Psalms 11:6

KJV

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

KJV (with Strong's)

Upon the wicked {H7563} he shall rain {H4305} snares {H6341}, fire {H784} and brimstone {H1614}, and an horrible {H2152} tempest {H7307}: this shall be the portion {H4521} of their cup {H3563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will rain hot coals down on the wicked, fire, sulfur and scorching wind will be what they get to drink.

Berean Standard Bible

On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.

American Standard Version

Upon the wicked he will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 11:6 powerfully declares God's certain and devastating judgment upon the unrepentant wicked, assuring the righteous that divine justice is meticulously administered. It vividly portrays the Lord unleashing overwhelming and inescapable calamities—symbolized by sudden snares, consuming fire and brimstone, and a terrifying tempest—as the inevitable and just recompense, or "portion," for those who persistently oppose His righteous rule. This verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, His holy hatred of evil, and the absolute certainty of His ultimate retribution, providing both a solemn warning to the defiant and deep comfort to those who trust in His perfect justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 11 is a profound psalm of David, categorized as a psalm of confidence or trust amidst severe turmoil. It opens with the psalmist expressing an unwavering reliance on the Lord, even when advised by fearful friends to flee from danger, likening himself to "a bird to your mountain" ([Psalms 11:1](/psalms/11-1 "Psalm 11:1 - Trust in the Lord Amidst Danger")). David then starkly acknowledges the widespread corruption and the undermining of foundational societal principles by the wicked, who "bend their bow" and "prepare their arrows" to strike the upright ([Psalms 11:2-3](/psalms/11-2 "Psalm 11:2-3 - The Wicked's Schemes and Shaken Foundations")). Crucially, he immediately contrasts this earthly chaos with God's transcendent presence in His holy temple and His vigilant, all-seeing observation of humanity, testing both the righteous and the wicked ([Psalms 11:4](/psalms/11-4 "Psalm 11:4 - God's Omniscience and Sovereignty")). The Lord actively tests the righteous but unequivocally hates the wicked and those who love violence ([Psalms 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalm 11:5 - God Tests the Righteous and Hates the Wicked")). This sets the climactic stage for the dramatic and decisive pronouncement of judgment in verse 6, which serves as the ultimate assurance that God will indeed act against those who defy Him and His ways, culminating in the declaration that "the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright" ([Psalms 11:7](/psalms/11-7 "Psalm 11:7 - The Lord Loves Righteousness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The powerful imagery employed in Psalms 11:6 draws deeply from ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine wrath and judgment, as well as specific historical events deeply embedded in Israel's collective memory. The reference to "fire and brimstone" immediately evokes the catastrophic and well-known destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), a foundational narrative of divine retribution against profound wickedness and moral depravity. "Snares" and "tempests" were common and terrifying dangers in the ancient world, representing sudden, inescapable calamities that could befall individuals or entire communities. The concept of a "cup" as a metaphor for one's destiny or allotted portion, whether of blessing or judgment, was a prevalent motif in the ancient world and recurs throughout biblical literature ([Psalms 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Wrath") or [Isaiah 51:17](/isai/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")). David, as king, frequently faced internal and external enemies who sought to undermine justice, societal order, and the very foundations of the kingdom. This psalm reflects the tension between the apparent prosperity and impunity of the wicked and the psalmist's unwavering faith in God's ultimate justice, a theme commonly explored in wisdom literature and prophetic writings throughout the Old Testament.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 11 and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, unequivocally declaring God's active, direct, and devastating intervention against the wicked, contrasting sharply with His patient observation and testing of the righteous. It highlights the **Inevitable Consequences of Wickedness**, emphasizing the inescapable and severe repercussions for those who persist in unrighteousness and rebellion against God's moral order and divine law. Furthermore, it profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of **God's Justice and Sovereignty**, asserting that the Lord reigns from His heavenly throne and will ultimately bring all things to account, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished. This provides immense comfort and vindication to those who feel oppressed by injustice, knowing that God sees their plight and will act decisively. Finally, the verse speaks to the principle of **Retribution**, where the vivid imagery used signifies a fitting, overwhelming, and just recompense for the wicked's actions, demonstrating that God's moral universe is ultimately balanced and that sin carries an inevitable, divinely appointed penalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **snares (Hebrew, _pach'_):** (H6341) This term refers to a trap or net, typically made of metal or other material, designed to ensnare animals. In this context, it signifies that divine judgment will be sudden, unexpected, and inescapable, effectively trapping the wicked in their own devices or in unforeseen calamity. It conveys a sense of being caught off guard and utterly unable to escape the consequences of one's actions, highlighting the futility of their attempts to evade God's reach.
