Psalms 7:11

KJV

God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] every day.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H430} judgeth {H8199} the righteous {H6662}, and God {H410} is angry {H2194} with the wicked every day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God is a righteous judge, a God whose anger is present every day.

Berean Standard Bible

God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day.

American Standard Version

God is a righteous judge, Yea, a God that hath indignation every day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 7:11 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice, revealing Him as the righteous Judge who discerns between the upright and the wicked. This verse simultaneously offers profound comfort and assurance to those who walk in integrity, knowing that God actively vindicates His own, while serving as a solemn and constant warning to those who persist in unrighteousness, affirming the perpetual reality of divine opposition to sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of David, specifically identified as a "Maskil," indicating its instructional nature. The superscription, "concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite," suggests a specific historical backdrop of false accusation or intense persecution, possibly during David's flight from Saul or Absalom, where he was slandered and his integrity questioned. Within this plea for vindication, David appeals directly to God as the ultimate arbiter, asserting his innocence and calling upon divine justice to confront his adversaries. Verse 11 serves as a theological anchor within this fervent prayer, articulating the foundational truth of God's character as a just Judge who is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked, and responding accordingly. It reinforces David's confidence that God will indeed act on his behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of God as a judge was central to ancient Israelite understanding. In a society where legal systems were often imperfect and justice could be elusive, the idea of a divine, incorruptible Judge provided ultimate recourse and hope. The "Cush the Benjamite" reference, though obscure, points to a specific historical grievance, likely involving a member of Saul's tribe or a close associate, underscoring the personal and political stakes for David. Culturally, "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, _tzedek'_) was not merely legal innocence but adherence to God's covenantal standards, encompassing moral integrity and faithful living. Conversely, "wickedness" (רָשָׁע, _rasha'_) denoted active rebellion against God's will and oppressive behavior towards others. The daily nature of God's anger against wickedness reflects a continuous moral order, where God's character is consistently opposed to all forms of evil and injustice, not merely sporadic outbursts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Justice of God**, portraying Him as the supreme authority who actively governs the moral universe and ensures that ultimate justice will prevail. This aligns with the declaration in [Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Abraham's Question to the Judge of All the Earth") that "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Secondly, it highlights **Divine Retribution and Wrath**, emphasizing that God's holy character necessitates a perpetual opposition to sin and unrighteousness. This is not a capricious anger but a steady, righteous indignation against all that defiles His creation and dishonors His name, a truth echoed in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). Thirdly, the verse establishes a clear principle of **Moral Accountability and Distinction**, delineating a fundamental difference between the righteous and the wicked and affirming that God's response to each group is distinct, consistent, and just. This distinction is vital throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books, emphasizing human responsibility before a holy God, as seen in the stark contrast presented in [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgeth (Hebrew, _shafat'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁפַט (_shafat'_) is far richer than merely "to make a verdict." It encompasses the full spectrum of judicial and governmental functions: to rule, govern, vindicate, deliver, and administer justice. When applied to God, it signifies His active administration of His moral law in the world, His discernment of hearts and actions, and His ultimate power to uphold the righteous and bring consequences upon the wicked. It implies an ongoing, active role in maintaining cosmic order and ethical standards.
* **Angry (Hebrew, _za'am'_):** The word זַעַם (_za'am'_) denotes a strong, deep-seated indignation, displeasure, or wrath, often specifically in the context of divine judgment or a severe reaction to sin and rebellion. Unlike fleeting human anger, God's _za'am_ is a settled, righteous attribute of His holy character, a consistent opposition to evil that stems from His perfect nature. It is not an emotional outburst but a holy response to unrighteousness.
* **Every day (Hebrew, _b'khol yom'_):** The phrase בְּכָל־יֹום (_b'khol yom'_) emphasizes the consistency, continuity, and enduring nature of God's attitude toward wickedness. It is not an intermittent or sporadic anger, but a perpetual state of opposition to that which is unholy, unjust, and rebellious against His will. This highlights the constant reality of God's moral governance and His unceasing vigilance against evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God judgeth the righteous":** This clause affirms God's active role as the divine arbiter and protector of those who align with His standards. To "judge" the righteous means more than just evaluating them; it implies His discernment, His vindication of their cause when they are wronged, His protection of their integrity, and His ultimate upholding of their righteousness. It assures believers that their uprightness is seen and affirmed by God, and that He will ultimately act to defend and reward them.
* **"and God is angry [with the wicked] every day":** This second clause, linked by a strong conjunction, presents the antithetical truth. The KJV's bracketed addition "[with the wicked]" accurately reflects the implied object of God's anger, which is clearly understood from the context of the psalm and broader biblical theology. God's "anger" (_za'am'_) here is His holy, righteous indignation against sin, injustice, and rebellion. The phrase "every day" underscores the constant, unwavering nature of this divine opposition. It is a perpetual attribute of God's character that He is fundamentally, eternally opposed to all forms of evil, ensuring that wickedness never goes unnoticed or unaddressed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 7:11 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses present contrasting ideas that illuminate each other: "God judgeth the righteous" is set against "God is angry [with the wicked] every day." This structure highlights the distinct and opposing ways God interacts with the two categories of humanity, emphasizing His discernment and consistent moral governance. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident in the portrayal of God as "angry," attributing a human emotion to the divine to help finite minds grasp God's intense, holy opposition to sin. However, this is a righteous, consistent anger, not a volatile human emotion. The phrase "every day" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or emphatic statement, underscoring the ceaseless and unwavering nature of God's indignation against evil. It is not meant to be taken literally as a daily fit of rage, but rather as a constant, inherent attribute of His character, ensuring that His justice is always active and never dormant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 7:11 is a foundational statement on the character of God, revealing His active involvement in the moral governance of the world. It underscores His absolute holiness, which necessitates an unwavering opposition to sin, and His perfect justice, which ensures the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the certain judgment of the wicked. This verse asserts that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but a morally engaged Judge whose attributes of love and wrath are both expressions of His perfect nature. His anger against wickedness is not a flaw but a testament to His righteousness and His commitment to upholding order and truth in His creation. It serves as a constant reminder that human actions have divine consequences and that a moral universe is sustained by a morally perfect God.

