King James Version

What Does Psalms 34:16 Mean?

Psalms 34:16 in the King James Version says “The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”

Psalms 34:16 · KJV

Context

14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

15

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16

The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. unto: Heb. to the broken of heart of a contrite: Heb. contrite of spirit

Read Psalms 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. After promising blessing for righteous (vv. 12-15), David declares judgment on wicked. God's face is against evildoers, promising their removal from earth. This balances grace with justice, mercy with judgment.

The face of the LORD is against introduces divine opposition. Face (panim) represents presence, attention, personal engagement. Where God's face toward righteous brings favor (Numbers 6:25-26), His face against wicked brings judgment. Against (be) indicates opposition, hostility. God actively opposes those doing evil—not neutrally tolerating but personally resisting. James 4:6 declares: God resists proud but gives grace to humble. This is holy opposition to sin and sinners.

Them that do evil identifies objects of divine wrath. Do evil ('asah ra') means practice wickedness, commit harmful acts. Not merely those tempted by evil but those doing it—choosing, practicing, persisting in wickedness. These aren't struggling believers but committed evildoers. Their character is defined by practicing evil, not occasional failing but lifestyle of wickedness.

To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth states judgment's severity. Cut off (karat) means eliminate, destroy, remove completely. This is judicial execution, covenantal excommunication. Remembrance (zeker) means memorial, name, legacy. From the earth (erets) means from land, world, humanity. Combined, these mean total obliteration—not just death but erasure. No memory remains, no legacy endures, no descendants continue their name. Proverbs 10:7: Name of wicked shall rot. This is covenant curse—evildoers are blotted out completely.

This verse addresses theodicy. Why do wicked prosper? Because God's judgment isn't immediate but certain. Psalm 37:1-2,9-10 promises: Fret not because of evildoers...They shall soon be cut down...those waiting on LORD shall inherit earth, but wicked shall be cut off. Delayed judgment isn't absent judgment. God's face is against them; their end is sure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cutting off remembrance was ultimate curse in ancient Near East. Israelites valued legacy, descendants, remembered name. To be cut off meant familial and covenantal death—no offspring, no memory, no future. Wicked Haman's name is cursed even today. Righteous Abel's testimony still speaks though dead (Hebrews 11:4). Contrast illustrates remembrance's significance.

God's face being against evildoers appears throughout Scripture. Psalm 21:9: LORD's hand will find out all His enemies; His right hand will find out those hating Him. Proverbs 2:22: Wicked shall be cut off from earth, transgressors rooted out. Isaiah 13:9: Behold, day of LORD comes, cruel with wrath and fierce anger, to lay land desolate, destroy its sinners. Final judgment accomplishes complete removal of wicked (Matthew 13:41-43, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Revelation 20:11-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's face being against evildoers complement His face being toward righteous?
  2. What is difference between struggling with sin and doing evil as lifestyle—why does this distinction matter?
  3. Why is having remembrance cut off considered severe judgment, and what does this reveal about human longings?
  4. How does delayed judgment (wicked temporarily prospering) test and refine faith?
  5. In what ways does this verse's warning function as both deterrent and comfort—warning wicked, assuring righteous?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
פְּנֵ֣י1 of 7

“The face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּעֹ֣שֵׂי3 of 7

“is against them that do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רָ֑ע4 of 7

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְהַכְרִ֖ית5 of 7

“to cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ6 of 7

“of them from the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

זִכְרָֽם׃7 of 7

“the remembrance”

H2143

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

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 34:16 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 34:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:7Jeremiah 44:11Jeremiah 17:13Job 18:17Leviticus 17:10Amos 9:4

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