Psalms 94:16

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? [or] who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Who will rise up {H6965}{H8799)} for me against the evildoers {H7489}{H8688)}? or who will stand up {H3320}{H8691)} for me against the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205}?

Who will champion my cause against the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers?

Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity?

Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Psalm 94:16 is a poignant cry from the psalmist, expressing a deep longing for a defender against prevalent evil and injustice. It poses a rhetorical question, born out of a sense of isolation and vulnerability in the face of overwhelming wickedness.

Context of Psalm 94

Psalm 94 is a fervent appeal to God for justice against oppressors and evildoers who mock God and afflict His people. The psalmist observes the prosperity of the wicked and their blatant disregard for the Lord, leading to a desperate plea for divine intervention. This verse, "Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? [or] who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?", captures the psalmist's feeling of being alone in the fight against widespread corruption and cruelty. It sets the stage for the psalmist's ultimate trust in God's righteous judgment, as seen later in the psalm where God Himself is revealed as the one who upholds the righteous.

Key Themes and Messages

  • A Cry for Justice: The verse is a direct appeal for someone to take action against those who commit injustice. It highlights the human desire for righteousness to prevail, especially when the righteous are oppressed.
  • The Prevalence of Evil: It underscores the reality of widespread sin and oppression ("evildoers," "workers of iniquity") that can make one feel overwhelmed and helpless.
  • The Need for a Champion: The question "Who will rise up...?" reveals a desperate search for a defender, a champion who will confront and challenge the forces of wickedness. This implicitly points to God as the ultimate champion, as human efforts often fall short.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words convey a strong sense of active confrontation. "Rise up" (qum) and "stand up" (yatsab) both denote taking a firm, confrontational stance. They are not merely passive requests but a longing for someone to actively intervene and oppose injustice. The terms "evildoers" (mere'im) and "workers of iniquity" (po'alei aven) describe individuals who habitually practice wickedness and cause harm, emphasizing their pervasive and destructive nature.

Practical Application

This verse resonates deeply with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by injustice, corruption, or moral decay in the world or in their personal circumstances. It serves as a reminder that:

  • We Are Not Alone: While the question initially expresses loneliness, the psalm ultimately finds its answer in God's faithfulness. When we feel there is no human champion, we can turn to the Lord, who is our ultimate defender and avenger.
  • God is the Ultimate Judge: The psalmist's plea leads to a declaration of God's sovereignty over all evil. He sees and judges all deeds, and His justice will ultimately prevail.
  • A Call to Action (in God's Strength): While we look to God, this verse can also inspire us to be those who "rise up" for righteousness in our spheres of influence, always relying on divine strength and guidance. We are called to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Psalm 94:16 encapsulates a profound human lament for justice, which finds its ultimate hope and resolution in the righteous character and sovereign power of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 5:23

    Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

  • John 7:50

    Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

  • John 7:51

    Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

  • Numbers 25:6

    ¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Numbers 25:13

    And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

  • Isaiah 59:16

    ¶ And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

  • Ezekiel 22:30

    And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
← Back