[How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
How long shall they utter {H5042}{H8686)} and speak {H1696}{H8762)} hard things {H6277}? and all the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205} boast {H559}{H8691)} themselves?
They pour out insolent words, they go on bragging, all these evildoers.
They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
They prate, they speak arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast themselves.
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Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. -
Psalms 52:1
¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually. -
Daniel 7:25
And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. -
Psalms 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah. -
Revelation 13:5
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. -
Revelation 13:6
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. -
Jude 1:14
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Psalms 94:4 KJV poses a direct question about the enduring presence and arrogance of those who do evil:
"How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?"
Context
Psalm 94 is a psalm of lament and a plea for divine justice. The psalmist observes the widespread oppression and wickedness in the land and cries out to God, asking Him to intervene. This verse is part of the initial description of the problem – the wicked are not only committing evil acts but are also speaking arrogantly and boasting about their power and impunity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "hard things" is ʻathaq, which can mean 'ancient', 'worn out', but in this context often carries the sense of 'presumptuous', 'arrogant', or 'stubborn' speech. It describes words that are defiant and oppressive. "Boast themselves" comes from the Hebrew mit'am'meru, a reflexive form indicating they speak proudly to or among themselves, exalting their own strength or deeds, even their evil ones. This emphasizes their self-importance and lack of fear of God or man.
Reflection
Psalms 94:4 resonates deeply in times when we witness injustice and hear evildoers speak with arrogance or dismissiveness. It acknowledges the frustration and confusion that arise when the wicked seem to prosper and boast openly about their actions. The psalmist's question, "How long?", is a timeless cry that expresses the human longing for God's justice. While the workers of iniquity may utter hard things and boast now, the wider context of the psalm moves towards trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and His promise to judge the world in righteousness. This verse encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God sees and will eventually act.