Psalms 92:9

KJV

For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

KJV (with Strong's)

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)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For your enemies, ADONAI, your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

Berean Standard Bible

For surely Your enemies, O LORD, surely Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

American Standard Version

For, lo, thine enemies, O Jehovah, For, lo, thine enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 92:9 stands as a powerful and unwavering declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice, asserting the certain and inevitable downfall of all who oppose His righteous will. Situated within a psalm that exalts the Lord's faithfulness and celebrates the flourishing of the upright, this verse starkly contrasts the fleeting prosperity and eventual destruction of the wicked with the eternal preeminence and unshakeable nature of the Most High God. It serves as a profound assurance that no form of evil or rebellion can ultimately withstand divine judgment, promising complete vindication for the righteous and a decisive, catastrophic end to all iniquity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 92 is uniquely designated "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," underscoring its intended use in worship and its thematic focus on God's enduring faithfulness and the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The psalm begins with an exuberant call to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness and faithfulness, particularly in the morning and evening ([Psalms 92:1-3](/psalms/92-1-3 "Psalms 92:1-3 - A Call to Praise God on the Sabbath")). The psalmist then shifts to marvel at the Lord's "great works" and "deep thoughts," acknowledging the profound wisdom behind His actions ([Psalms 92:4-5](/psalms/92-4-5 "Psalms 92:4-5 - God's Great Works and Deep Thoughts")). Acknowledging that the "brutish man" or "fool" may not comprehend the temporary flourishing of the wicked, which appears to contradict divine justice ([Psalms 92:6-7](/psalms/92-6-7 "Psalms 92:6-7 - The Ignorance of the Foolish")), the psalmist immediately counters this apparent paradox by declaring God's eternal supremacy in [Psalms 92:8](/psalms/92-8 "Psalms 92:8 - The Lord is Most High Forevermore"). It is against this backdrop of God's unassailable reign and profound wisdom that verse 9 delivers its emphatic pronouncement of judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent vibrant description of the righteous flourishing like palm trees and cedars, firmly planted in the house of the Lord ([Psalms 92:12-14](/psalms/92-12-14 "Psalms 92:12-14 - The Flourishing of the Righteous")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, as commanded in the Mosaic Law, was a cornerstone of Israelite religious and social life, serving as a weekly commemoration of creation and redemption. Psalms like this would have been integral to temple worship, reinforcing the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. The concept of "enemies" in the Psalms is expansive, encompassing not only geopolitical or military adversaries but also, and more fundamentally, those who actively oppose God's moral order, His chosen people, or His divine will. The "workers of iniquity" represent a specific class of individuals whose lives are characterized by systematic and habitual rebellion against God's standards and ethical demands. The vivid imagery of "perishing" and being "scattered" would have resonated deeply within an ancient agrarian and martial society. "Perishing" could evoke the complete destruction of crops, the decay of life, or the utter ruin of a nation. "Scattered" vividly portrays the defeat and dispersion of an army, the disarray of a routed foe, or the scattering of chaff by the wind, all signifying complete ruin, disorganization, and powerlessness. This context powerfully underscores the Israelite understanding of a just and active God who intervenes in history to uphold righteousness and decisively punish wickedness.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 92:9 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the psalm and the broader biblical metanarrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Justice and Judgment**, declaring the certain and inevitable downfall of all who stand in opposition to God. This reinforces the foundational biblical truth that God is not indifferent to evil but will ultimately bring all injustice and unrighteousness to account, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Psalms 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalms 58:11 - God Judges the Earth"). Secondly, the verse unequivocally underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, proclaiming His absolute power, authority, and unchallengeable dominion over all human and spiritual opposition. No force, however formidable or seemingly successful, can ultimately thwart His eternal purposes or stand against His righteous decree. Finally, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Wickedness**, utilizing the terms "perish" and "scattered" to describe the comprehensive destruction, disarray, and utter futility that awaits those whose lives are habitually dedicated to evil. This serves as a solemn and urgent warning that a life characterized by iniquity leads to utter ruin, contrasting sharply with the blessedness and enduring fruitfulness promised to the righteous in [Psalms 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalms 1:6 - The Way of the Ungodly Perishes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, this active participle signifies "hating" and refers to an "adversary" or "foe." In the context of Psalms 92:9, it denotes those who are actively and intrinsically hostile to God, His character, His people, and His righteous ways. This enmity is not merely passive disagreement but an active, often aggressive, opposition that seeks to undermine or defy divine authority.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6, this primitive root means "to wander away," "lose oneself," and by implication, "to perish" or "destroy." It conveys a complete cessation of existence, function, or influence, often implying an irreversible state of ruin, destruction, or being brought to nothing. Here, it signifies the utter and final demise of God's adversaries, a definitive end to their power, plans, and presence.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, this term denotes "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It specifically refers to moral perversity, injustice, or active mischief, often associated with idolatry or false worship. When combined with "workers" (`pâʻal`), it describes those whose very lives are defined by their active and habitual engagement in evil, highlighting the intentional and pervasive nature of their opposition to God's moral order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD,"**: The introductory "For, lo" (or "Behold") functions as an emphatic interjection, immediately drawing the reader's or listener's attention to the profound and certain declaration that follows. It underscores the gravity and significance of the truth being proclaimed. The direct address "O LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) places the entire statement within the context of God's divine perspective, absolute authority, and sovereign judgment, emphasizing that these are *His* enemies, making their ultimate fate a matter of His righteous decree. The initial mention of "thine enemies" sets the subject for the subsequent pronouncement.
* **"for, lo, thine enemies shall perish;"**: This clause powerfully reiterates the initial phrase, employing **repetition** for heightened emphasis and rhetorical force. The repetition of "for, lo, thine enemies" serves to hammer home the identity of those being addressed and the absolute certainty of their doom. The verb "shall perish" (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_) signifies complete and utter destruction, not merely a temporary setback or defeat. It is a divine decree, assuring the psalmist and the worshipper that God's adversaries will be utterly annihilated or brought to nothing.
* **"all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered."**: This parallel clause expands upon and clarifies the identity of "thine enemies" by defining them as "all the workers of iniquity." This broadens the scope to include anyone whose life is characterized by active, habitual evil and moral perversion, not just specific historical or political foes. The consequence, "shall be scattered" (Hebrew, _pârad'_), complements "shall perish," depicting not just annihilation but also disorganization, defeat, and utter disarray. This imagery suggests a complete loss of power, cohesion, purpose, and influence, highlighting the futility and ultimate chaos that awaits those who persistently oppose the Almighty and His divine order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 92:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with undeniable force and clarity. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic and striking anaphora of the phrase "For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies." This deliberate reiteration serves to emphasize the certainty, inevitability, and solemnity of the divine declaration, driving home the point that God's adversaries are unequivocally doomed. This also creates a sense of urgency and compels the listener's immediate attention to the pronouncement. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered") reiterates, amplifies, and elaborates upon the meaning of the first ("thine enemies... shall perish"). "Thine enemies" is paralleled by "all the workers of iniquity," and "shall perish" is paralleled by "shall be scattered," reinforcing the same core idea of comprehensive destruction, disarray, and ultimate defeat. The interjection "**lo**" (or "behold") functions as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, serving to call immediate and dramatic attention to the gravity and certainty of the divine declaration, much like a spotlight illuminating a crucial, undeniable truth. Finally, the chosen verbs "perish" and "scattered" evoke strong **Imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of utter ruin, chaotic defeat, and complete disempowerment, contrasting sharply with the stable, flourishing, and fruitful life described for the righteous elsewhere in the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 92:9 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate, decisive triumph over all forms of evil. It assures believers that despite the apparent prosperity, temporary success, or seemingly unpunished actions of the wicked, God's moral order will ultimately prevail. This verse serves as both a profound comfort to the righteous, who may feel oppressed, disheartened, or bewildered by the prevalence of injustice, and a solemn, urgent warning to those who choose a path of rebellion against God. It underscores the immutable truth that while God is patient, merciful, and slow to anger, His justice is absolute, and a life lived in persistent opposition to Him leads to an inevitable, comprehensive, and catastrophic downfall. The perishing and scattering of the wicked signify not just their defeat but their complete disempowerment, disorganization, and ultimate futility, highlighting the utter foolishness of any attempt to resist the Almighty.

