Psalms 92:11

KJV

Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies, [and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Mine eye {H5869} also shall see {H5027}{H8686)} my desire on mine enemies {H7790}, and mine ears {H241} shall hear {H8085}{H8799)} my desire of the wicked {H7489}{H8688)} that rise up {H6965}{H8801)} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

My eyes have gazed with pleasure on my enemies' ruin, my ears have delighted in the fall of my foes.

Berean Standard Bible

My eyes see the downfall of my enemies; my ears hear the wailing of my wicked foes.

American Standard Version

Mine eye also hath seen my desireon mine enemies, Mine ears have heard my desire of the evil-doers that rise up against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 92:11 is a powerful declaration of the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God's ultimate and public vindication over those who oppose Him and His righteous ways. It expresses a firm expectation that the psalmist will personally witness and hear the decisive defeat of his adversaries, not out of personal malice or a desire for vengeance, but as a testament to the Lord's sovereign and righteous judgment against all wickedness. This verse serves as a profound assurance that God's justice will prevail, ensuring the triumph of the righteous and the manifestation of His divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 92 is uniquely designated "A Psalm or Song for the Sabbath day," indicating its liturgical use and thematic focus on God's character and works, particularly His justice and faithfulness. The psalm opens with exuberant praise for God's goodness, righteousness, and mighty deeds (verses 1-4), contrasting the fleeting nature of the wicked with the enduring wisdom and power of God (verses 5-9). Verse 10 serves as a direct precursor, where the psalmist declares, "But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil." This affirmation of divine strength and favor sets the stage for verse 11, which anticipates the visible manifestation of God's justice against those who have risen against the psalmist, confirming the Lord's protective and vindicating hand over His faithful servant. The subsequent verses (12-15) then beautifully describe the flourishing and enduring strength of the righteous, which is the ultimate outcome of God's just judgment, reinforcing the psalm's overall message of divine sovereignty and the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of divine justice was deeply ingrained, often involving public vindication or judgment. Kings and righteous individuals frequently faced opposition from both internal and external enemies, and their security and well-being were seen as directly tied to God's favor and intervention. The psalmist's declaration in this verse reflects a common Old Testament theme where the righteous, though often oppressed, confidently awaited God's intervention to right wrongs. This was not a call for personal revenge, which was often forbidden (as seen in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")), but a trust in God's sovereign role as the ultimate judge who would publicly demonstrate His justice. The "enemies" and "wicked" could refer to personal adversaries, national foes, or more broadly, those who defy God's moral order and oppose His people, often through violence, deceit, or oppression. The expectation of seeing and hearing their downfall reflects a cultural understanding of justice as a publicly observable event, confirming God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 92 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, **Divine Justice and Vindication** is central, emphasizing God's active role in judging evil and upholding the righteous. The psalmist's expectation to "see" and "hear" the downfall of adversaries underscores the certainty and public nature of God's judgment, a theme consistently found throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 7](/psalms/7 "Psalm 7 - A Prayer for Justice"). Secondly, it highlights **Confidence in God's Sovereignty**, portraying a deep assurance that God is in complete control, and His purposes will ultimately prevail over all opposition. This trust is foundational to the psalmist's peace amidst adversity, echoing the confidence expressed in [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). Lastly, the verse foreshadows the **Triumph of the Righteous**, as the defeat of the wicked directly leads to the flourishing and security of those who trust in the Lord, a theme beautifully elaborated in the latter half of Psalm 92, where the righteous are likened to flourishing palm trees and cedars of Lebanon (for example, [Psalms 92:12-15](/psalms/92-12-15 "Psalm 92:12-15 - The Flourishing Righteous")). This contrast between the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the enduring strength of the righteous is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, as prominently seen in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word refers to the physical organ of sight, but also figuratively to perception, understanding, and personal experience. In this context, the psalmist's "eye" signifies a direct, personal witness to God's actions. It implies not just casual observation, but a full, undeniable awareness of the unfolding of divine justice.
* **enemies (Hebrew, _shûwr'_):** This term denotes a foe or adversary, often implying one who lies in wait or is hostile. It refers to those who actively oppose the psalmist or God's righteous order. The psalmist's expectation is not merely for their defeat, but for God's public display of power against those who stand in opposition to His divine will.
* **ears (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** Referring to the physical organ of hearing, this word also denotes intelligent listening, attention, and comprehension. The psalmist's "ears" hearing the downfall of the wicked signifies a full auditory reception of the news or events confirming God's judgment, making the vindication complete and undeniable from both visual and auditory perspectives.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** This term describes those who are morally corrupt, evil, or actively hostile towards God and His ways. It encompasses actions that are physically, socially, or morally bad. The psalmist anticipates God's just dealing with this category of people, whose actions are characterized by opposition to righteousness and often by oppression of the innocent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies":** The psalmist confidently declares a personal, direct observation of God's righteous judgment upon his adversaries. The KJV's bracketed phrase "[my desire]" is an interpretive addition, clarifying that what the psalmist expects to see is the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment against his enemies, not a personal wish for harm. The emphasis is on the certainty of divine intervention and the visible, undeniable manifestation of God's justice, demonstrating His power over those who oppose Him and His people. It implies a public and conclusive display of God's sovereignty.
* **"[and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me":** This clause parallels the first, extending the psalmist's confident expectation to the auditory realm. He anticipates hearing the news, reports, or the very sounds of the downfall of the wicked who have challenged him. Again, "[my desire]" clarifies the nature of what is heard – the vindication of God's justice and the defeat of His and the psalmist's foes. The phrase "that rise up against me" further identifies these wicked as active aggressors, making their defeat a clear act of divine defense and retribution. The combination of seeing and hearing signifies a complete, undeniable, and publicly acknowledged awareness of God's decisive and just action.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 92:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of confident expectation and divine justice. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses of the verse express similar ideas using different but related terms. "Mine eye...shall see...on mine enemies" is mirrored by "mine ears...shall hear...of the wicked that rise up against me." The pairing of "eye" and "ear," "see" and "hear," and "enemies" and "wicked" reinforces the comprehensive and undeniable nature of the psalmist's anticipated vindication. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as the psalmist's human senses (eye, ear) are used to describe the experience of witnessing God's divine action, making the abstract concept of justice tangible and personally experienced. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy**, where "eye" and "ear" stand for the psalmist's entire being and full awareness, indicating that he will not just passively observe but fully comprehend and acknowledge the justice that unfolds. The KJV's interpretive addition of "[my desire]" also acts as a form of **Explanatory Gloss**, aiming to clarify the underlying meaning of the psalmist's expectation, ensuring the reader understands it as a longing for righteous judgment rather than personal revenge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God as the supreme Judge who actively intervenes in human affairs to uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. It underscores the theological truth that while the wicked may prosper for a time, their ultimate end is destruction, and God's justice is certain and inevitable. The psalmist's confidence is not in his own strength or ability to exact revenge, but in the Lord's sovereign power to execute His righteous decrees. This perspective provides immense comfort and hope to believers who face injustice, reminding them that their ultimate vindication rests in God's hands. It teaches patience and trust, encouraging believers to wait for the Lord's perfect timing and method of justice, rather than seeking personal retribution. The "seeing" and "hearing" signify a public and undeniable display of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, serving as a powerful affirmation of His moral governance over the world.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 37:34](/psalms/37-34 "Psalm 37:34 - Wait for the Lord and Keep His Way")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord is Slow to Anger but Great in Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 92:11 offers a profound source of encouragement for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and the apparent prosperity of the wicked. It calls us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice, rather than succumbing to despair or the temptation for personal retribution. In moments where we feel wronged, oppressed, or witness evil seemingly triumph, this verse reminds us that God sees, God hears, and God will act. Our role is to remain faithful, to "wait for the Lord" ([Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the Lord")), and to commit our cause to Him, knowing that He is the righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right. This confidence frees us from the burden of vengeance and empowers us to live righteously, even amidst adversity, knowing that our vindication is secured in the hands of a just God. It encourages us to pray for justice, to advocate for the oppressed, and to trust that God's perfect plan will unfold, bringing about His desired end for both the righteous and the wicked.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's confidence in God's ultimate justice encourage you when you face opposition or injustice?**
* **In what ways can we "see" and "hear" God's justice at work in the world today, even before the final judgment?**
* **How does this verse guide our response to those who "rise up against us," balancing the desire for justice with the call to love our enemies?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing for justice, rather than seeking immediate personal vindication?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promote a vengeful spirit or a desire for personal harm upon enemies?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promote a vengeful spirit in the sense of personal malice or a desire for retribution outside of God's will. The KJV's bracketed "[my desire]" is an interpretive addition to clarify that the psalmist's expectation is to witness the *fulfillment of God's righteous judgment* and the *vindication of His people*, not to exact personal revenge. The Hebrew text emphasizes seeing and hearing the downfall of "my adversaries" and "the wicked," which aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God alone, as stated in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord"). The psalmist's confidence is in God's sovereign justice, not in his own capacity or desire for personal retaliation. It's an affirmation of faith that God will indeed set things right and demonstrate His righteousness publicly.

