Psalms 94:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 94:16 presents a profound rhetorical question, a poignant lament from the psalmist expressing an urgent longing for a divine or human champion to confront the pervasive evil and injustice afflicting the righteous. It articulates a deep sense of vulnerability and isolation in the face of widespread wickedness, serving as a desperate cry for intervention against those who actively perpetuate iniquity and disregard God's justice. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's yearning for righteousness to prevail and for a strong defender to rise up against the forces of oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 94 stands as a fervent prayer for divine justice, positioned within a collection of psalms that often grapple with the problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Immediately preceding this verse, the psalmist has detailed the egregious actions of the oppressors: they crush God's people, murder the widow and the sojourner, and declare, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive" as noted in [Psalm 94:7](/psalms/94-7 "Psalm 94:7 - The Wicked's Disregard for God"). The psalmist then challenges their foolishness, reminding them that God, who formed the ear and eye, surely hears and sees, a truth powerfully articulated in [Psalm 94:9](/psalms/94-9 "Psalm 94:9 - God Sees and Hears"). Verse 16, therefore, emerges from this intense observation of injustice and the perceived absence of a human defender, leading to a desperate plea for someone—ultimately God—to intervene. The verses that follow, particularly [Psalm 94:17-19](/psalms/94-17-19 "Psalm 94:17-19 - God's Sustaining Hand"), reveal the psalmist's shift from lament to trust, acknowledging that if the Lord had not been his help, his soul would have soon dwelt in the land of silence, and that God's steadfast love and comforts sustain him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop of Psalm 94 is likely a period of national distress or widespread social injustice within Israel. While no specific historical event is named, the language suggests a time when those in authority, or simply powerful individuals, were abusing their position, oppressing the vulnerable, and acting with impunity, believing themselves beyond divine accountability. Such conditions were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where power often corrupted, and the poor and marginalized were frequently exploited. The psalmist's cry reflects a deep commitment to the covenantal ideals of justice and righteousness, which were foundational to Israelite law and society, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable") and the prophetic call for justice in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down"). The question "Who will rise up...?" implies a failure of human institutions—kings, judges, or elders—to uphold justice, forcing the psalmist to look beyond human means for a solution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 94 and the broader Psalter. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, highlighting the psalmist's unwavering conviction that God is a God of vengeance and righteous judgment, despite the temporary triumph of the wicked. It also develops the theme of **The Suffering of the Righteous**, portraying the vulnerability and despair experienced by those who uphold God's ways in a world dominated by evildoers. The rhetorical question itself introduces the theme of **The Need for a Champion**, a longing for a deliverer who will confront evil and restore order. While initially framed as a human need, the psalm ultimately directs this longing towards God, establishing Him as the ultimate **Defender of the Oppressed** and the **Sovereign Judge** over all creation, as highlighted in the psalm's triumphant conclusion where God is seen as the one who will repay the wicked for their iniquity in [Psalm 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God's Judgment on the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up (קוּם, _qûwm'_):** This Hebrew verb (H6965) signifies to stand up, arise, or take a stand. It implies an active, decisive movement from a state of rest or inaction to one of engagement and confrontation. As per the Strong's definition, it encompasses various applications, including to establish, confirm, or rouse up. In this context, it suggests a call for someone to actively challenge, oppose, and intervene against the evildoers, not merely to observe or lament their actions. It denotes a readiness for battle or a firm declaration of opposition.
* **Stand up (יָצַב, _yâtsab'_):** This verb (H3320) means to station oneself, take a stand, or present oneself. It carries a sense of firmness, resolve, and steadfastness. According to Strong's, it implies placing oneself so as to stay, to continue, or to be able to stand. Paired with _qûwm_, it reinforces the idea of a resolute and unwavering opposition to injustice. It's not a fleeting act but a determined, sustained presence against the forces of iniquity, suggesting a champion who will not be easily deterred.
* **Evildoers / Workers of Iniquity (רָעַע, _râʻaʻ_; פָּעַל, _pâʻal_; אָוֶן, _ʼâven'_):** These two parallel phrases describe the adversaries. "Evildoers" is derived from the root _râʻaʻ_ (H7489), which means to spoil, to make bad, or to do harm, encompassing physical, social, or moral wickedness. "Workers of iniquity" combines _pâʻal_ (H6466), meaning to do or make systematically and habitually, especially to practice evil, and _ʼâven_ (H205), which denotes nothingness, trouble, vanity, or wickedness, often implying a perversion of justice or a destructive act. Together, these terms paint a comprehensive picture of individuals whose very nature and actions are characterized by deliberate, pervasive, and destructive evil, emphasizing the depth of the challenge faced by the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?":** This first clause expresses the psalmist's profound isolation and desperate need for a defender. The interrogative "Who?" highlights the perceived absence of such a champion among humanity, emphasizing the psalmist's vulnerability. "Rise up for me" indicates a call for active, protective intervention on the psalmist's behalf, suggesting a decisive movement to confront. "Against the evildoers" explicitly identifies the adversaries as those whose actions are inherently malicious and harmful, creating a clear moral dichotomy and underscoring the nature of the threat.
* **"[or] who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel, reinforcing and intensifying the plea of the first. The conjunction "or" (often translated as "and" in Hebrew parallelism) links the two questions, emphasizing the dual nature of the request for a champion. "Stand up for me" reiterates the desire for a firm, resolute, and unwavering defense, implying a steadfast presence in opposition. "Against the workers of iniquity" further defines the adversaries as those whose very deeds are characterized by moral corruption, injustice, and destructive evil, underscoring the pervasive nature of the threat. The repetition underscores the urgency and depth of the psalmist's cry for a strong, unwavering defender.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 94:16 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Rhetorical Question** and **Synonymous Parallelism**. The entire verse is framed as a **Rhetorical Question**, "Who will rise up for me...?" and "who will stand up for me...?" This device is not intended to elicit a direct human answer, but rather to highlight the profound absence of human champions and to implicitly direct the reader's gaze towards the ultimate, divine answer—God Himself. It underscores the psalmist's despair and vulnerability while simultaneously building suspense for the resolution found later in the psalm, where God is revealed as the true defender. Furthermore, the verse masterfully utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?"). The phrases "rise up" and "stand up" are closely related in meaning, as are "evildoers" and "workers of iniquity." This parallelism deepens the emotional impact, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the threat and the desperate longing for a strong, resolute defender, while also creating a sense of poetic balance and emphasis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 94:16 encapsulates a fundamental theological tension: the reality of pervasive evil in the world contrasted with the biblical conviction that God is just and righteous. The psalmist's cry for a champion mirrors humanity's deep-seated yearning for justice and the vindication of the innocent. While the immediate context points to God as the ultimate answer to this cry, the question also subtly probes the responsibility of the righteous to stand against injustice, albeit always in reliance upon divine strength. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to justice, His identification with the oppressed, and His ultimate victory over all forms of evil, assuring believers that their cries for vindication do not go unheard. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, seeing and judging all.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Isaiah 59:15-16](/isaiah/59-15-16 "The Lord's Displeasure with Injustice")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 94:16 resonates deeply with the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by injustice, corruption, or moral decay, whether on a global scale or within personal spheres. It acknowledges the loneliness and vulnerability that can accompany standing for righteousness when evil seems to prosper and no human defender appears in sight. Yet, this lament is not an end in itself; it is a profound turning point that directs our gaze from the inadequacy of human champions to the absolute sufficiency of God. When we feel isolated in our fight against sin and injustice, this verse reminds us that our ultimate hope and defense lie not in human strength or political systems, but in the sovereign Lord who sees, hears, and judges. It calls us to lay our burdens before Him, trusting that He is the righteous Judge who will ultimately repay the wicked and uphold the cause of the righteous. While God is our ultimate champion, this verse also subtly inspires us to be those who, empowered by His Spirit and guided by His Word, "rise up" and "stand up" for justice in our own spheres of influence, always remembering that our strength is found in Him and that we are called to be His instruments of righteousness in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you feel a similar cry, "Who will rise up...?" against injustice or evil?**
* **How does the psalmist's initial sense of isolation in this verse relate to your own experiences of feeling alone in a difficult situation?**
* **How does knowing that God is the ultimate champion against evildoers impact your perspective on current struggles with injustice?**
* **Beyond prayer, what practical steps can you take, empowered by God, to "rise up" or "stand up" for righteousness in your community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalm 94:16 a call for human action or a plea for divine intervention?**

