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Psalms 7:9

Psalms 7:9 in Multiple Translations

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous: For the righteous God trieth the minds and hearts.

O let the evil of the evil-doer come to an end, but give strength to the upright: for men's minds and hearts are tested by the God of righteousness.

Please bring an end to the evil done by the wicked; vindicate those who do good, for you are the God of right who examines hearts and minds.

Oh let the malice of the wicked come to an ende: but guide thou the iust: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reines.

Let, I pray Thee be ended the evil of the wicked, And establish Thou the righteous, And a trier of hearts and reins is the righteous God.

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

The Lord judgeth the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice, and according to my innocence in me.

God, you know what every person is thinking, and because you are righteous, you always do what is just/right. So now stop evil people from doing wicked deeds, and defend all of us who are righteous!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 7:9

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 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יְהוָה֮ יָדִ֪ין עַ֫מִּ֥ים שָׁפְטֵ֥/נִי יְהוָ֑ה כְּ/צִדְקִ֖/י וּ/כְ/תֻמִּ֣/י עָלָֽ/י
יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יָדִ֪ין dîyn H1777 to judge V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַ֫מִּ֥ים ʻam H5971 Amaw N-mp
שָׁפְטֵ֥/נִי shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
כְּ/צִדְקִ֖/י tsedeq H6664 Righteousness Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/כְ/תֻמִּ֣/י tôm H8537 integrity Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
עָלָֽ/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 7:9

יְהוָה֮ 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.
יָדִ֪ין dîyn H1777 "to judge" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To judge or plead a cause is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe acting as a judge or governing.
Definition: 1) to judge, contend, plead 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment 1a2) to plead a cause 1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate 1a4) to govern 1a5) to contend, strive 1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "to judge" H1778)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (come) with a straight course. See also: Genesis 6:3; Psalms 72:2; Psalms 7:9.
עַ֫מִּ֥ים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
שָׁפְטֵ֥/נִי shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
יְהוָ֑ה 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.
כְּ/צִדְקִ֖/י tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" Prep | N-ms | Suff
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וּ/כְ/תֻמִּ֣/י tôm H8537 "integrity" Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word means being complete or having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is innocent and morally pure. In the Bible, it describes people who are full of integrity and live with simplicity. It is often translated as 'integrity' or 'upright'.
Definition: 1) integrity, completeness 1a) completeness, fulness 1b) innocence, simplicity 1c) integrity
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550 (תֻּמִּים). See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 26:11; Psalms 7:9.
עָלָֽ/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — Psalms 7:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 11:20 O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
2 Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
3 Jeremiah 20:12 O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
4 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
5 1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
6 Psalms 10:15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found.
7 Psalms 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
8 Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
9 Psalms 37:23 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
10 Psalms 44:21 would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?

Psalms 7:9 Summary

[Psalms 7:9 is a prayer asking God to stop the evil actions of wicked people and to help those who are trying to do what is right. This verse reminds us that God is all-knowing and sees into our hearts and minds, as also mentioned in Jeremiah 17:10. We can trust that God will ultimately bring justice and make things right, as promised in Revelation 20:10-15. By trusting in God's goodness and leaving justice to Him, we can live with hope and confidence, knowing that He will establish us as righteous people.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'search hearts and minds'?

This phrase, found in Psalms 7:9, indicates that God is all-knowing and examines the innermost thoughts and intentions of every person, as also seen in Jeremiah 17:10 and Romans 8:27.

Will God really 'put an end to the evil of the wicked'?

Yes, according to Psalms 7:9, God will ultimately bring an end to evil, and this is reinforced in Revelation 20:10-15, which describes the final judgment of the wicked.

How can I be 'established' as a righteous person?

To be established as righteous, one must trust in God's righteousness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:21, and live according to His will, as guided by Psalms 37:37 and Proverbs 10:25.

Is it wrong to desire justice against the wicked?

No, desiring justice is not wrong, as seen in Psalms 7:9, where the psalmist asks God to put an end to the evil of the wicked; however, it's essential to leave vengeance to God, as instructed in Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need God to 'search my heart and mind' and bring about righteousness?
  2. How can I trust God to 'establish' me as a righteous person, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate God's righteousness and justice in my interactions with others, especially those who may be considered 'wicked'?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'trust in God's righteousness' and how can I apply this trust in my daily life?
  5. How can I balance my desire for justice with the need to leave vengeance to God, as instructed in Scripture?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 7:9

Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,.... Which will not be till the measure of it is fully up, and that will not be till the wicked are no more; for, as long as they are in the world

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 7:9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. Oh let the wickedness ... come to an end.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 7:9

Let the malice of mine enemies cease, put a stop to their wicked practices, either by changing their hearts, or by tying their hands, or some other way; say to it, as thou dost to the sea, Hitherto hast thou gone, but thou shalt go no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed. Or, The wickedness of the wicked shall have an end; not an end of perfection, which is to be accomplished; but all end of termination, it shall cease; and an end of destruction, it shall be rooted out. Or, Let, I pray thee, wickedness consume the wicked, i.e. those that are maliciously and incorrigibly such. And so this prayer is opposed to that following prayer for the just. And such prayers against some wicked men we find used by prophetical persons, which are not rashly to be drawn into precedent by ordinary persons. Establish; or, and thou wilt establish, or confirm, or uphold; which is opposed to that coming to an end or consuming last mentioned. The just; all just persons and causes, and mine in particular, which is so. The righteous God trieth the heart and reins; and therefore he knows that I have not so much as a thought or a desire of that mischief which Cush and others report I am designing against Saul.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 7:9

Psalms 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.Ver. 9. Oh let the wickedness, &c.] Put a stop to their rage and rancour. But establish the just] The overthrow of the one will be a strengthening to the other; as it was between the house of Saul and David, 2 Samuel 3:1. But who are just? The righteous God trieth the hearts and reins] i.e. The thoughts and affections or lusts of people, and accordingly esteemeth of them; for Mens cuiusque is est quisque; and God judgeth a man according to the hidden man of his heart, Cogitationum et cupiditatum (Junius).

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 7:9

(9) Establish.—Literally, let him stand erect. For the righteous God trieth.—Better, thou trier of hearts and reins, thou just God. The Hebrew word translated try is used, like it, for testing metals (Psalms 12:6; Proverbs 17:3).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 7:9

Verse 9. The wickedness of the wicked] The iniquity of Saul's conduct. But establish the just] Show the people my uprightness.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 7:9

9, 10. His own personal need is but one small part of the great cause, and he passes on to pray for the larger hope of the universal destruction of evil and triumph of the righteous.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 7:9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to and end - Of all the wicked; wickedness not in this particular case only, but wickedness of all forms, and in all lands.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 7:9

9. Oh let the wickedness of… come to an end—A prayer for universal right and justice in the earth, with calm faith in the result, finds expression in Psalms 7:9-10.

Sermons on Psalms 7:9

SermonDescription
Billy Graham Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli
Paul Washer The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an
Ralph Mahoney Marvelous Benefits of Repentance by Ralph Mahoney In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four benefits that come to those who truly repent. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, confessing it, making restitution,
Derek Prince The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God'
Charles Finney Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be
David Wilkerson Having a Perfect Heart by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the possibility of walking before the Lord with a perfect heart, encouraging believers to earnestly desire obedience to God's command. He explains that p
J.C. Ryle Is Thy Heart Right? by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of the heart in one's relationship with God, arguing that a heart cannot be deemed good if it does not reflect righteousness in actions

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