Psalms 14:5

KJV

There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the generation of the righteous.

KJV (with Strong's)

There were they in great {H6343} fear {H6342}: for God {H430} is in the generation {H1755} of the righteous {H6662}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There they are, utterly terrified; for God is with those who are righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous.

American Standard Version

There were they in great fear; For God is in the generation of the righteous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 14:5 dramatically reveals a sudden and overwhelming terror that grips the wicked, a fear directly precipitated by their inescapable realization of God's active, protective presence among "the generation of the righteous." This pivotal verse marks a profound reversal of fortunes, where the previously arrogant oppressors are suddenly paralyzed by dread, while the oppressed righteous find their ultimate security and vindication in the unwavering faithfulness of their divine Protector, highlighting God's imminent intervention and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 14:5 functions as a critical turning point within Psalm 14, a wisdom psalm that opens with a scathing indictment of the "fool who says in his heart, 'There is no God'" ([Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalms 14:1 - The Fool's Denial of God")). The preceding verses vividly depict the moral depravity and oppressive actions of these godless individuals, who "eat up my people as they eat bread" ([Psalms 14:4](/psalms/14-4 "Psalms 14:4 - The Oppression of God's People")). Verse 5 introduces an abrupt and unexpected shift: the oppressors, despite their apparent power and defiance, are suddenly overwhelmed by terror. This dramatic reversal serves as a divine commentary on their actions, signaling that their rebellion against God and their mistreatment of His people will not go unpunished. The psalm then concludes with a fervent longing for God's salvation to come forth from Zion ([Psalms 14:7](/psalms/14-7 "Psalms 14:7 - A Plea for Salvation")), emphasizing the ultimate hope and restoration for the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms frequently articulate the experiences of God's people living in a world characterized by pervasive injustice, oppression, and the unsettling prosperity of the wicked. This psalm likely resonates with periods when the faithful community felt vulnerable to those who openly disregarded God's law and exploited the poor and defenseless. The concept of "the righteous" (צדיקים, _tzaddiqim_) was foundational to Israelite theology, designating those who lived in covenant faithfulness with Yahweh, upholding justice and integrity in their conduct. The "fear" described here is not mere apprehension but a profound, existential dread often associated with divine judgment or the sudden, terrifying manifestation of God's power, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern thought when divine intervention was perceived. This context underscores the Israelites' understanding of God as actively involved in human affairs, defending the vulnerable and executing judgment upon the wicked.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Presence and Protection**, asserting that God is not a distant, aloof deity but is intimately present with His covenant people, offering them an impenetrable shield of security even amidst intense hostility. Secondly, it underscores the **Reversal of Fortunes**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted. The wicked, who once terrorized the righteous, are now themselves gripped by terror, while the righteous find their ultimate vindication. Thirdly, the sudden fear of the wicked powerfully foreshadows **God's Inevitable Justice**. Their terror is a direct, immediate consequence of their defiance and oppression, signaling that God will ultimately hold them accountable for their actions, aligning with the broader biblical promise of divine retribution for evil and vindication for the oppressed, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 11:31](/proverbs/11-31 "Proverbs 11:31 - The Righteous Will Be Rewarded").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_ - H6343):** This term denotes a sudden, overwhelming terror or dread, often associated with a divine encounter or a sense of impending doom. It is a profound, unsettling realization for the wicked, distinct from mere apprehension or anxiety. As the object feared, it suggests a visceral, involuntary reaction to a perceived threat, specifically the powerful presence of God.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ - H430):** This is the plural form used specifically of the supreme God, indicating His majesty, power, and comprehensive authority. Its use here emphasizes that the source of the wicked's terror is the one true God, Yahweh, who is actively present and sovereign over all creation and human affairs, contrary to the fool's denial.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_ - H1755):** While often translated "generation," in this context, _dôwr_ refers less to a chronological age group and more to a distinct class, company, or community of people. Here, it signifies a moral or spiritual alignment – "the generation of the righteous" are those characterized by their uprightness and integrity in God's eyes, a collective body with whom God's favor and presence reside.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_ - H6662):** This term describes individuals or a community whose conduct aligns with God's moral standards and covenant requirements. It implies integrity, justice, and faithfulness. Being "righteous" in biblical terms is not about moral perfection but about a right relationship with God, characterized by obedience, trust, and a pursuit of justice, often in stark contrast to the "wicked" (רשע, _rasha'_) who disregard God and His ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There were they in great fear:"** This clause dramatically introduces the sudden and profound shift in the wicked's demeanor. The adverb "there" (שָׁׁם, _sham_) can imply a specific, sudden moment or location where this fear grips them, perhaps in the midst of their oppressive actions or when confronted by a divine sign. The "great fear" (פחד גדול, _pachad gadol_) emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of their terror, suggesting it is not a minor apprehension but a profound, paralyzing dread that seizes them unexpectedly, standing in stark contrast to their earlier arrogance and disregard for God.
* **"for God [is] in the generation of the righteous."** This second clause provides the theological explanation for the wicked's sudden terror. Their fear is not random or baseless but a direct consequence of their undeniable recognition of God's active, protective presence among those they sought to oppress. The phrase "God is in" signifies divine indwelling, active support, and protective intervention. The wicked, who previously denied God's existence or relevance, are confronted with the undeniable reality that the very God they scorned is intimately present with and powerfully defending the community they despised. This shattering realization exposes their vulnerability and the utter futility of their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 14:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Dramatic Irony** is profoundly evident as the wicked, who boast of their autonomy and deny God's existence ([Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalms 14:1 - The Fool's Denial of God")), are suddenly overwhelmed by the very God they rejected, whose presence they now undeniably feel. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the wicked's initial arrogance and their subsequent terror, as well as between their vulnerability and the unwavering security of the righteous. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the wicked's present fear hints at the ultimate judgment and reckoning they will inevitably face. The phrase "God is in the generation of the righteous" uses **Metonymy**, where "God is in" stands for God's active presence, protective power, and unwavering support on behalf of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 14:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It asserts that divine presence is not merely a comforting thought for the righteous but a terrifying reality for those who oppose God and oppress His followers. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God is a just judge who will ultimately intervene to protect His own and bring justice upon the wicked. It offers assurance that even when evil seems to prevail and the righteous appear vulnerable, God remains intimately involved, ensuring that the tables will turn. The fear of the wicked is a testament to God's unseen but undeniable work in the world, a precursor to the final vindication of His people and the certain judgment of their adversaries.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee, the Righteous Are Bold")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 14:5 offers both a powerful comfort and a solemn warning for all generations. For believers, it is a profound reminder that even when surrounded by godlessness, injustice, or overt opposition, our God is not distant or indifferent. He is actively, intimately present with "the generation of the righteous," providing an unseen but undeniable shield of protection. This truth should instill courage and peace, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in our circumstances or strength, but in the unwavering faithfulness of our divine Protector. In moments of doubt or despair, this verse calls us to remember that the very presence of God with His people is a terrifying reality for those who oppose Him, ensuring that their arrogance will eventually give way to dread. For those who disregard God or oppress others, this verse serves as a stark and inescapable warning: though they may seem to prosper for a time, their defiance will ultimately culminate in profound fear when they are confronted with the reality of God's active presence and impending judgment. It urges introspection and repentance, highlighting the futility and danger of living as if God does not exist or will not intervene.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "great fear" of the wicked in this verse challenge our perception of power and security in a world that often seems to favor the ungodly?**
* **In what ways can we, as "the generation of the righteous," more fully embody God's presence in our daily lives, so that our lives might be a testament to His power and protection?**
* **What specific fears or anxieties do you face today, and how might the truth that "God is in the generation of the righteous" bring you comfort and courage?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the generation of the righteous" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The generation of the righteous" refers to those who are in a right relationship with God, characterized by their faithfulness, integrity, and obedience to His commands. It's not about a specific lineage or age group, but a moral and spiritual community. In the Old Testament, this primarily referred to the covenant people of Israel who walked in God's ways. In a broader biblical sense, it encompasses all who trust in God and strive to live according to His will, contrasted with the "wicked" who deny or disregard Him. This concept is echoed in other psalms, like [Psalms 24:6](/psalms/24-6 "Psalms 24:6 - The Generation of Those Who Seek God"), which speaks of "the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob."

