Psalms 94:20

KJV

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall the throne {H3678} of iniquity {H1942} have fellowship {H2266}{H8792)} with thee, which frameth {H3335}{H8802)} mischief {H5999} by a law {H2706}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Can unjust judges be allied with you, those producing wrong in the name of law?

Berean Standard Bible

Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree?

American Standard Version

Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee, Which frameth mischief by statute?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 94:20 presents a powerful rhetorical question, challenging the very possibility of God's fellowship or alliance with any form of institutionalized injustice. The psalmist, in a fervent plea for divine intervention against rampant oppression, highlights the utterly repugnant nature of rulers or systems that not only perpetrate evil but go so far as to pervert the very instruments of law and governance to legitimize their wicked deeds. This verse serves as a profound assertion of God's unblemished righteousness and His absolute incompatibility with any "throne of iniquity" that seeks to establish oppression by legal decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 94 is a passionate lament and an urgent appeal to God, the ultimate Judge, for justice against the wicked who relentlessly oppress the innocent. The psalm begins with a cry for vengeance and divine judgment upon the arrogant evildoers who "[crush his people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage](/psalms/94-5 "Psalm 94:5 - Oppression of God's People")". The psalmist describes the wicked's impunity and their defiant questioning of [God's awareness or action](/psalms/94-7 "Psalm 94:7 - The Wicked's Arrogance") in the face of their atrocities. In response, the psalmist confidently asserts God's omniscient judgment, reminding the foolish that the one who "[implanted the ear, does he not hear?](/psalms/94-9 "Psalm 94:9 - God's Omniscience")" Verse 20, therefore, emerges from this context of deep distress over widespread injustice and a profound conviction in God's righteous character, serving as a climactic rhetorical challenge to the notion that God could ever align with such systemic evil. It reinforces the psalmist's trust that God, who "[will not forsake his people](/psalms/94-14 "Psalm 94:14 - God's Faithfulness")", must necessarily oppose those who establish injustice by law.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives or even deities themselves, responsible for upholding justice and order. However, history is replete with examples of rulers who abused their power, enacting oppressive laws or perverting existing legal frameworks for personal gain or to suppress dissent. The concept of "law" (Hebrew: *chôq*) in Israelite society was not merely a human construct but divinely ordained, rooted in the Mosaic covenant, intended to establish righteousness, protect the vulnerable, and reflect God's character. Therefore, for a "throne of iniquity" to "frame mischief by a law" was the ultimate perversion of God's intended order. It represented a betrayal of the very purpose of governance and a direct affront to the divine mandate for justice. This cultural understanding of law as a sacred trust amplifies the horror and indignation expressed by the psalmist at its corruption.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Righteousness and Justice** of God, unequivocally declaring His holy and just nature. His character is utterly opposed to all forms of evil, making fellowship with injustice an absolute impossibility, echoing sentiments found in [His perfect justice and uprightness](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice"). Secondly, it highlights the **Insidious Nature of Institutionalized Evil**. The phrase "throne of iniquity" speaks to corrupt authority, while "frameth mischief by a law" describes the most dangerous form of injustice: wickedness that is systematized, legalized, and enforced under the guise of legitimate governance. This is more insidious than individual acts of sin because it perverts the very instruments meant to uphold order and justice, turning them into tools of oppression. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **God's Absolute Separation from Iniquity**. The rhetorical question demands a resounding "No!" God cannot have "fellowship" or partnership with injustice. His purity is such that [He "cannot look on iniquity"](/habakkuk/1-13 "Habakkuk 1:13 - God's Pure Eyes"), especially when it is an established system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Throne (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** From H3678, this word denotes a seat of authority, power, and governance, often implying a canopied seat of royalty. When combined with "iniquity," it emphasizes that the corruption is not merely individual but systemic, originating from the very seat of power and permeating the structure of rule. It speaks to a kingdom, a dominion, or a governmental system that is fundamentally built upon and perpetrates evil.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _havvâh'_):** From H1942, this term signifies desire, but more commonly ruin, calamity, mischief, or wickedness. It refers to moral evil, injustice, and the suffering it causes. In this context, it describes the very essence of the "throne" – it is not just a throne that commits iniquity, but a "throne of iniquity," implying that injustice, perverseness, and ruin are its defining characteristics and purpose.
* **Frameth (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** From H3335, this verb means "to mould into a form," like a potter shaping clay, or figuratively, "to determine" or "form a resolution." This vivid imagery suggests a deliberate, intentional, and creative act. The wicked rulers are not merely committing random acts of injustice; they are actively and skillfully designing, crafting, and establishing injustice as if it were a legitimate product of their legislative process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee":** This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question, demanding a resounding negative answer. It challenges the very notion that God, who is perfectly righteous and just, could ever align Himself with, tolerate, or enter into partnership (fellowship) with a system of governance defined by wickedness. The "throne of iniquity" is personified as something capable of seeking fellowship, highlighting its active opposition to God's character. The implication is that any such alliance is an absolute impossibility, given God's holiness.
* **"which frameth mischief by a law?":** This second clause specifies the nature of the "throne of iniquity," describing its most insidious characteristic. It's not just a throne that commits evil, but one that actively "frames mischief" – creates trouble, suffering, and injustice – by means of "law" or statute. This points to the perversion of justice, where the very instruments designed to uphold order and righteousness are twisted to legitimize oppression, exploit the vulnerable, and enforce wickedness under the guise of legality. This makes the injustice particularly heinous, as it cloaks itself in the mantle of authority and legitimacy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion, implying an emphatic "No!" and thus highlighting the absolute incompatibility between God's character and institutionalized injustice. **Personification** is also evident in the phrase "throne of iniquity have fellowship," attributing the human capacity for relationship to an abstract concept of corrupt governance, thereby making the evil more tangible and abhorrent. Furthermore, the phrase "frameth mischief by a law" uses a vivid **Metaphor**, comparing the act of creating unjust laws to a craftsman (like a potter) deliberately shaping a harmful product. This imagery underscores the intentional, calculated, and systematic nature of the wickedness being described, emphasizing that it is not accidental but a deliberate perversion of justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 94:20 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's unwavering righteousness and His inherent opposition to all forms of injustice, especially that which is institutionalized and legally sanctioned. It asserts that God's holy nature precludes any complicity or partnership with systems that pervert justice and oppress the vulnerable. This verse serves as a divine standard against which all human governance must be measured, reminding us that true authority derives from and must reflect God's character, not contradict it. It also provides comfort and hope to the oppressed, affirming that God sees and will ultimately judge those who establish wickedness by decree, assuring His people that their cries for justice do not fall on deaf ears.

