Psalms 129:4

KJV

The LORD [is] righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is righteous {H6662}: he hath cut asunder {H7112} the cords {H5688} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI is righteous; he cuts me free from the yoke of the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is righteous: He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 129:4 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unchanging character and His decisive intervention on behalf of His people. Within a psalm that recounts Israel's enduring history of oppression, this verse pivots from lament to confident affirmation, proclaiming the Lord's inherent righteousness and His sovereign power to dismantle the instruments and schemes of the wicked. It vividly portrays God's capacity to completely sever the bonds of injustice, assuring believers that His justice will ultimately prevail and bring about complete liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 129 is an integral part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally recited by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. These psalms often explore themes of journey, hardship, communal identity, and fervent hope. Specifically, Psalm 129 functions as a national lament that transitions into a profound declaration of trust in God's justice. The preceding verses [Psalms 129:1-3](/psalms/129-1-3 "Psalms 129:1-3 - Israel's Enduring Affliction") vividly depict Israel's historical suffering, using the striking imagery of "plowers plowing upon my back: they made long their furrows." Verse 4 marks a dramatic and pivotal shift in tone and theological focus, moving from a description of relentless affliction to a triumphant proclamation of God's definitive intervention. This verse provides the theological bedrock for the psalmist's subsequent confident prayer for the ultimate downfall of Zion's enemies in [Psalms 129:5-8](/psalms/129-5-8 "Psalms 129:5-8 - Prayer for the Downfall of Zion's Enemies").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the collective memory of Israel's tumultuous history, which was frequently characterized by prolonged periods of oppression under various foreign powers—from the bondage in Egypt to the exiles under Assyria and Babylon. The imagery of "cords" would have resonated deeply with an ancient agricultural society familiar with yoking oxen for plowing, symbolizing the heavy burdens, control, and subjugation imposed by oppressors. It also evokes the literal binding of captives with ropes or fetters. The "wicked" in this context represent not merely individual antagonists but the hostile nations, empires, or internal forces that sought to subjugate, exploit, or destroy God's covenant people. In a world where physical might often dictated justice, the declaration of God's inherent righteousness and His active intervention offered profound comfort and a foundational basis for hope that transcended immediate circumstances, affirming a divine justice that would ultimately triumph over human tyranny and injustice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Righteousness of God**. The opening declaration, "The LORD is righteous," establishes God's unchanging character as just, morally perfect, and utterly faithful to His covenant. This divine righteousness is the very foundation for His actions, ensuring that His judgments against the wicked and His deliverance of the oppressed are always just and true, echoing the foundational declaration of God's character in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Works and Righteousness"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance and Intervention**. The powerful imagery of God "cutting asunder the cords of the wicked" vividly portrays His active, decisive, and complete breaking of oppressive power. This is not a mere loosening but a forceful, irreversible severing, symbolizing a total liberation from bondage, reminiscent of God's mighty hand in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") where He delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery. Lastly, the verse offers a powerful message of **Hope and Justice for the Oppressed**. It assures those who suffer under the hand of injustice that God sees their plight, hears their cries, and will ultimately act to dismantle the very mechanisms of their affliction, providing a steadfast comfort and a basis for unwavering perseverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H1961 (הָיָה), this is the self-Existent or Eternal One; Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. This divine name emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, His eternal nature, and His absolute sovereignty. When the psalmist declares "The LORD is righteous," it grounds the subsequent action in the unchangeable, active character of the covenant-keeping God.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6663 (צָדַק), this adjective describes God as just, upright, and morally perfect. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute conformity to His own holy standards and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. His actions are always consistent with His nature, meaning His judgment against the wicked and His deliverance of the oppressed are not arbitrary but are direct expressions of His perfect justice. This foundational truth provides the bedrock of assurance for the psalmist.
* **cut asunder (Hebrew, _qâtsats'_):** A primitive root (H7112), meaning "to chop off" (literally or figuratively). This verb implies a forceful, decisive, and complete action, not merely a loosening or weakening. God does not just mitigate the oppression; He utterly destroys its means and power. This emphasizes the totality of God's deliverance and the irreversible dismantling of the wicked's hold, signifying a final and complete severing.