**Why are the wicked suddenly gripped by "great fear" if they deny God's existence?**

Answer: The "great fear" of the wicked is a sudden, overwhelming terror that arises from an undeniable, albeit perhaps subconscious, confrontation with the reality of God's presence and power. Even those who outwardly deny God's existence or mock Him can be inwardly convicted or confronted by His truth. This fear might be triggered by a specific event (e.g., a divine intervention, a reversal of circumstances, or a moral awakening) that forces them to acknowledge a power beyond themselves. It's a manifestation of their conscience, or a direct divine imposition, revealing the futility of their rebellion. This fear is a precursor to divine judgment, highlighting that God's reality cannot be perpetually ignored, as seen in the ultimate judgment described in [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - The Great Day of Wrath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 14:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect righteousness, the very "generation of the righteous" in whom God's presence dwells fully and without measure ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). In His life, ministry, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly demonstrated God's unwavering presence with His people and His decisive victory over the forces of evil. The "great fear" of the wicked, foreshadowed in this psalm, is powerfully realized in the demonic realm's terror before Christ ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Demons Recognize Jesus")), and ultimately in the eschatological judgment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, to the terror of those who rejected Him ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Through Christ, the righteous are not merely a "generation" but a new creation, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing God's perpetual presence with them ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). His triumph over sin and death ensures that those who are "in Christ" are eternally secure, and the fear that once gripped the wicked now belongs to the defeated powers of darkness, while believers walk in the confidence of their Savior's victory ([Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31-39 "Romans 8:31-39 - God Is For Us")).

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 112:2

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Psalms 73:15

¶ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

Psalms 24:6

This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Psalms 22:30

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.