For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
For, lo, thine enemies {H341}{H8802)}, O LORD {H3068}, for, lo, thine enemies {H341}{H8802)} shall perish {H6}{H8799)}; all the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205} shall be scattered {H6504}{H8691)}.
For your enemies, ADONAI, your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.
For surely Your enemies, O LORD, surely Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.
For, lo, thine enemies, O Jehovah, For, lo, thine enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
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Psalms 37:20
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. -
Psalms 89:10
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. -
Psalms 21:8
Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. -
Psalms 21:9
Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. -
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, -
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 68:1
¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
Psalms 92:9 KJV serves as a powerful declaration of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over all opposition. This verse, embedded within a psalm celebrating the Lord's faithfulness and the flourishing of the righteous, starkly contrasts the fate of the wicked with the enduring nature of God.
Context
Psalm 92 is titled "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," suggesting its use in worship and reflection on God's mighty works. The psalm begins by extolling the goodness of giving thanks to the Lord and proclaiming His lovingkindness and faithfulness (verses 1-3). It celebrates God's great works and deep thoughts (verses 4-5). While foolish men may not understand God's ways or the temporary prosperity of the wicked (verses 6-7), the psalmist asserts God's eternal preeminence: "But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore." It is against this backdrop of divine eternity and justice that verse 9 delivers its pronouncement of judgment.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "perish" is 'abad (אבד), which conveys a sense of being lost, destroyed, or brought to nothing. It's a strong term indicating complete cessation or ruin. "Scattered" comes from 'parash' (פרש), meaning to spread out or disperse. This implies disorganization, defeat, and lack of cohesion, contrasting sharply with the stability and flourishing of the righteous described elsewhere in the psalm (e.g., verses 12-14).
The phrase "workers of iniquity" (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן, po'aley 'aven) emphasizes those who habitually practice or actively engage in evil. It's not merely a passive state but an active pursuit of wickedness, highlighting the intentional nature of their opposition to God.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 92:9 offers immense comfort and assurance to those who trust in the Lord. In a world where evil often seems to prosper, this verse reminds believers that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring all injustice to account. It calls us to place our hope not in temporary human power or fleeting worldly success, but in the enduring justice and sovereignty of the Almighty.
For those who may be walking in ways contrary to God, this verse serves as a sober warning. The path of "iniquity" leads to destruction and dispersion, not lasting peace or security. It encourages introspection and a turning away from evil, toward the path of righteousness that God blesses (see Proverbs 10:29).