Psalms 94:10

KJV

He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?

KJV (with Strong's)

He that chastiseth {H3256}{H8802)} the heathen {H1471}, shall not he correct {H3198}{H8686)}? he that teacheth {H3925}{H8764)} man {H120} knowledge {H1847}, shall not he know?

Complete Jewish Bible

Will the one who disciplines nations not correct them? Will the teacher of humanity not know?

Berean Standard Bible

He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge?

American Standard Version

He that chastiseth the nations, shall not he correct, Evenhe that teacheth man knowledge?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 94:10 is a profound rhetorical assertion of God's absolute sovereignty, omniscience, and unassailable justice. It challenges any notion that the Creator, who disciplines nations and imparts knowledge to humanity, could ever be unaware of human actions or incapable of righteous judgment, thereby underscoring His perfect understanding and ultimate authority over all creation and moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 94 is a fervent lament and imprecation, a cry for divine justice in the face of pervasive wickedness and oppression. The psalmist directly addresses God, questioning His apparent silence and delay in judging the arrogant and violent who afflict His people. Verses 8-9 immediately precede our text, directly challenging the "senseless among the people" and the "fools" who foolishly assert that "the LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive." Verse 10 serves as a powerful, logical refutation of such atheistic or deistic claims, building an unassailable argument for God's comprehensive knowledge and active involvement in the world. It sets the stage for the psalmist's renewed confidence in God's eventual intervention and the ultimate vindication of the righteous, as seen in subsequent verses like [Psalms 94:14-15](/psalms/94-14 "Psalms 94:14-15 - God Will Not Forsake His People").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a common experience in ancient Israel: the suffering of the righteous at the hands of the wicked, often those in positions of power or influence. The "heathen" (גּוֹיִם, _goyim_) can refer to foreign nations hostile to Israel, but also broadly to those who do not acknowledge the God of Israel, implying a universal scope for God's judgment. In the ancient Near East, kings and deities were often invoked to bring justice, but the psalmist here appeals to the one true God, Yahweh, whose authority transcends all earthly powers. The concept of God "chastising" or "correcting" nations was well-established, seen in historical events like the Flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, or the rise and fall of empires, all understood as divine instruments of judgment or discipline. This context underscores the belief that God is not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign over all humanity and its moral conduct, the ultimate source of [all wisdom and understanding](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God, who oversees and disciplines entire nations, will certainly not overlook the specific injustices committed against His people. This theme resonates with the opening plea for God to "[rise up, O Judge of the earth](/psalms/94-2 "Psalm 94:2 - Rise Up, O Judge of the Earth")" and "[render to the proud their deserts](/psalms/94-2 "Psalm 94:2 - God's Judgment on the Proud")." Secondly, it profoundly affirms **God's Omniscience and Omnipresence**. By posing the rhetorical question, "he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?", the psalmist establishes God as the ultimate fount of all understanding, from whom all human intellect derives. Therefore, it is illogical to assume that the Giver of knowledge lacks knowledge Himself. This theme is foundational to biblical theology, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from God's sight, as seen in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - Nothing Hidden from God"). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Sovereignty over Humanity and Nations**, portraying Him as the active disciplinarian and instructor of all peoples, not just Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chastiseth (Hebrew, _yasar'_):** This verb (יָסַר) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing discipline, instruction, correction, and admonition. It implies more than mere punishment; it suggests a process of training or guidance, much like a parent educates a child. When applied to nations, it means God's interventions are not just punitive but also intended to teach moral lessons, to lead them toward righteousness, or to demonstrate His sovereign authority.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _goyim'_):** The term (גּוֹיִם) literally means "nations" or "peoples." While often used in the Old Testament to refer to non-Israelite nations, particularly those hostile to God's people, it broadly signifies all humanity outside the covenant community. Its use here underscores God's universal jurisdiction and His role as the sovereign judge over all peoples, not just Israel.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _da'at'_):** This noun (דַּעַת) refers to understanding, discernment, and experiential knowledge. It implies not just factual information but a deep, intuitive grasp of truth. The phrase "teacheth man knowledge" highlights God as the ultimate source of human intellect, reason, and moral discernment, implying that any capacity for understanding we possess originates from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?":** This clause presents a powerful argument from the greater to the lesser. If God, in His sovereign power, actively disciplines and corrects entire nations (the "heathen" or _goyim_) for their collective wrongdoing, how much more will He discern and address the specific injustices, oppressions, and individual sins committed by people, whether within or outside of Israel? The rhetorical question demands an affirmative answer, asserting God's undeniable capacity and intention to administer justice and correction on all levels.
* **"he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?":** This second rhetorical question extends the logic, focusing on God's omniscience. If God is the ultimate source from whom humanity derives its capacity for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom—if He "teaches" us how to know—then it is utterly illogical to suggest that He Himself lacks knowledge or awareness. The implied answer is a resounding "Yes, He most certainly knows!" This affirms God's perfect, infinite, and comprehensive knowledge of all things, including every thought, intention, and deed of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 94:10 masterfully employs **Rhetorical Questions** to deliver its profound theological assertions. By posing questions that demand an obvious, affirmative answer, the psalmist engages the listener, making the truth undeniable and self-evident. This technique serves to refute the foolish claims of the wicked (mentioned in [Psalms 94:7-9](/psalms/94-7 "Psalms 94:7 - The Wicked Say, 'The LORD Does Not See'")) who deny God's awareness or power. The verse also exhibits clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?" is paralleled by "he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?" The first line focuses on God's corrective action and judgment, while the second emphasizes His omniscience as the basis for that action. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism** in the idea of God "teaching" man knowledge, attributing a human-like action to God to convey His active role in bestowing intellect and understanding upon humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 94:10 serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's active involvement in the moral governance of the world and His perfect knowledge. It refutes any deistic notion of a distant, uninvolved deity, presenting instead a God who is intimately aware of all human actions, thoughts, and intentions, and who will ultimately bring all things to account. This verse undergirds the biblical understanding of divine justice, ensuring that no wrong will ultimately go unpunished and no cry for justice will go unheard. It establishes God as the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness, the source from whom all true wisdom flows, and the one before whom all humanity is accountable.

