Psalms 129:4
Psalms 129:4 in Multiple Translations
The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Jehovah is righteous: He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
The Lord is true: the cords of the evil-doers are broken in two.
But the Lord does what is right: he has cut me free from the ropes of the wicked.
But the righteous Lord hath cut the cordes of the wicked.
Jehovah [is] righteous, He hath cut asunder cords of the wicked.
The LORD is righteous. He has cut apart the cords of the wicked.
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on his word:
But Yahweh is righteous, and he has freed me from being a slave [MTY] of wicked people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 129:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 129:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהוָ֥ה
צַדִּ֑יק
קִ֝צֵּ֗ץ
עֲב֣וֹת
רְשָׁעִֽים
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
קִ֝צֵּ֗ץ
qâtsats
H7112
to cut
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
עֲב֣וֹת
ʻăbôth
H5688
cord
N-cs
רְשָׁעִֽים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 129:4
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
קִ֝צֵּ֗ץ
qâtsats
H7112
"to cut"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This verb means to cut something off, either physically or figuratively. It is used in the Bible to describe cutting off a branch or a piece of wood, and also to describe being cut off from a group or community.
Definition: 1) to cut off 1a) (Qal) to cut off 1b) (Piel) to cut or hew off, cut in two, cut in pieces 1c) (Pual) to be cut or hewn off Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsats (קְצַץ "to cut" H7113)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in pieces, in sunder, off), [idiom] utmost. See also: Exodus 39:3; 2 Kings 24:13; Psalms 46:10.
עֲב֣וֹת
ʻăbôth
H5688
"cord"
N-cs
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Definition: 1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage 1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain 1b) interwoven foliage
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain). See also: Exodus 28:14; Job 39:10; Psalms 2:3.
רְשָׁעִֽים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 129:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 129:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
- Sermons on Psalms 129:4
Context — The Cords of the Wicked
2many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.
4The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.
5May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. 6May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:137 | Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:22 | Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 9:33 | You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly. |
| 4 | Psalms 124:6–7 | Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away. |
| 5 | Lamentations 1:18 | The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled against His command. Listen, all you people; look upon my suffering. My young men and maidens have gone into captivity. |
| 6 | Psalms 140:5–11 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. |
| 7 | Ezra 9:15 | O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You.” |
| 8 | Daniel 9:7 | To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. |
Psalms 129:4 Summary
[This verse means that God is always fair and just, and He has the power to set us free from the control of evil people. When we feel trapped or controlled by others, we can trust in God's power to break the cords that bind us, just like He did for the psalmist. This is similar to what we see in Psalms 107:14, where God breaks the chains of those who are oppressed. We can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, knowing that He is always working for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD has cut me from the cords of the wicked?
This means that God has rescued the psalmist from the control and influence of evil people, setting them free from spiritual bondage, as seen in Psalms 107:14 and Isaiah 61:1.
How can we know that the LORD is righteous?
We can know that the LORD is righteous because His actions and judgments are always just and fair, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Revelation 16:5-7.
What is the significance of the cords of the wicked?
The cords of the wicked represent the snares and traps set by evil people to harm and deceive others, but God's power can break these cords and set us free, as seen in Psalms 140:5 and Proverbs 29:25.
How can I apply this verse to my life?
You can apply this verse by trusting in God's power to deliver you from the influence of evil people and remembering that He is always righteous and just, as seen in Romans 12:21 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have felt trapped or controlled by the influence of wicked people, and how can I trust God to set me free?
- How does remembering that the LORD is righteous help me to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some cords of the wicked that I need to be cut free from in my life, and how can I seek God's help to break free?
- How can I use my experience of being set free from the cords of the wicked to help and encourage others who are still trapped?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:4
The Lord [is] righteous,.... Or gracious and merciful; hence acts of mercy are called righteousness in the Hebrew language; the Lord has compassion on his people under their afflictions, and delivers
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:4
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. The Lord is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. The righteousness of God is His people's ground of hoping deliverance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
Righteous; faithful or merciful, as that word is frequently used. Cut asunder the cords wherewith the plough was drawn; by which means they were stopped in their course. So he persists in the same metaphor of a plough. By these cords he understands all their plots and endeavours.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
Psalms 129:4 The LORD [is] righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.Ver. 4. The Lord is righteous] That is a ruled case, and must be held for a certain truth, whatever we are, or our persecutors. He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked] That is, their harness, their plough traces ( nam continuatur tropus rusticus), so that the plough is loose and the horses at liberty; all their forces and designs are broken.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
(4) The Lord is righteous.—This expression of faith, introduced without any conjunction, is itself a revelation of the deeply-rooted religion of Israel. Cords.—Literally, cord. As in Psalms 124:7, the net was broken and the bird escaped, so here the cord binding the slave (comp. Psalms 2:3) is severed and he goes free.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
Verse 4. The Lord-hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.] The words have been applied to the sufferings of Christ; but I know not on what authority. No such scourging could take place in his case, as would justify the expression, - "The ploughers made long furrows there, Till all his body was one wound." It is not likely that he received more than thirty-nine stripes. The last line is an unwarranted assertion.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:4
4. The Lord is righteous: he &c.] Better, Jehovah the righteous hath cut asunder. The same attribute of righteousness which compels Him to punish (Nehemiah 9:33) binds Him to deliver, for it involves faithfulness to His covenant. Cp. Psalms 51:14 note; Isaiah 45:21. cords] The word usually denotes the straps or bands by which the yoke was fastened on to the neck of the ox (Job 39:10). If the metaphor of the preceding verse is continued, the meaning is that the plower’s harness is broken so that they can no longer continue their work. But the figure may be changed; Israel may be the ox, and the cords those which fasten the yoke of servitude upon its neck. Or ‘cords’ may be used generally as a figure for subjection. Cp. Psalms 2:3.
The reference is to the deliverance of Israel from successive oppressions, but especially to the great deliverance from the captivity in Babylon, and to the escape which is the theme of Psalms 124.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:4
The Lord is righteous - Righteous in permitting this; righteous in what he has done, and will do, in the treatment of those who inflict such wrongs.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:4
4. The Lord is righteous—In fulfilling his promises to his people, and rendering deserved retribution upon their persecutors. See Revelation 15:3; Revelation 16:7; Revelation 19:2.
Sermons on Psalms 129:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Want My Portion Now! by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of backsliding and encourages the audience to examine their reasons for coming to church. He emphasizes the importance of personal |
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Afflictions of God's People by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that there is no arbitrariness in God. He emphasizes that this truth is not an anti-climax, but rather a pinnacle of faith. The pre |
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A Personal Promise by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David from the book of 1 Samuel. David goes from being an unknown shepherd boy to a famous warrior and leader of the army. Howeve |
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The Heart of God in the Wilderness by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth of God's love for humanity. He highlights the lack of revelation and vision in society, which lead |
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What Will Keep You on the Mission Field? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practical religion and giving one's life away to God. He believes that many people in churches are unconverted or lack a t |
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The Novelties of Divine Mercy by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the faithfulness and compassion of God towards His people. He encourages the listeners to be content with what they have, reminding them of |
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Blood on Your Hands by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's unfailing compassion and faithfulness towards the house of Israel. He highlights the influence our lives have on others, particularly |