King James Version

What Does Psalms 129:4 Mean?

Psalms 129:4 in the King James Version says “The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 129 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.”

Psalms 129:4 · KJV

Context

2

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me. Many: or, Much

3

The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows .

4

The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

5

Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

6

Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Divine intervention is confessed: 'The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.' The word 'righteous' (Hebrew 'tsaddiq') describes God's justice, faithfulness to covenant, and moral perfection. This attribute explains why God intervened - His righteousness required defending His people and judging oppressors. The phrase 'cut asunder the cords' pictures God severing the ropes or chains that bound Israel. 'Cords of the wicked' represent bondage, oppression, and control enemies exercised. The imagery shifts from plowing (v. 3) to binding and cutting - enemies not only wounded but enslaved; God not only healed but liberated. The verb 'cut asunder' (Hebrew 'qatsats') means to sever completely, leaving no partial attachment. God's deliverance is thorough, not incomplete. This verse provides the theological center of the psalm - God's righteous character guarantees His intervention against oppressors.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, God intervened to break oppressive bonds - Egyptian slavery ended, Babylonian exile concluded, enemy plots failed. Each deliverance demonstrated God's righteousness and covenant faithfulness. The pattern of bondage-to-freedom formed Israel's core narrative (Exodus) and repeated throughout history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's righteousness explain His intervention against oppressors?
  2. What are 'the cords of the wicked' that bind God's people, and how does God cut them?
  3. Why is the imagery of cutting cords appropriate for describing deliverance?
  4. How does this verse balance God's sovereignty (He cuts) with human experience of bondage?
  5. In what ways does Christ's work involve cutting asunder the cords that bind humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יְהוָ֥ה1 of 5

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צַדִּ֑יק2 of 5

“is righteous”

H6662

just

קִ֝צֵּ֗ץ3 of 5

“he hath cut asunder”

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

עֲב֣וֹת4 of 5

“the cords”

H5688

something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage

רְשָׁעִֽים׃5 of 5

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

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 129:4 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 129:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:137Lamentations 3:22Daniel 9:7Psalms 124:6-7Nehemiah 9:33Ezra 9:15

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