* [Job 34:21-22](/job/34-21 "Job 34:21-22 - God's Eyes Are on the Ways of Man")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the LORD Gives Wisdom")
* [1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God Knows All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers both profound comfort and a sobering challenge. For those who feel overwhelmed by the pervasive injustice in the world, or who personally suffer under oppression, Psalms 94:10 is a beacon of hope. It assures us that God, who judges nations and imparts knowledge, is fully aware of every hidden wrong, every whispered lie, and every act of cruelty. His justice, though it may seem delayed, is absolutely certain, and He will ultimately correct all things. This should inspire patience, trust, and continued prayer for His righteous intervention. Conversely, for those who might be tempted to act unjustly, to deceive, or to believe their deeds are hidden from view, the verse serves as an inescapable reminder: there is no thought, no intention, and no action that escapes the perfect knowledge of the One who gave us the very capacity to think and act. This calls us to a life of integrity, humility, and accountability, recognizing that our ultimate judge is not man, but the all-knowing and perfectly just God. It also invites us to humbly acknowledge God as the true source of all wisdom and to seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives, trusting in His infinite understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's omniscience (that He "knows" all) bring you comfort in times of injustice or personal suffering?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to act as if God does not see or know, and how does this verse challenge that temptation?**
* **How does acknowledging God as the source of all knowledge impact your pursuit of wisdom and understanding?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consciously in light of God's perfect knowledge and justice?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly discipline nations, or is that just an Old Testament concept?**

Answer: The concept of God disciplining nations is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, extending beyond the Old Testament. While the methods and manifestations of divine discipline may vary across dispensations, the principle remains that God is sovereign over all nations and holds them accountable for their actions. In the Old Testament, this often involved the rise and fall of empires, wars, famines, or other calamities, understood as divine judgments or corrective measures. The New Testament affirms God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His future judgment of all humanity, including nations ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Will Judge All Nations")). The principle is that God is the supreme moral governor of the universe, and His justice extends to collective entities as well as individuals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 94:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's perfect knowledge and the agent of His ultimate correction and judgment. As the [Logos, through whom all things were made](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), Jesus is the very source of all knowledge and understanding imparted to humanity. He is the [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, God's Wisdom and Power") incarnate, fully knowing the hearts and minds of all people ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). Furthermore, Christ is the one appointed by God to be the ultimate judge of the living and the dead, the one who will "[judge the world in righteousness](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")" and bring all hidden things to light ([Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Will Judge the Secrets of Men Through Christ Jesus")). His first coming was primarily for salvation, offering the ultimate correction for humanity's sin through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin by the Sacrifice of Himself")), but His second coming will be for final judgment, where He will perfectly execute the justice foreshadowed in this psalm, ensuring that every wrong is righted and every act of oppression is brought to account. Thus, the God who chastises nations and teaches man knowledge is fully revealed in Christ, who perfectly embodies divine wisdom, justice, and redemptive correction.

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

Job 35:11

Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?

Isaiah 28:26

For his God doth instruct him to discretion, [and] doth teach him.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Jeremiah 10:25

Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

Psalms 135:8

Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

Psalms 135:12

And gave their land [for] an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.