Psalms 34:21

KJV

Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Evil {H7451} shall slay {H4191} the wicked {H7563}: and they that hate {H8130} the righteous {H6662} shall be desolate {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Evil will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

Berean Standard Bible

Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned.

American Standard Version

Evil shall slay the wicked; And they that hate the righteous shall be condemned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 34:21 delivers a profound declaration of divine justice, asserting the inevitable and destructive consequences awaiting those who embrace wickedness and actively oppose the righteous. It serves as a stark reminder that evil, in its very nature or through the judgment it invites, ultimately leads to the downfall and desolation of the wicked, while implicitly reassuring the righteous of God's unwavering protection and ultimate vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving and wisdom, attributed to David following his feigned madness before Abimelech (Achish) and subsequent deliverance, as recounted in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Escape from Gath"). The psalm opens with David's personal praise for God's deliverance ([Psalm 34:1-7](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1-7 - David's Praise for Deliverance")), then transitions into general instruction and exhortation for those who "fear the Lord" ([Psalm 34:8-14](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8-14 - Exhortation to Fear the Lord")). Verses [Psalm 34:15-20](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15-20 - The Lord's Care for the Righteous") contrast the Lord's attentive eye toward the righteous with His opposition to evildoers, setting the immediate stage for verse 21. This verse acts as a powerful summation of the fate of the wicked, directly contrasting with the blessedness and deliverance promised to the righteous in [Psalm 34:19-20](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19-20 - Many Afflictions of the Righteous").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in a period of intense personal danger and persecution for David, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice and retribution. Kings in the ancient world were often seen as guarantors of justice, and David, as Israel's future king, here articulates God's ultimate role as the supreme judge. The concept of "the wicked" versus "the righteous" was a fundamental moral and theological distinction in Israelite society, often reflecting adherence to or rebellion against God's covenant. The experience of exile and vulnerability, as David faced, would naturally lead to a deep yearning for divine intervention and the ultimate vindication of the innocent, a theme common in the Psalms and prophetic literature. This verse would have resonated deeply with those facing oppression, assuring them that their enemies would not ultimately prevail.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Psalm 34 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Retribution**, asserting God's active role in ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished, a concept echoed throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Proverbs 11:31](/proverbs/11-31 "Proverbs 11:31 - The Righteous and the Wicked"). Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable Consequences of Unrighteousness**, demonstrating that evil actions, particularly animosity towards God's people, carry inherent and unavoidable destructive outcomes for the perpetrator. This aligns with the principle of sowing and reaping found in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Finally, implicit in the warning to the wicked is a profound **Assurance of Protection for the Righteous**. While the righteous may suffer, their ultimate deliverance and vindication are guaranteed by God, contrasting sharply with the desolation awaiting their adversaries, as seen in [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew term can denote moral wickedness, calamity, disaster, or harm. In this context, it carries a double meaning: the inherent destructive nature of sin itself, which self-destructs the one who practices it, and the calamitous judgment or adverse consequences that God brings upon the wicked as a direct result of their actions. It suggests that wickedness is not merely a moral failing but a force that inevitably leads to ruin.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _ye'shmu'_):** Derived from the root _asham_, this verb signifies "to be guilty," "to suffer punishment," "to be held responsible," or "to be devastated/ruined." It implies a state of ruin, desolation, or utter destruction that is a direct and just consequence of their guilt and actions. The term emphasizes not just a negative outcome, but a state of being held accountable and experiencing the full weight of their transgression, often leading to isolation and spiritual barrenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Evil shall slay the wicked":** This clause declares a principle of divine justice where the very essence of evil, or the judgment it provokes, becomes the instrument of the wicked's demise. It is not merely that God punishes the wicked, but that their chosen path of wickedness itself leads to their destruction. This can manifest as self-inflicted ruin, the natural consequences of their destructive choices, or direct divine intervention that brings about their end. It underscores the active and lethal nature of evil when embraced.
* **"and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate":** This second clause specifies a particular form of wickedness—hatred and opposition towards God's people—and its specific consequence: desolation. Those who actively persecute, despise, or work against the righteous will not prosper but will instead face ruin, guilt, and isolation. This desolation can be spiritual, social, or physical, signifying a state of utter ruin and emptiness that is a direct result of their animosity towards those who walk in God's ways. It highlights the protective nature of God over His people and the severe repercussions for those who harm them.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 34:21 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine justice. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line ("they that hate the righteous shall be desolate") reinforces and expands upon the first line ("Evil shall slay the wicked"). The "wicked" in the first line are further defined as "they that hate the righteous" in the second, and "slay" is paralleled by "be desolate," emphasizing the comprehensive ruin awaiting them. This structure provides a strong, memorable, and reinforcing statement. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Personification** in "Evil shall slay the wicked," where "evil" is given the active agency of a killer, highlighting its inherent destructive power. The verse also functions as a powerful **Contrast** to the preceding verses that speak of God's deliverance for the righteous, sharply distinguishing the ultimate fates of the two groups.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 34:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice, a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. It affirms that the moral order of the universe is ultimately upheld by a sovereign God who does not permit evil to triumph indefinitely. This verse assures believers that while wickedness may appear to prosper for a time, its end is certain destruction, and those who oppose God's people will face inescapable consequences. This divine retribution is not arbitrary but flows from God's righteous character, ensuring that all actions, good or evil, ultimately receive their just recompense. It reinforces the wisdom tradition's emphasis on the different paths of life and their respective outcomes, urging adherence to righteousness and trust in God's ultimate vindication.

