Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Give {H5414} them according to their deeds {H6467}, and according to the wickedness {H7455} of their endeavours {H4611}: give {H5414} them after the work {H4639} of their hands {H3027}; render {H7725} to them their desert {H1576}.

Pay them back for their deeds, as befits their evil acts; repay them for what they have done, give them what they deserve.

Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve.

Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings: Give them after the operation of their hands; Render to them their desert.

Commentary

Psalms 28:4 is part of a fervent prayer by King David, expressing his deep trust in God while also calling for divine justice against those who act wickedly. This verse encapsulates a plea for God to act as a righteous judge, repaying the wicked according to their actions and intentions.

Context

Psalm 28 is a personal lament and prayer for help, moving from an earnest cry for God to hear and not be silent (Psalms 28:1) to a strong imprecation against evildoers, and finally to a declaration of praise and confidence in God's deliverance. David seeks protection from those who speak peace but harbor malice in their hearts. Verse 4 specifically details David's request for God to mete out appropriate punishment, reflecting a common theme in the Psalms where the righteous appeal to God for vindication against their oppressors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The central theme is God's role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. David asks God to "render to them their desert," implying a just recompense for their evil deeds.
  • Consequences of Actions: The verse emphasizes that people will receive according to their "deeds," "wickedness of their endeavours," and "work of their hands." This highlights the biblical principle that actions have inevitable consequences, both in this life and eternally.
  • Prayer for Vindicaton: David's prayer is not merely for personal revenge, but a cry to God to uphold righteousness and punish those who disregard His ways and harm the innocent.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse underscore the comprehensive nature of the wicked's actions. Phrases like "their deeds" (ืžึทืขึฒืœึฐืœึตื™ื”ึถื / ma'al'leihem) and "wickedness of their endeavours" (ืจึนืขึท ืžึทืขึทืœึฐืœึตื™ื”ึถื / ro'a ma'al'leihem) refer to their practices and doings. The term "render to them their desert" (ื’ึฐึผืžื•ึผืœึธื ื”ึธืฉึตืื‘ ืœึธื”ึถื / g'mulam hashev lahem) uses the word g'mul, which signifies a recompense or repayment, whether good or bad. In this context, it is a repayment for their evil, emphasizing a precise and deserved retribution from God.

Related Scriptures

This plea for divine retribution echoes other passages in Scripture that speak to God's justice:

  • The principle of God repaying according to works is found throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 24:12: "for he rendereth to every man according to his work."
  • In the New Testament, Romans 2:6 states that God "will render to every man according to his deeds."
  • The ultimate assurance of God's just judgment is a comfort to the oppressed, as seen in passages like 2 Thessalonians 1:6, which promises "recompence to them that trouble you."

Practical Application

While believers are called to forgive and even love their enemies, this verse reminds us that there is a legitimate place for seeking divine justice. It is a recognition that God is sovereign over all and that ultimately, all evil will be addressed by Him. For the righteous, it offers comfort that God sees and will act. For the wicked, it serves as a solemn warning that no deed goes unnoticed by the Judge of all the earth, and there will be a day of reckoning. It encourages believers to trust God's perfect timing and method for upholding righteousness.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 4:14

    Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

  • Revelation 22:12

    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

  • Psalms 109:17

    As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

  • Psalms 109:21

    ยถ But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy [is] good, deliver thou me.

  • Revelation 18:6

    Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

  • Romans 11:22

    Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

  • Psalms 59:12

    [For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying [which] they speak.
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