King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:13 Mean?

Psalms 94:13 in the King James Version says “That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

Psalms 94:13 · KJV


Context

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;

13

That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

15

But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. shall follow: Heb. shall be after it


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity (לְהַשְׁקִיט לוֹ מִימֵי רָע)—God's instruction (torah, v. 12) provides shaqat (quietness, rest, tranquility) amid suffering. Not escape from the storm but peace within it. Until the pit be digged for the wicked promises eschatological justice—vindication delayed is not vindication denied.

This temporal paradox saturates Scripture: believers suffer now while the wicked prosper, yet final reversals are certain. Jesus promised tribulation in this world but ultimate peace (John 16:33). The 'rest' isn't circumstantial comfort but soul-anchored confidence in God's sovereign timeline.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of digging a pit for enemies draws on ancient Near Eastern warfare and hunting metaphors. Ironically, Scripture repeatedly shows the wicked falling into traps they set for others (Psalms 7:15, 9:15, Proverbs 26:27)—poetic justice as historical pattern.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's Word create interior rest even when external adversity remains unchanged?
  2. Where do you struggle with God's timeline for justice—and what false 'peace' do you seek instead?
  3. What pit are you digging that might ensnare your own soul?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לְהַשְׁקִ֣יט1 of 8

That thou mayest give him rest

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

ל֭וֹ2 of 8
H0
מִ֣ימֵי3 of 8

from the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רָ֑ע4 of 8

of adversity

H7451

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

עַ֤ד5 of 8
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יִכָּרֶ֖ה6 of 8

be digged

H3738

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

לָרָשָׁ֣ע7 of 8

for the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

שָֽׁחַת׃8 of 8

until the pit

H7845

a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction


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 94:13 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 94:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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