* **cords (Hebrew, _ʻăbôth'_):** From H5687 (עָבֹת), this noun refers to something intwined, specifically a string, wreath, or foliage, but also a band, cord, or rope. In this context, it functions as a potent metaphor for the instruments of oppression, bondage, and control used by the wicked. It evokes images of agricultural yokes used to bind oxen for heavy labor, or ropes used to tie captives, symbolizing the burdens, restrictions, and exploitation imposed upon God's people. The "cords of the wicked" represent their schemes, power structures, and means of inflicting suffering.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From H7561 (רָשַׁע), this describes someone morally wrong; concretely, an actively bad person. It encompasses those who are condemned, guilty, or ungodly. In this psalm, "the wicked" refers to the oppressors of Israel, those who act contrary to God's righteous standards and inflict suffering upon His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is righteous":** This opening declaration establishes the theological premise for the entire verse and, indeed, the psalmist's hope. It is a foundational statement about God's character, asserting His moral perfection, justice, and unwavering faithfulness. This righteousness is not merely a passive attribute but an active principle that governs all His dealings, guaranteeing that His intervention, especially in judgment and deliverance, is always just and true. It provides the ultimate assurance that His actions against the wicked are deserved and His salvation of the oppressed is warranted.
* **"he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked":** This clause describes the active, powerful, and decisive intervention of the righteous God. The "cords" symbolize the various means by which the wicked oppress, bind, and exploit God's people—whether through physical bondage, unjust laws, economic exploitation, or spiritual manipulation. The verb "cut asunder" (קִצֵּץ, _qâtsats_) signifies a forceful, complete, and irreversible severing. It means God does not merely loosen or weaken the oppressors' hold, but utterly destroys their power and means of affliction. This is a declaration of divine deliverance and a promise of ultimate judgment against all forms of evil and injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 129:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "the cords of the wicked" is a vivid **metaphor**, representing the oppressive power, bondage, and control exerted by adversaries. This imagery evokes physical restraint, such as ropes or yokes, making the abstract concept of oppression tangible and relatable to the audience's experience of agricultural labor and captivity. The description of God "cutting asunder" these cords utilizes **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (cutting or chopping) to God to emphasize His active, forceful, and decisive intervention in human affairs. This makes His power and involvement more comprehensible and impactful. The verse also features a strong **juxtaposition** between the inherent righteousness of the Lord and the oppressive, evil nature of the wicked, highlighting the inevitable and irreconcilable conflict between divine justice and human malevolence. The opening statement, "The LORD is righteous," serves as a foundational **declarative statement**, anchoring the subsequent action in God's unchanging and perfect character. Finally, the verb "cut asunder" is a **vivid verb** that conveys the intensity, finality, and totality of God's liberating act, signifying a complete and irreversible dismantling of oppressive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 129:4 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's unwavering justice and His steadfast commitment to delivering His people from oppression. It affirms that God's righteousness is not a passive attribute but an active, dynamic force that intervenes in history to right wrongs and break the bonds of injustice. This verse provides a timeless truth that transcends the specific historical context of Israel, speaking to all who suffer under the weight of wickedness. It assures believers that no matter how entrenched or powerful evil may appear, God's sovereign power is supreme, and His ultimate victory over all forms of oppression is certain. This theological bedrock encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that the Lord is actively engaged in bringing about His righteous purposes and that His deliverance is both sure and complete.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "God's Perfect Works and Righteousness")
* [Exodus 14:30](/exodus/14-30 "Israel Delivered from Egypt")
* [Isaiah 49:24-26](/isaiah/49-24-26 "The Captives of the Mighty Shall Be Taken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 129:4 offers a profound message of hope and reassurance for believers facing adversity or oppression in any form today. It reminds us that no matter how entrenched or powerful the forces of evil may seem, God's righteousness is supreme and His justice is unfailing. In a world often marked by systemic injustice, personal struggles that feel like unbreakable bonds, or the pervasive presence of evil, this verse calls us to fix our gaze on the unchanging character of God. We can find profound solace in knowing that the Lord is not indifferent to our plight; He sees, He cares, and He will ultimately bring justice. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power and to persevere in faith, knowing that He is actively at work to break the bonds of injustice and wickedness, whether in our personal lives, our communities, or on a global scale. It cultivates a patient and confident hope in God's ultimate victory over all forms of evil, reminding us that His timing is perfect and His deliverance is sure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "The LORD is righteous" strengthen your faith when facing personal or societal injustice that seems overwhelming?**
* **What "cords of the wicked" (e.g., oppressive systems, harmful habits, spiritual bondage, or societal injustices) do you see God actively breaking in your life or in the world today?**
* **How can the imagery of God "cutting asunder" these cords encourage you to persevere in faith, even when deliverance seems delayed or the struggle is ongoing?**

### FAQ
**What does "the cords of the wicked" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "The cords of the wicked" is a powerful metaphor that encompasses various forms of oppression and control. It can refer to literal bonds or fetters used to enslave people, but more broadly, it symbolizes the instruments, schemes, and power structures that oppress and exploit. This includes unjust laws, economic exploitation, physical violence, political tyranny, and even the spiritual bondage of sin and evil. The imagery suggests the means by which oppressors seek to bind, control, and burden their victims, much like yokes bind oxen for heavy labor or ropes restrain captives. It represents the totality of the wicked's oppressive power.

**How does God "cut asunder" these cords in a practical sense?**

Answer: God "cuts asunder" the cords of the wicked through various means, both historically and in contemporary experience. Historically, this was vividly seen in miraculous deliverances like the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), where God decisively broke Pharaoh's oppressive power. It can also manifest through the rise and fall of nations, the exposure of corruption, the empowerment of justice movements, or even through personal spiritual liberation from destructive patterns. Ultimately, in the Christian understanding, the most profound severing of the cords of the wicked occurred through the work of Jesus Christ, who broke the power of sin and death (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). While not always immediate, God's action is always decisive and ultimately leads to the complete dismantling of oppressive forces in His perfect timing.

**Does this verse promise immediate deliverance from all suffering?**

Answer: While Psalms 129:4 offers profound hope and assurance of God's ultimate intervention, it does not necessarily promise immediate deliverance from all suffering. The psalm itself acknowledges a long history of affliction ("from my youth," [Psalms 129:1](/psalms/129-1 "Israel's Enduring Affliction")). Rather, it promises that God, in His righteousness, will decisively and completely break the power of the wicked. This deliverance may come in various forms and at God's appointed time, which may not always align with our immediate desires. The verse encourages steadfast faith and perseverance, trusting that God's justice will ultimately prevail and His victory over evil is assured, even if the full manifestation of that victory is yet to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 129:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "righteous LORD" declared in the psalm, perfectly reflecting God's justice and holiness ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness Through Faith")). It is through Christ that God decisively "cut asunder the cords of the wicked" in a way far more comprehensive than any historical deliverance. The "cords of the wicked" that truly bound humanity were sin, death, and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Through His crucifixion, Jesus bore the full weight of these bonds, and through His resurrection, He completely severed them, triumphing over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He came to proclaim liberty to the captives and set the oppressed free ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Jesus' Mission Statement")), offering true freedom to all who believe, for "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")). Thus, the psalmist's hope for divine intervention against oppression is fully realized in Christ's redemptive work, which inaugurated a new kingdom where righteousness dwells and all forms of evil will ultimately be vanquished ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Psalms 119:137

¶ TZADDI. Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, and upright [are] thy judgments.

Lamentations 3:22

[It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Ezra 9:15

O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Lamentations 1:18

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Nehemiah 9:33

Howbeit thou [art] just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

Daniel 9:7

O Lord, righteousness [belongeth] unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, [that are] near, and [that are] far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

Psalms 124:6

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth.