King James Version

What Does Psalms 125:3 Mean?

Psalms 125:3 in the King James Version says “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto in... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 125 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. the wicked: Heb. wickedness

Psalms 125:3 · KJV


Context

1

A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

2

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

3

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. the wicked: Heb. wickedness

4

Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A specific aspect of protection is addressed: 'For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.' The word 'for' provides explanation for God's surrounding presence (v. 2). The 'rod of the wicked' represents oppressive rule, unjust authority, or cruel governance by ungodly powers. 'Shall not rest' promises that wicked dominion will be temporary, not permanent. The phrase 'lot of the righteous' refers to the inheritance or portion God assigns His people (land, blessing, destiny). The verse promises that God won't allow wicked oppression to permanently dominate righteous people's inheritance. The purpose clause 'lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity' reveals why God limits oppression - prolonged suffering under wickedness might tempt the righteous to compromise, participate in evil, or abandon faithfulness. God measures and limits trials to preserve His people's integrity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel endured periods of foreign domination (Egypt, Philistines, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome), yet God never allowed complete destruction. The exile lasted 70 years, then ended - the rod of wickedness didn't rest permanently. This pattern demonstrated divine limitation of oppression to preserve covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is 'the rod of the wicked,' and how does it threaten the righteous?
  2. How does God limit oppression to protect His people from compromising with evil?
  3. What does it mean that the rod 'shall not rest' rather than 'shall not touch'?
  4. In what ways might prolonged suffering tempt believers to 'put forth hands unto iniquity'?
  5. How does this verse balance realism about suffering with confidence about limits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֤י1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֪א2 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָנ֡וּחַ3 of 14

shall not rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

שֵׁ֤בֶט4 of 14

For the rod

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

הָרֶ֗שַׁע5 of 14

of the wicked

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

עַל֮6 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גּוֹרַ֪ל7 of 14

upon the lot

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים8 of 14

of the righteous

H6662

just

לְמַ֡עַן9 of 14

lest

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

לֹא10 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁלְח֖וּ11 of 14

put forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הַצַּדִּיקִ֨ים12 of 14

of the righteous

H6662

just

בְּעַוְלָ֬תָה13 of 14

unto iniquity

H5766

(moral) evil

יְדֵיהֶֽם׃14 of 14

their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 125:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 125:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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