King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:10 Mean?

Psalms 94:10 in the King James Version says “He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?”

Psalms 94:10 · KJV

Context

8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

9

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

10

He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

11

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

12

Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? (הֲיֹסֵר גּוֹיִם)—The rhetorical question assumes God's pedagogical sovereignty. If Yahweh disciplines (yasar) the nations in history's theater, how much more His own covenant people? He that teacheth man knowledge (הַמְלַמֵּד אָדָם דַּעַת) establishes God as the universal source of all understanding—not merely revealing truth but creating the very capacity for human knowing.

Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, declaring God's wisdom confounds human philosophy. The psalm's logic flows from greater to lesser: if God governs history's macro-movements, He certainly attends to individual lives. This grounds confidence in divine justice despite wicked oppression.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 94 is a communal lament confronting theodicy—why does God allow the wicked to prosper? Written likely during exile or post-exilic persecution, it reflects Israel's struggle with apparent divine silence while enemies blaspheme Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the source of all knowledge challenge your intellectual pride or doubt?
  2. Where do you need to trust God's discipline as evidence of His fatherly care rather than absence?
  3. What rhetorical questions does your soul ask God in suffering—and how does this psalm reframe them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֲיֹסֵ֣ר1 of 7

“He that chastiseth”

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

גּ֭וֹיִם2 of 7

“the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הֲלֹ֣א3 of 7
H3808

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

יוֹכִ֑יחַ4 of 7

“shall not he correct”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

הַֽמְלַמֵּ֖ד5 of 7

“he that teacheth”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אָדָ֣ם6 of 7

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

דָּֽעַת׃7 of 7

“knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

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 94:10 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 94:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 35:11Isaiah 28:26Jeremiah 10:25Psalms 44:2Psalms 135:8-12Psalms 25:8-9

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