* [Psalms 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "The Way of the Ungodly Perishes")
* [Psalms 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "The Wicked Perish Like the Glory of the Fields")
* [Proverbs 10:29](/proverbs/10-29 "The Way of the Lord is Strength to the Upright, But Destruction to the Workers of Iniquity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 92:9 offers both profound comfort and a clear, piercing call to spiritual discernment for contemporary believers. In a world where evil often seems to flourish unchecked, where injustice appears to go unpunished, and where those who defy God sometimes experience worldly success and influence, this verse serves as an unshakeable anchor for our faith. It powerfully reminds us that God is not passive, indifferent, or unaware; He sees, He knows, and He will ultimately act decisively. Our hope and trust should never be placed in the fleeting powers of this fallen world or in the temporary prosperity of the wicked, but solely in the enduring justice, absolute sovereignty, and eternal reign of the Almighty. This truth should embolden us to persevere steadfastly in righteousness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and that His ultimate vindication of His people and His purposes is absolutely assured. For those who may be walking in ways contrary to God's revealed will, whether knowingly or unknowingly, this verse is a sober and urgent warning. The path of "iniquity" leads not to lasting peace, security, or flourishing, but to destruction, disorganization, and ultimate dispersion. It calls for deep introspection, genuine repentance, and a decisive turning away from self-destructive paths toward the life-giving, flourishing way of God's righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's justice, as declared in this verse, impact my trust in Him when I observe widespread injustice and apparent impunity in the world today?**
* **What does it mean to be a "worker of iniquity" in my own personal context, and how can I actively ensure my life is not characterized by such practices, but rather by righteousness and obedience to God?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse encourage me to persevere in pursuing righteousness and faithfulness, even when the path seems difficult, unpopular, or unrewarding in the short term?**