Answer: While the question "Who will rise up...?" could initially be interpreted as a search for a human champion, the broader context of Psalm 94 makes it clear that the psalmist's ultimate plea is for divine intervention. The psalm begins by calling upon God as the "God of vengeance" in [Psalm 94:1](/psalms/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - God of Vengeance") and concludes with the declaration that God Himself will bring the evildoers' iniquity back upon them, as stated in [Psalm 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God's Judgment on the Wicked"). Therefore, Psalm 94:16 functions as a rhetorical question that highlights the *absence* of sufficient human defenders, thereby directing the psalmist's and the reader's hope and expectation squarely toward God as the only true and capable champion against pervasive evil. It's a recognition that human efforts alone are insufficient to overcome the entrenched wickedness described, necessitating God's sovereign intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 94:16, with its desperate cry for a champion against evildoers, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's lament for one to "rise up" and "stand up" against the workers of iniquity foreshadows the arrival of the one true hero who would not only confront evil but conquer it definitively. In a world where human champions fail and justice often seems elusive, Jesus is revealed as the righteous King and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the one who truly "rose up" from the grave, triumphing over sin and death, the ultimate works of iniquity, as affirmed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Evil"). He is the righteous judge who will ultimately execute perfect justice, separating the sheep from the goats and casting out all evildoers, a vivid scene described in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations"). For believers, Christ is not merely a future judge but our present advocate and defender, interceding for us at the right hand of God, as highlighted in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Our Intercessor"). The yearning for a champion expressed in Psalm 94:16 is fully satisfied in Christ, who has already secured the victory and will one day establish perfect justice in His eternal kingdom where there will be no more death or sorrow, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow").

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

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.