**Why does the KJV add "[my desire]" in brackets, and what does it mean?**

Answer: The KJV translators added "[my desire]" in brackets because these words are not explicitly present in the original Hebrew text but are supplied to clarify the intended meaning. The Hebrew literally says "Mine eye also shall see *on my adversaries*, and mine ears shall hear *of those who rise up against me*." The translators understood that what the psalmist expected to see and hear was the *outcome* or *fulfillment* of his longing for God's justice to prevail over his enemies. Therefore, "[my desire]" acts as an interpretive gloss, indicating the psalmist's confident expectation of God's righteous judgment and the subsequent vindication of the righteous, rather than a personal, malicious wish. It highlights the psalmist's longing for divine justice to be manifest and His people to be upheld.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 92:11 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist anticipated witnessing the temporal defeat of his adversaries, the Christian understands this yearning for justice to be fully realized in Christ's decisive victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "seeing" and "hearing" of the wicked's downfall is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's ongoing reign, where He "must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). Believers now live in the "already" of Christ's victory, knowing that the "not yet" of final judgment will bring about the complete and visible subjugation of all evil. The psalmist's confidence in God's vindication is thus transformed into the Christian's assurance of Christ's return, when He will judge the living and the dead, and establish His eternal kingdom, bringing full and final justice to all who have risen against God and His people ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and Final Judgment")). In Christ, the righteous are not merely vindicated, but eternally secured and glorified, participating in His victory over all opposition.

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 91:8

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Psalms 54:7

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

Psalms 59:10

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.

Psalms 112:8

His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies.

Psalms 37:34

¶ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].