### FAQ

**Who are "thine enemies" and "workers of iniquity" in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: In Psalms 92:9, "thine enemies" and "workers of iniquity" are not limited to specific historical or political adversaries of ancient Israel, though they certainly include them. Rather, these terms represent anyone who actively, habitually, and consistently opposes God's character, His divine will, His moral order, or His chosen people. This encompasses individuals or groups who practice injustice, rebellion, and ungodliness, whose lives are characterized by a deliberate and systematic pursuit of evil. They are those whose actions, attitudes, and intentions stand in direct defiance of God's righteous standards, whether through overt acts of violence, deceit, oppression, or a general disregard for divine authority. The psalm contrasts them sharply with the righteous, who delight in God's law and flourish under His providential care, as vividly depicted in [Psalms 92:12-14](/psalms/92-12-14 "Psalms 92:12-14 - The Flourishing of the Righteous").

**Does this verse imply that God actively destroys all who oppose Him, or does it speak to natural consequences?**

Answer: Psalms 92:9 speaks to the inevitable and certain outcome for those who persistently oppose God. While the Bible certainly depicts instances of God's direct, active judgment and intervention in history, this verse also conveys the inherent unsustainability and self-destructive nature of a life lived in opposition to the Creator. A life of "iniquity" is fundamentally out of alignment with the divine, moral, and spiritual order of the universe and, by its very nature, leads to self-inflicted ruin, disorganization, and ultimate spiritual decay. The terms "perish" and "scattered" encompass both the active judgment of God—His righteous intervention to bring an end to evil—and the natural, spiritual consequences that accrue to those who reject His life-giving ways. Ultimately, it affirms that no evil, no matter how entrenched or powerful, can stand eternally against the sovereign will of God; all that is not of Him will eventually be brought to nothing, whether through direct divine action or the inherent decay and futility of sin, as described in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 92:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm declares the perishing of God's enemies and the scattering of the workers of iniquity, it is through Christ that the true nature of these ultimate enemies—sin, death, and the devil—is definitively conquered and disarmed. Jesus, by His perfect, sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, triumphed over the spiritual powers and authorities that held humanity captive, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby dismantling the very foundation of "iniquity" and offering a path to righteousness. The ultimate "enemy" is death itself, and Christ's resurrection is the unshakeable guarantee that death will ultimately be swallowed up in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1-corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death, Will Be Destroyed")). When Christ returns in glory, He will complete the work of judgment, casting down all remaining opposition and finally scattering all "workers of iniquity" into eternal separation from God ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Thrown into the Lake of Fire")). Thus, Psalms 92:9 is not merely a historical observation or a general principle, but a prophetic declaration of the final, decisive victory secured by our [Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme until all His enemies are put under His feet](/1-corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet").

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 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.