* **brimstone (Hebrew, _gophrîyth'_):** (H1614) This word denotes sulfur, a highly flammable mineral. Its inclusion immediately evokes the catastrophic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), where God rained down fire and brimstone. It signifies complete, fiery annihilation, utter devastation, and a purifying judgment often associated with divine wrath against grave sin. The vivid imagery conveys an overwhelming, consuming, and final judgment that leaves nothing intact.
* **horrible (Hebrew, _zalʻâphâh'_):** (H2152) This term describes a scorching heat, a glow of wind or anger, or a terrifying, consuming force. When paired with "tempest," it describes a storm of immense and terrifying intensity, a "scorching wind" or "tempest of horrors." It emphasizes the dreadful, fear-inducing, and overwhelming nature of the divine judgment, indicating that the experience will be one of profound terror and inescapable destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Upon the wicked he shall rain snares":** This opening clause establishes God as the active agent of judgment ("he shall rain"). The verb "rain" suggests an overwhelming, pervasive, and inescapable downpour, not merely isolated incidents, indicating a comprehensive and unavoidable divine intervention. "Snares" indicates that the judgment will be sudden and entrapping, catching the wicked off guard and leaving them no avenue of escape, perhaps even using their own deceptive schemes against them.
* **"fire and brimstone":** This phrase intensifies the nature of the judgment, immediately bringing to mind the historical precedent of Sodom and Gomorrah. It signifies utter destruction, a consuming and purifying wrath that leaves no possibility of survival or recovery. It speaks to the severity, totality, and finality of God's judgment against profound evil, emphasizing its devastating and cleansing power.
* **"and an horrible tempest":** This adds another layer of destructive power and terror. A "horrible tempest" (Hebrew: *ruach zalʻâphâh*, "scorching wind of horrors") depicts a violent, terrifying storm, another common biblical metaphor for God's overwhelming power and judgment. It implies chaos, terror, and a sweeping force that leaves no refuge or shelter, emphasizing the inescapable and terrifying nature of divine wrath, which utterly overwhelms its targets.
* **"[this shall be] the portion of their cup":** This concluding phrase powerfully summarizes the preceding imagery. The "cup" metaphor signifies the allotted destiny, fate, or experience. For the wicked, their "portion" is not a blessing or inheritance, but this terrifying array of judgments. It underscores the justice of God, implying that this severe consequence is not arbitrary but is the just and deserved outcome for their unrighteousness, a destiny they have effectively chosen through their actions and rebellion against God's moral order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 11:6 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of divine judgment through concrete, sensory details like "snares," "fire and brimstone," and a "horrible tempest." The verse employs **Metaphor** extensively, particularly in the concluding phrase "the portion of their cup," where the "cup" symbolizes one's allotted destiny or fate, specifically the experience of divine wrath and judgment. The use of "fire and brimstone" is a powerful **Allusion** to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah")), immediately evoking a sense of complete, righteous, and historical annihilation. The concept of God "raining" snares and a "horrible tempest" utilizes **Anthropomorphism** to describe God's active involvement in judgment, portraying Him as directly orchestrating and unleashing these calamities. The cumulative effect of these literary devices is to create an overwhelming sense of inescapable, just, and terrifying retribution, underscoring the absolute certainty of God's judgment against unrepentant wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty of God, a core tenet of biblical theology. It assures the righteous that God is not a passive observer of human wickedness but an active, righteous judge who will ultimately bring all evil to account. The "cup of wrath" motif is a pervasive biblical theme, illustrating that there is a divinely appointed consequence for unrepentant sin, a just recompense that is both certain and severe. This truth serves as a solemn warning to those who defy God and a profound comfort to those who suffer under the oppression of the wicked, knowing that their ultimate vindication rests in the hands of a perfectly just God, who "loveth righteousness" ([Psalms 11:7](/psalms/11-7 "Psalm 11:7 - The Lord Loves Righteousness")).

* [Psalms 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of Fury")
* [Revelation 14:10-11](/revelation/14-10-11 "Revelation 14:10-11 - Tormented with Fire and Brimstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 11:6 serves as a solemn and profound reminder of God's active and decisive role in judging the world, offering both a stark warning and deep assurance. For those who persist in wickedness, it is a clear and urgent call to repentance, emphasizing that God is not mocked and His justice is certain and inescapable. The vivid imagery of inescapable snares, consuming fire, and terrifying tempests underscores that the methods of divine judgment are varied and overwhelming, but the outcome for the unrepentant is severe and unavoidable. Conversely, for those who walk in integrity and place their unwavering trust in the Lord, this verse offers immense comfort and vindication. It powerfully reassures believers that despite the apparent triumph of evil and injustice in the world, God sees, God acts, and He will ultimately bring perfect justice. Their "portion" will be blessing and righteousness, not the cup of wrath. In a world often marked by moral ambiguity and the seeming prosperity of the wicked, this psalm encourages believers to place their confidence not in human systems or their own ability to fight evil, but in the sovereign God who reigns from heaven and will execute perfect justice in His time. It compels us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are found among those whose "portion" is God's favor and eternal life, not His consuming wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "flee as a bird to your mountain" (as mentioned in [Psalms 11:1](/psalms/11-1 "Psalm 11:1 - Trust in the Lord")) when faced with pervasive evil, and how does this verse encourage steadfast trust in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **Considering "this shall be the portion of their cup," what does it mean for us to choose our "portion" in life, and what does that choice reveal about our deepest relationship with God and His ways?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God actively desires to punish people, or is it a natural consequence of sin?**

Answer: This verse strongly indicates God's active and direct involvement in judgment. The language "he shall rain" points to God as the initiator and orchestrator of these calamities, not merely a passive observer. While sin does indeed have natural consequences, the biblical understanding of divine judgment often includes God's direct, personal intervention to bring about justice and uphold His righteousness. It's not merely a passive allowance of consequences but an active administration of His holy wrath against unrepentant wickedness. This wrath is a manifestation of His perfect justice and holiness, which cannot tolerate evil indefinitely. It's a demonstration that God is not indifferent to sin but will decisively act against it, as seen in numerous accounts throughout Scripture, such as the great flood in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6-9 - The Great Flood") or the plagues on Egypt in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt"). God's desire is always for repentance and life ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Not the Death of the Wicked")), but when repentance is refused, His justice demands a response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 11:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While this verse speaks of God raining down judgment upon the wicked, the New Testament reveals that the greatest act of divine judgment—the pouring out of the "cup" of God's wrath—was borne by Jesus Himself on the cross. The very "cup" of God's fury, which the unrepentant wicked are destined to drink, was willingly taken by Christ in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), allowing all those who believe in Him to escape its bitter portion. He became the recipient of the "fire and brimstone" of divine justice, suffering the ultimate separation from God on behalf of humanity, enduring the judgment that was due to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, for believers, the judgment described in Psalms 11:6 has been fully satisfied in Christ, turning their destined portion from wrath to eternal life and blessing ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Yet, for those who reject Christ and His atoning sacrifice, this verse remains a stark prophetic warning: Jesus, who once bore the cup of wrath for His people, will also return as the righteous Judge, executing the very judgments described here upon all who have refused His gracious offer of salvation, ultimately casting them into the "lake of fire and brimstone" ([Revelation 20:10-15](/revelation/20-10-15 "Revelation 20:10-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Therefore, Psalms 11:6 powerfully points to the dual reality of Christ as both the one who bore judgment for His people and the one who will execute it upon the unrepentant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Ezekiel 13:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend [it] with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in [my] fury to consume [it].

Psalms 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Luke 17:29

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

Job 18:15

It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

Job 20:23

¶ [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.