} of man{H120}, that they are vanity{H1892}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Corinthians 3:20
- And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Corinthians 1:19
- For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Job 11:11
- For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider [it]?
Job 11:12
- For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt.
Romans 1:21
- Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 1:22
- Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1 Corinthians 1:21
- For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
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Commentary for Psalms 94:11
Psalm 94:11, "The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity," is part of a larger psalm that is a lament and a call for God to intervene against the wicked who oppress the righteous. The verse reflects a key theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing the omniscience of God and the fleeting, empty nature of human thoughts and plans apart from divine guidance.
In its historical context, this psalm likely emerged from a period when the Israelites faced injustice and longed for God's retribution against their oppressors. The assertion that the LORD knows the thoughts of man serves to comfort the faithful by reminding them of God's sovereignty and intimate knowledge of human affairs, which stands in contrast to the transient and often futile efforts of people.
The verse underscores the biblical concept that human wisdom and schemes are trivial and ultimately powerless without God's oversight and direction. It encourages reliance on God's wisdom and justice, rather than on human strength or cunning. By acknowledging God's comprehensive understanding of human nature, the psalmist reassures the faithful that despite the arrogance and seeming triumph of the wicked, God is aware and will ultimately judge with equity. This perspective is meant to instill hope and patience in the righteous as they wait for God's justice to prevail.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H3045
There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָדַע
Transliteration: yâdaʻ
Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. - Strong's Number: H4284
There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
Transliteration: machăshâbâh
Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. - Strong's Number: H120
There are 581 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָדָם
Transliteration: ʼâdâm
Pronunciation: aw-dawm'
Description: from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. - Strong's Number: H1892
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הֶבֶל
Transliteration: hebel
Pronunciation: heh'bel
Description: or (rarely in the abs.) הֲבֵל; from הָבַל; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb; [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity.