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Psalms 94:2

Psalms 94:2 in Multiple Translations

Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud.

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: Render to the proud their desert.

Be lifted up, O judge of the earth; let their reward come to the men of pride.

Stand up, judge of the earth, and pay back those who are proud what they deserve.

Exalt thy selfe, O Iudge of the worlde, and render a reward to the proude.

Be lifted up, O Judge of the earth, Send back a recompence on the proud.

Rise up, you judge of the earth. Pay back the proud what they deserve.

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.

You are the one who judges all people on the earth; so arise, and give/punish the proud leaders of our people like they deserve.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:2

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 94:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הִ֭נָּשֵׂא שֹׁפֵ֣ט הָ/אָ֑רֶץ הָשֵׁ֥ב גְּ֝מ֗וּל עַל גֵּאִֽים
הִ֭נָּשֵׂא nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
שֹׁפֵ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
הָשֵׁ֥ב shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
גְּ֝מ֗וּל gᵉmûwl H1576 recompense N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
גֵּאִֽים gêʼeh H1343 proud Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 94:2

הִ֭נָּשֵׂא nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
שֹׁפֵ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal
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.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הָשֵׁ֥ב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
גְּ֝מ֗וּל gᵉmûwl H1576 "recompense" N-ms
This word means a reward or recompense for something, like a payment for work done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's rewards for the faithful, like in Psalm 19. The KJV translates it as recompense or reward.
Definition: 1) dealing, recompense, benefit 1a) dealing (of one's hand) 1b) recompense 1c) benefit
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward. See also: Judges 9:16; Isaiah 3:11; Psalms 28:4.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
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.
גֵּאִֽים gêʼeh H1343 "proud" Adj
Proud or arrogant, describing someone with a lofty attitude, like the proud people in Proverbs. It is used to describe those who think too highly of themselves.
Definition: proud
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: proud. See also: Job 40:11; Proverbs 15:25; Psalms 94:2.

Study Notes — Psalms 94:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment.
2 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
3 Psalms 31:23 Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant.
4 Genesis 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
5 John 5:22–23 Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
6 Micah 5:9 Your hand will be lifted over your foes, and all your enemies will be cut off.
7 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
8 Isaiah 37:29 Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’
9 Isaiah 10:12 So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes.
10 Psalms 74:22 Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long.

Psalms 94:2 Summary

[Psalms 94:2 is a call to God to take action and assert His authority over the proud and wicked. This verse reminds us that God is a just Judge who will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions (Romans 14:12). We can trust in God's justice and timing, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, and we should live our lives in reverence and obedience to Him, recognizing His authority and power (Psalms 37:1-7). By doing so, we can reflect God's character in our interactions with others and bring glory to His name.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'rise up' in Psalms 94:2?

When the psalmist asks God to 'rise up', he is calling on God to take action and assert His authority, much like a judge rising to take his seat and render a verdict, as seen in Psalms 7:6 and Isaiah 33:10.

Who are the 'proud' being referred to in this verse?

The 'proud' in Psalms 94:2 are those who exalt themselves against God and defy His will, similar to those described in Proverbs 16:5 and 1 Peter 5:5, who will ultimately face God's judgment.

Is this verse calling for revenge or vengeance?

While the psalmist does ask God to 'render a reward to the proud', this is not a call for personal revenge, but rather a cry for God's justice to be upheld, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Romans 12:19, where God is the one who takes vengeance, not humans.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that God is a just Judge who will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, and we should live our lives in reverence and obedience to Him, recognizing His authority and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'rise up' and assert God's authority in my own life, standing against the proud and the wicked?
  2. In what ways do I struggle with pride, and how can I humble myself before God, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:6-7?
  3. How can I trust in God's justice and timing, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, as described in Psalms 37:1-7?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'render a reward' to those around me, and how can I reflect God's character in my interactions with others, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself, thou, O Judge of the earth,.... A title very proper to Christ, and which is given him by Abraham, Genesis 18:25, who then appeared to him in an human form, and with whom he was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. Lift up thyself, thou Judge of the earth - (Psalms 7:6.) Set thyself on high on the throne of judgment.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself; either, 1. Ascend thy tribunal to pronounce the sentence. Or, 2. Arise from thy seat, and bestir thyself to punish thy proud enemies, as it here follows.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:2

Psalms 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.Ver. 2. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth] Judges, as they ascend the tribunal, so when to pass sentence they usually stand up. See Isaiah 33:10. And hereunto the psalmist alludeth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:2

(2) Lift up thyself—i.e., either be exalted, or rise to give sentence.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:2

Verse 2. Lift up thyself] Exert thy power. Render a reward to the proud.] To the Babylonians, who oppress and insult us.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:2

2. Lift up thyself] Shew Thyself to be the supremely exalted Ruler. Cp. Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 33:10; Psalms 7:6. judge of the earth] Cp. Genesis 18:25; Psalms 58:11; Psalms 82:8. The universal Judge is needed to call the subordinate ‘judges of the earth’ to account. render a reward to the proud] R.V. Render to the proud (their) desert; assimilating the rendering to that of Psa 28:4. Cp. Lamentations 3:64.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:2

Lift up thyself - Be exalted or lifted up so as to be manifest in thy true character. The idea is that God was, as it were, sitting at his ease, or as if he were indifferent to what was occurring in the world.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:2

2. Reward to the proud—Recompense upon the arrogant. The upon specifies the visitation of personal desert. God will avenge his elect and requite innocent blood. See Deuteronomy 32:35

Sermons on Psalms 94:2

SermonDescription
John Calvin Arise, O Lord, in Thine Anger, Lift Up Thyself Because of the Rage of Mine Enemies by John Calvin John Calvin emphasizes the importance of praying in faith according to God's commands, rather than selfish desires, by relying on God's word and promises. He highlights the need to
Leonard Ravenhill Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t
Leonard Ravenhill Christ Magnified in Our Bodies by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of redeeming the time and not wasting opportunities. He highlights the urgency of spreading the gospel, as there are millions
Zac Poonen Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers
Derek Prince Set Your Affections Above - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of John the Baptist and the need to prepare the way of the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of raising up valleys and bringing
Leonard Ravenhill Judgement Seat - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of our lives and actions in the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be held accountable for their servic
Derek Prince At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite

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