King James Version
What Does Psalms 149:9 Mean?
“To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.”
Psalms 149:9 · KJV
Context
7
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9
To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTo execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. "Judgment written" refers to prophetic pronouncements (Isaiah 13-23) and Torah curses. God's people participate in executing decrees. Christians see final fulfillment at Christ's return (Revelation 19), when believers judge with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel understood conquests as fulfilling divine judgments pronounced centuries earlier. Prophets pronounced judgments eventually fulfilled. Early Christians saw themselves executing spiritual judgment through gospel.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean believers will judge with Christ?
- How does gospel function as "judgment written" dividing humanity?
- Why is participation in God's justice an "honour"?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsבָּהֶ֨ם׀2 of 10
H0מִשְׁפָּ֬ט3 of 10
“upon them the judgment”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
כָּת֗וּב4 of 10
“written”
H3789to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
ה֭וּא6 of 10
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לְכָל7 of 10
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽלְלוּ9 of 10
“Praise”
H1984to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
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 149:9 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 149:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge