Psalms 94:23

KJV

And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall bring {H7725} upon them their own iniquity {H205}, and shall cut them off {H6789} in their own wickedness {H7451}; yea, the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} shall cut them off {H6789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he repays them as their guilt deserves; he will cut them off with their own evil; ADONAI our God will cut them off.

Berean Standard Bible

He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.

American Standard Version

And he hath brought upon them their own iniquity, And will cut them off in their own wickedness; Jehovah our God will cut them off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 94:23 serves as the climactic and resolute declaration within a psalm of fervent lament and imprecation, affirming the psalmist's unwavering conviction in God's ultimate and decisive justice. Following a detailed portrayal of the oppressive actions and arrogant disregard of the wicked, this verse emphatically pronounces divine retribution, asserting that the very iniquity and wickedness of the oppressors will be the instrument of their own downfall, executed by the sovereign hand of the LORD our God. It encapsulates the psalm's confident conclusion that evil will not prevail, and divine judgment is certain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 94 is a profound communal lament, beginning with an impassioned plea for divine vengeance and justice against those who oppress the righteous. The psalm vividly describes the wicked's arrogance, their belief that God neither sees nor cares about their injustices, as articulated in their cynical question, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive" ([Psalm 94:7](/psalms/94-7 "Psalm 94:7 - The Wicked's Arrogance")). The psalmist cries out for God, the "God of vengeance" ([Psalm 94:1](/psalms/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - God of Vengeance")), to rise up and judge. Verses 8-11 directly challenge the foolishness of those who deny God's omniscience, asserting that the One who formed the ear and eye surely hears and sees. Verses 12-15 then offer comfort and assurance to the righteous, promising that God will not abandon His people or forsake His inheritance. The psalm transitions to a renewed expression of trust in God's help against the wicked (vv. 16-19), culminating in the confident assertion of divine judgment in verses 20-23. Verse 23, therefore, acts as the triumphant and final word, the confident resolution to the psalmist's initial plea, bringing the psalm to a powerful close by affirming the certainty of God's righteous judgment and the self-destructive nature of evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalms 94 is not explicitly stated, allowing its themes of injustice and divine retribution to resonate across various periods of oppression within Israel's history. The "wicked" could refer to foreign invaders, corrupt officials, or even apostate Israelites who disregarded the covenant and exploited the poor, widows, and sojourners. In the ancient Near East, justice was often seen as a fundamental attribute of the gods, and human rulers were expected to uphold it as divine representatives. When human justice failed, the people appealed directly to the divine realm for intervention. The concept of "iniquity" and "wickedness" bringing about one's own downfall was a recognized principle of divine justice, reflecting the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and the broader understanding that actions have inherent consequences, often divinely orchestrated. The psalmist's appeal is rooted in the conviction that Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, is uniquely righteous and will ultimately intervene to right wrongs, unlike the capricious deities of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader Old Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God as Judge**, reaffirming that Yahweh is the ultimate arbiter of justice, who sees all and will render righteous judgment, a theme echoed in Abraham's question, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" ([Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - God as Judge of All the Earth")). Secondly, it highlights the principle of **Divine Retribution**, where God actively ensures the wicked face the consequences of their actions, not merely as a passive outcome but as an intentional act of divine justice. This is a consistent biblical truth, emphasizing God's active involvement in upholding moral order. Thirdly, the emphasis on "their own iniquity" and "their own wickedness" points to the concept of **Self-Inflicted Consequences**, where punishment is not arbitrary but directly stems from the inherent moral corruption and evil deeds of the perpetrators. This resonates with the principle of sowing and reaping found in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow"). Finally, the repetition of "shall cut them off" reinforces the **Certainty and Finality of Judgment**, offering profound comfort to those who have suffered under the wicked by assuring them that justice will indeed prevail and evil will not endure indefinitely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. This term refers to perversity, guilt, or the consequence of sin. It implies a distortion, a bending or twisting of what is right, leading to culpability. Unlike a mere mistake, `ʼâven` often carries the connotation of intentional wrongdoing or a deep-seated moral failing that incurs divine displeasure and requires atonement. Here, it is not just the act but the very nature of their moral corruption that becomes the instrument of their downfall.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From a primitive root meaning to break in pieces; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral). This word broadly denotes evil, distress, or calamity. In this context, it speaks to the active manifestation of evil deeds, intentions, and the harmful effects they produce. While `ʼâven` might describe the internal state or guilt, `raʻ` describes the external, destructive actions and their inherent malevolence. The verse suggests that the very evil they perpetrate will boomerang back upon them.
* **Cut them off (Hebrew, _tsâmath'_):** A primitive root meaning to extirpate (literally or figuratively). This verb signifies to utterly destroy, exterminate, or bring to an end. It conveys a sense of complete cessation and decisive termination. The double use of this verb in the verse ("shall cut them off... shall cut them off") powerfully emphasizes the absolute certainty, finality, and totality of God's intervention, bringing about the complete cessation of the wicked's power, influence, and very existence as a threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity":** This clause declares that God (the "he," referring to the LORD our God from the subsequent phrase) will actively cause the wicked to experience the full, devastating consequences of their own moral perversion and inherent guilt. It's not merely that their sins will passively catch up to them, but that God Himself will ensure their iniquity becomes the very instrument or catalyst of their judgment. Their twisted nature and actions are the seeds of their destruction, divinely guaranteed to bear bitter fruit.
* **"and shall cut them off in their own wickedness":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the first, employing synonymous parallelism. The "wickedness" (their active evil deeds, malicious intent, and destructive practices) is explicitly stated as the context or means by which God will "cut them off." This signifies a complete and utter destruction or cessation of their power, influence, and very existence, directly linked to the evil they have committed. It highlights the principle of divine justice where the punishment fits the crime, and the very means of their oppression become the means of their undoing.
* **"yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off":** The emphatic "yea" (often supplied in translation for emphasis) and the repetition of "shall cut them off" serve as a powerful, climactic affirmation, leaving no doubt about the certainty and finality of the judgment. The addition of "the LORD our God" personalizes the declaration, emphasizing that it is the covenant-keeping, sovereign God of Israel—the one to whom the psalmist appealed—who will execute this judgment. This phrase provides profound assurance to the faithful that their God is actively engaged in upholding justice and will indeed deliver His people from their oppressors, bringing their reign of terror to an absolute end.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 94:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine justice with unwavering conviction. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "shall cut them off," appearing twice. This serves to underscore the absolute certainty, finality, and totality of God's judgment, creating a sense of inescapable doom for the wicked and unwavering assurance for the righteous. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is evident in the pairing of "their own iniquity" and "their own wickedness," and the corresponding actions of "bring upon them" and "cut them off." This structure reinforces the idea that both the internal corruption and external actions of the wicked contribute synergistically to their downfall. The phrase "yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off" functions as an **emphatic declaration** or **climactic affirmation**, adding a solemn and powerful conclusion to the psalmist's argument, leaving no room for doubt about the divine agent of this ultimate justice. The entire verse also functions as a form of **poetic justice**, where the very nature of the wicked's sin becomes the means of their punishment, a powerful and ironic twist that highlights God's perfect righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 94:23 stands as a robust declaration of God's active and righteous judgment, a foundational truth woven throughout the biblical narrative. It assures believers that divine justice is not merely an abstract concept but a certain reality, even when human systems of justice fail. The verse articulates the principle that God will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely, and that the very nature of sin carries within it the seeds of its own destruction, divinely orchestrated. This provides immense comfort to the oppressed and serves as a solemn warning to those who disregard God's law. It affirms God's moral governance over the universe and His commitment to His covenant people.

* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:6](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6 - God's Just Retribution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper, Psalms 94:23 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It reminds us that our God is not a passive observer but an active, righteous Judge who will ultimately bring all things to account. This verse calls us to cultivate patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing, even when His justice seems delayed from our perspective. It encourages us to resist the temptation to take vengeance into our own hands, knowing that ultimate retribution belongs to the Lord, as it is written, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")). Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder that our own actions, whether good or evil, carry inherent consequences, and no one is exempt from God's righteous judgment. For the believer, it fosters a sense of security and hope, knowing that the God who sees our suffering will also bring an end to the reign of injustice, ensuring that the very evil that afflicts us will be the means of the oppressor's downfall, and His perfect justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate justice impact your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to take justice into our own hands, and how does this verse encourage us to trust God's timing and method?**
* **What personal "iniquities" or "wickedness" might we need to confront in our own lives, recognizing that they carry inherent consequences before a righteous God?**
* **How can this psalm's message of divine judgment offer both comfort to the oppressed and a solemn warning to those who might act unjustly?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promote a vengeful attitude in believers?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promote a vengeful attitude in believers, but rather expresses a deep trust in God's perfect and righteous justice. The psalmist, suffering under oppression, appeals to God, the ultimate Judge, to execute the justice that human systems have failed to provide. The emphasis is on God's action ("he shall bring upon them," "the LORD our God shall cut them off"), not on human retribution. While the language is strong, it reflects a cry for divine intervention against systemic evil, not a personal vendetta. New Testament teachings consistently call believers to forgive, love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), and leave vengeance to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord")). Therefore, Psalms 94:23 serves to assure believers that God sees injustice and will act, providing comfort and a basis for trusting His sovereignty, rather than inciting personal revenge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 94:23 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies both divine justice and redemptive grace. While the psalm speaks of God bringing judgment upon the wicked through their own iniquity, Christ's work on the cross uniquely demonstrates this principle in a profound, redemptive way: He, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Here, the iniquity and wickedness of humanity were "brought upon" Christ, not for His destruction, but for the salvation of those who believe. He bore the full weight of sin's consequences, allowing believers to be cut off from their sin and its condemnation. Furthermore, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate Judge, to whom "all judgment has been committed" by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - All Judgment Committed to the Son")). He will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World")), bringing final and decisive judgment upon all unrighteousness, cutting off all wickedness and establishing His eternal kingdom of justice and peace ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the psalmist's confident declaration of God's certain judgment is fully realized in the eschatological work of Christ, who will perfectly execute the divine retribution promised, ensuring that all evil is ultimately vanquished and justice eternally prevails.

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 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Proverbs 14:32

¶ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Proverbs 2:22

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 5:22

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

1 Samuel 26:10

David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.