* [Proverbs 11:18](/proverbs/11-18 "Proverbs 11:18 - The Wicked Earn Deceptive Wages")
* [Romans 2:8-9](/romans/2-8 "Romans 2:8-9 - Wrath and Indignation for the Disobedient")
* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Shall Be Turned Into Hell")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 34:21 offers both a solemn warning and a profound comfort. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper, this verse serves as a vital anchor, reminding us that God's justice is not delayed indefinitely but is absolutely certain. For the believer, it provides immense encouragement to persevere in righteousness, even when facing persecution or opposition, knowing that God sees, hears, and will ultimately act to vindicate His own. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing and His sovereign plan, rather than seeking personal vengeance or despairing at the apparent triumph of evil. For those who might be tempted to engage in malice, hatred, or opposition against others, especially against God's people, it stands as a stark warning: such actions carry severe, self-destructive, and unavoidable consequences. This verse compels us to align our lives with God's righteous character, to love justice, and to pursue peace, knowing that our ultimate hope and security rest not in human power but in the unfailing justice of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's ultimate justice, as expressed in this verse, impact your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **In what ways might "evil slay the wicked" even in this life, beyond direct divine judgment?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing and sovereignty when you face opposition or see the wicked prosper?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your actions align with God's righteousness, avoiding the path that leads to desolation?**

### FAQ
**Does "evil shall slay the wicked" mean God directly causes harm to people?**

Answer: While the verse certainly indicates a divine decree and ultimate judgment, "evil shall slay the wicked" can be understood in multiple ways. It can mean that the very nature of wickedness is self-destructive, leading to ruin through its own consequences (e.g., a life of deceit eventually destroys trust and relationships). It can also refer to the calamitous judgments that God allows or brings upon those who persist in unrighteousness, as seen throughout biblical history (e.g., [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27 "Exodus 14:27-28 - The Drowning of the Egyptians")). Ultimately, it speaks to the certainty of judgment for the wicked, whether through natural consequences, divine intervention, or a combination of both.

**How does this verse reconcile with the suffering of the righteous, which is also mentioned in the Psalms?**

Answer: This verse does not deny the suffering of the righteous; in fact, Psalm 34 itself acknowledges that "Many are the afflictions of the righteous" ([Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Afflictions of the Righteous")). The key is the *ultimate* outcome. While the righteous may endure hardship, God promises to deliver them and preserve them, often from the very evil that consumes their adversaries. The desolation of the wicked is a stark contrast to the Lord's redemption of His servants ([Psalm 34:22](/psalms/34-22 "Psalm 34:22 - The Lord Redeems His Servants")), ensuring that their suffering is not in vain and does not lead to ultimate ruin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 34:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wicked" and "they that hate the righteous" represent humanity's rebellion against God and His chosen ones, a rebellion that ultimately led to the crucifixion of the Righteous One, Jesus Himself. Yet, in a divine paradox, the very evil that sought to "slay" Christ was ultimately defeated by His death and resurrection. On the cross, Christ bore the full weight of the "evil" of humanity's sin, becoming sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), so that its power to "slay" those who believe might be broken. His resurrection is the ultimate declaration that evil, sin, and death have been conquered, and those who "hate the righteous" (which is to hate God's own Son and His followers) are indeed "desolate" in the face of His victory. The judgment promised in this Psalm is fully realized in Christ: for those who reject Him, the "evil" of their sin leads to eternal desolation ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Wicked")), while for those who trust in Him, His righteousness becomes their covering, securing their deliverance and eternal life ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Obedience")). Thus, Christ is both the ultimate Righteous One who was hated and the Divine Judge through whom all evil is ultimately slain and all wicked are made desolate, ensuring the final triumph of God's justice and the eternal security of His redeemed.

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 94:23

And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Psalms 37:12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

Psalms 37:15

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Proverbs 24:16

For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.