Psalms 94:7

KJV

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet they say {H559}{H8799)}, The LORD {H3050} shall not see {H7200}{H8799)}, neither shall the God {H430} of Jacob {H3290} regard {H995}{H8799)} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They say, "Yah isn't looking; the God of Ya'akov won't notice."

Berean Standard Bible

They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

American Standard Version

And they say, Jehovah will not see, Neither will the God of Jacob consider.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 94:7 powerfully articulates the audacious and self-deceptive declaration of the wicked, who, in their pride and presumed impunity, assert that the sovereign God of Israel is either oblivious to their transgressions or indifferent to the suffering they inflict. This verse encapsulates humanity's fallen tendency to deny divine accountability, setting the critical theological stage for the psalmist's subsequent, forceful rebuttal that unequivocally affirms God's unwavering omniscience, omnipresence, and unyielding commitment to justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 94 is a fervent communal lament, serving as a passionate appeal for divine intervention against rampant injustice and oppression. The psalm unfolds as a profound theological dialogue, contrasting the psalmist's anguish over the wicked's apparent triumph with a confident affirmation of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. Verses 1-7 meticulously describe the wicked's actions—their boasting, cruelty, and blatant disregard for God's law and His people. Verse 7, specifically, articulates their fundamental theological error: the deluded belief that God "shall not see" or "regard" their deeds. This audacious denial of divine omniscience and active concern serves as the climax of their arrogance, directly preceding the psalmist's powerful and logical refutation in [Psalms 94:8-11](/psalms/94-8-11 "Psalms 94:8-11 - God's All-Seeing and All-Knowing Nature"), where he challenges their foolishness by reminding them that the One who made the eye surely sees, and the One who formed the ear surely hears. The psalm then transitions into a confident declaration of God's faithfulness and ultimate judgment, culminating in the assurance that God will not abandon His people ([Psalms 94:14](/psalms/94-14 "Psalms 94:14 - God Will Not Forsake His People")) and will bring the wicked's iniquity back upon them ([Psalms 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalms 94:23 - The Wicked's Just Punishment")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop of Psalm 94 reflects a societal condition where the righteous are oppressed, and the wicked appear to prosper without immediate consequence. This scenario is a recurring lament theme throughout the Old Testament, where the people of God frequently faced internal corruption or external threats, leading to profound questions about divine justice. In ancient Israel, justice was ideally administered by judges and elders at the city gates, reflecting God's own righteous character. When human justice failed, or when oppressors acted with impunity, the people would appeal directly to God, the ultimate Judge of all the earth. The reference to "the God of Jacob" is profoundly significant, evoking the covenantal relationship established with the patriarch Jacob (Israel) and his descendants. This title underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people and His steadfast commitment to their well-being and justice, even amidst their suffering. The wicked's denial of God's "regard" for "the God of Jacob" implies a profound rejection of the covenant itself and God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in upholding justice for His chosen nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 94 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **denial of divine omniscience and omnipotence**, as the wicked foolishly believe their actions are hidden from God's sight or beyond His concern. This delusion is a recurring motif for those who act contrary to God's will, as seen in [Psalm 10:11](/psalms/10-11 "Psalm 10:11 - The Wicked's Delusion of God's Indifference"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine justice and retribution**. The wicked's assertion that God "shall not see" or "regard" their actions is a direct challenge to God's character as a righteous Judge who will ultimately bring all deeds into account. The psalmist's subsequent argument vehemently refutes this, affirming God's active role in upholding justice and punishing evil. Thirdly, the verse sets up the profound **contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty**. The wicked's boastful pronouncements are presented as utterly foolish when juxtaposed with the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator, who formed the eye and ear ([Psalms 94:9](/psalms/94-9 "Psalms 94:9 - God's Inherent Perception")). This establishes the foundational truth that no human action, thought, or intention can escape the all-seeing gaze and discerning judgment of the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yâhh'_):** This word (יָהּ, H3050) is a contraction of YHWH (Yahweh), the sacred, covenantal name of God. By referring to "The LORD," the psalmist emphasizes that the wicked are denying the active oversight of the very God who entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, revealing Himself as faithful, powerful, and just. Their assertion is not a denial of a generic deity, but a specific rejection of the personal, all-powerful God of the covenant.
* **see (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This verb (רָאָה, H7200) means to perceive, observe, or understand. In this context, the wicked's assertion "The LORD shall not see" denies God's sensory perception and, by extension, His full awareness and knowledge of their deeds. It implies a belief that God is either blind to their actions or that their actions are somehow hidden from His divine gaze, allowing them to act with impunity. The psalmist's rebuttal in subsequent verses directly challenges this limited view of God's perception, emphasizing His comprehensive and inescapable sight.
* **regard (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** The verb (בִּין, H995) means to separate mentally (or distinguish), to discern, understand, perceive, or pay close attention to. It suggests an active, intelligent comprehension and concern, not merely passive observation. When the wicked declare, "neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it]," they are denying not just God's awareness but also His active engagement, His capacity to discern the implications of their actions, and His willingness to intervene or hold them accountable. This implies a belief in divine indifference or detachment from human affairs, particularly the suffering of the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet they say":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the speakers as "they"—the wicked, the oppressors, those who inflict suffering and boast in their iniquity, as described in the preceding verses of Psalm 94. Their "saying" is not merely a private thought but an open, defiant declaration, underscoring their arrogance and their fundamental misapprehension of God's nature. It sets up a direct confrontation between human presumption and divine reality.
* **"The LORD shall not see":** This is the core of the wicked's profound delusion. They audaciously claim that Yahweh (the covenant God of Israel), the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator, is somehow limited in His perception. This denial is not just about physical sight but about comprehensive knowledge and awareness. They operate under the false premise that their actions, especially those committed in secret or against the vulnerable, escape divine scrutiny and therefore will incur no divine consequence.
* **"neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].":** This second clause functions in powerful synonymous parallelism with the first, intensifying the wicked's theological error. "The God of Jacob" is a deeply significant covenantal name, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people, Israel, and His historical involvement in their lives. By stating that this God will not "regard" (discern, pay attention to, care about) their actions, the wicked are denying God's active concern for justice, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His willingness to intervene on behalf of the oppressed. They believe God is either indifferent to their evil or incapable of acting upon it.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 94:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message and expose the folly of the wicked. The most prominent is **Irony**: the wicked, who are spiritually blind to God's omnipresence and omniscience, audaciously declare that God Himself is blind. Their statement is a profound demonstration of their own spiritual darkness and self-deception, ironically highlighting the very divine attribute they deny. There is also clear **Synonymous Parallelism** between the phrases "The LORD shall not see" and "neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it]." Both clauses convey the same core idea of God's supposed lack of awareness or concern, reinforcing the wicked's misguided belief through repetition and slightly varied emphasis, thereby intensifying the theological error. Furthermore, the verse uses a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human sensory perception ("see," "regard") to God, which is then immediately denied by the wicked. This sets up the psalmist's forceful counter-argument in subsequent verses, where he uses the same anthropomorphic language to assert God's true, infinite capacity for sight and understanding, thereby exposing the utter folly of the wicked's limited human perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The denial of God's omniscience and active regard, as expressed in Psalms 94:7, strikes at the very heart of biblical theology. It represents a fundamental misunderstanding of God's nature as the sovereign Creator and righteous Judge. If God does not "see" or "regard," then moral accountability is nullified, and the universe operates without divine oversight, leading to chaos and unpunished evil. However, the consistent biblical witness affirms God's perfect knowledge, His omnipresence, and His unwavering commitment to justice. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial point of tension, highlighting the human tendency to rationalize sin by minimizing God's attributes, while simultaneously setting the stage for the psalmist's powerful affirmation of God's inescapable sovereignty and ultimate justice. It reminds us that every action, whether public or private, is performed before the eyes of the living God, who will ultimately set all things right.

* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the LORD")
* [Psalm 10:11](/psalms/10-11 "Psalm 10:11 - The Wicked's False Belief in God's Forgetfulness")
* [Psalm 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God's Retribution on the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 94:7 serves as a profound mirror for both the oppressed and the potential oppressor, challenging our perceptions of divine oversight and justice. For those who feel overwhelmed by the apparent triumph of evil, or who suffer under injustice, this verse, by articulating the wicked's delusion, offers a powerful counter-narrative: God is neither blind nor indifferent. He sees every tear, hears every cry, and is intimately aware of every act of injustice. This truth should ignite a deep-seated hope and steadfast trust in God's active sovereignty, even when His justice seems delayed. It calls believers to persevere in righteousness, knowing that their struggles are seen and their faith is not in vain. Conversely, for anyone tempted to act wickedly, believing their deeds are hidden or inconsequential, this verse stands as a stark and inescapable warning. No secret sin, no hidden motive, no act of oppression escapes the all-seeing eyes of the Lord. It compels us to live with an acute awareness of God's omnipresence, shaping our choices, words, and actions in light of His ultimate judgment and perfect righteousness. Our lives are lived before an audience of One, and true wisdom begins with acknowledging His inescapable gaze.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, act as if God "does not see" or "does not regard" my actions or attitudes?**
* **How does the truth of God's omniscience and active regard bring me comfort when I experience injustice, and how does it challenge me when I am tempted to sin?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more consistently in the awareness that "the eyes of the LORD are in every place"?**
* **How can I pray for those who deny God's oversight, and how can I advocate for justice in a way that reflects God's own righteous character?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they" in this verse, and what does their statement reveal about them?**

Answer: "They" refers to the wicked, the oppressors, and those who act with impunity, as described throughout Psalm 94. These are individuals who "boast themselves" (v. 4), "break in pieces thy people, O LORD" (v. 5), and "murder the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless" (v. 6). Their statement, "The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it]," reveals a profound spiritual blindness and arrogance. It indicates a willful denial of God's attributes—His omniscience (all-seeing) and His active justice/providence (regard). They operate under the delusion that their actions are hidden from God or that He is indifferent to human suffering, thereby removing any perceived divine accountability for their evil deeds. This self-deception allows them to continue in their wickedness without fear of consequence, a common characteristic of those who reject God's authority (see [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool Says No God")).

**Why is God referred to specifically as "the God of Jacob" in this context?**

Answer: The title "the God of Jacob" is highly significant and deeply covenantal. It refers to Yahweh, the God who entered into a special, enduring relationship with Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) and his descendants. This designation emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant people, His historical acts of deliverance, and His commitment to their well-being and justice. When the wicked declare that "the God of Jacob" will not "regard" their actions, they are not just denying a generic deity's oversight; they are specifically denying the covenant God's active involvement and concern for His chosen people, particularly in the face of oppression. This makes their denial even more audacious, as it implies a rejection of God's very character as the faithful, covenant-keeping God who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf, as He did for Jacob in his struggles (e.g., [Genesis 31:42](/genesis/31-42 "Genesis 31:42 - God's Regard for Jacob")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 94:7, with its portrayal of the wicked's denial of God's oversight, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very omniscience and active regard that the wicked deny in the Old Testament are perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the pre-existent Word, through whom all things were made, and in whom all things hold together ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word was God"); [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). As God incarnate, Jesus demonstrated perfect knowledge of human hearts and hidden deeds, seeing Nathaniel under the fig tree ([John 1:48](/john/1-48 "John 1:48 - Jesus' Omniscience")) and knowing the thoughts of His accusers ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")). More significantly, the "God of Jacob" who "regards" the suffering of His people is perfectly revealed in Christ, who took on human flesh to suffer with and for humanity, ultimately offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The wicked's delusion that God will not see or judge is utterly shattered by Christ's first coming, which initiated the kingdom of God, and will be definitively crushed at His second coming, when He returns as the [righteous Judge of all the earth](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") and every deed is brought into the light ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). In Christ, God's perfect sight, discerning regard, and unwavering commitment to justice are not merely abstract concepts but living realities that guarantee the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the just condemnation of all who deny His sovereign rule.

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 10:11

He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].

Psalms 10:13

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].

Luke 18:3

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Luke 18:4

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Zephaniah 1:12

And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Isaiah 29:15

Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Psalms 59:7

Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords [are] in their lips: for who, [say they], doth hear?