* [Proverbs 16:12](/proverbs/16-12 "Proverbs 16:12 - Righteousness Establishes Thrones")
* [Isaiah 10:1-2](/isaiah/10-1-2 "Isaiah 10:1-2 - Woe to Unjust Laws")
* [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Perverting Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 94:20 challenges believers to a profound discernment regarding the nature of power and law in society. It compels us to recognize that not all that is legal is righteous, and that true justice must align with God's character, not merely human decrees. We are called to cultivate a prophetic imagination that can identify and speak against "thrones of iniquity" in our own contexts, whether they manifest in corrupt political systems, discriminatory economic policies, or social structures that perpetuate injustice. This verse provides both a lament for the present reality of legalized oppression and a profound hope in God's ultimate judgment. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom of righteousness, and therefore, we must never passively accept or participate in systems that "frame mischief by a law." Instead, we are called to be agents of God's justice, advocating for the vulnerable and working for the establishment of righteous laws that reflect His heart for humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "thrones of iniquity" manifest in our contemporary society, "framing mischief by a law"?**
* **How can believers actively discern between human laws that align with God's justice and those that pervert it?**
* **What is our responsibility as followers of Christ when confronted with institutionalized injustice, even when it is legally sanctioned?**
* **How does the psalmist's confidence in God's ultimate judgment encourage us when facing seemingly insurmountable systems of oppression?**

### FAQ
**Does God ever allow unjust laws to prevail, and how should believers respond?**

Answer: While God, in His sovereign plan, may permit unjust laws and oppressive regimes to exist for a time, Psalms 94:20 emphatically declares that He does not have "fellowship" with them. This means He does not condone, endorse, or align Himself with such systems. His permission is not approval. Believers are called to a dual response: first, to lament and pray for justice, recognizing that God is the ultimate judge who declares "[Vengeance is Mine, I will repay](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")". Second, while respecting [governing authorities as ordained by God for order](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), believers are ultimately commanded to "[obey God rather than men](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men")" when human laws directly contradict divine commands or promote injustice. This may involve peaceful protest, advocacy, civil disobedience, or simply living out kingdom values that expose the darkness of unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 94:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's righteous character and stands in absolute opposition to every "throne of iniquity." While earthly rulers "frame mischief by a law," Jesus established a kingdom founded on perfect justice and righteousness, where "[the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Servant King")". He Himself was a victim of institutionalized injustice, condemned by a corrupted legal system that "framed mischief by a law" to crucify the [innocent Lamb of God](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - The Charge Against Jesus") Himself. Yet, through His death and resurrection, Christ "[disarmed the rulers and authorities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")", demonstrating that no earthly throne, however powerful or legally sanctioned, can ultimately stand against God's righteous judgment. His return will usher in a [new heaven and new earth where "righteousness dwells"](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")", and every knee will bow to Him, the true King of Righteousness, whose [throne is established forever in justice and equity](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord") and whose reign is one of perfect, unassailable justice.

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

Isaiah 10:1

¶ Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed;

Psalms 58:2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:16

¶ And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, [that] wickedness [was] there; and the place of righteousness, [that] iniquity [was] there.

John 11:57

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew [it], that they might take him.

Revelation 13:15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Revelation 13:17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Daniel 6:7

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.