* [Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Abraham's Plea for Justice")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-3 - God's Jealousy and Vengeance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 7:11 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning, shaping our understanding of God and our response to Him. For those who strive to live righteously, this verse is a wellspring of assurance. It reminds us that even when we face false accusations, injustice, or the apparent prosperity of the wicked, God sees, God knows, and God actively judges. Our vindication is not dependent on human systems but on the unwavering character of our divine Judge. This truth empowers us to persevere in integrity, trust in God's perfect timing, and find peace in His ultimate oversight of all things. Conversely, for those who persist in unrighteousness, the verse serves as a stark and constant warning. God's anger against wickedness is not a fleeting emotion but a perpetual reality. This should stir a profound sense of urgency for repentance and a turning away from sin, recognizing that accountability before a holy God is not a distant threat but an ever-present truth. It calls us to align our lives with His righteous standards, knowing that His patience, though vast, is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's constant anger against wickedness shape your understanding of His holiness?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God "judgeth the righteous" bring you comfort or challenge in your daily life?**
* **Considering God's consistent opposition to sin, what specific areas in your life might need to be brought into greater alignment with His righteousness?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to trust God's justice even when you observe injustice in the world around you?**

### FAQ

**Does God's anger mean He is not loving?**

Answer: No, God's anger, as described in Psalms 7:11 and elsewhere, is not contrary to His love but is a manifestation of His perfect holiness and justice. Divine anger is a righteous indignation against sin, rebellion, and all that harms His creation and dishonors His name. It stems from His absolute purity and His unwavering commitment to what is good and true. If God were not angry at injustice and evil, it would imply a lack of moral perfection or indifference to suffering. His anger is a holy response to that which opposes His loving will and character. Just as a loving parent might be angry at something that harms their child, God's anger is directed at the destructive force of sin, which separates humanity from Him and causes immense suffering. This righteous wrath ultimately serves His redemptive purposes, calling people to repentance and leading them towards the path of life found in Him, as seen in passages like [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leading to Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 7:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the embodiment of God's perfect righteousness, Jesus is the one whom God "judgeth" and vindicates, not because He needed judgment for sin, but because He perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate divine vindication, declaring Him to be the Son of God in power, as proclaimed in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God in Power"). Furthermore, Christ fully bears the weight of God's "anger [with the wicked] every day." On the cross, Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, became sin for us, enduring the full measure of divine wrath against human wickedness, thereby making a way for sinners to be reconciled to a holy God. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant") vividly describes how "the punishment that brought us peace was on him." Through His atoning sacrifice, God's righteous anger against sin was satisfied, allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification")). Thus, in Christ, God's justice is perfectly upheld, His wrath against sin is fully appeased for those who trust in Him, and the righteous are eternally vindicated, not by their own merit, but by their union with the perfectly righteous Son of God, who will one day return to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Day of Judgment")).

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

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Psalms 94:15

But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

Psalms 7:8

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

Psalms 50:6

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.

Psalms 140:12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.

Psalms 140:13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.