King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:20 Mean?

Psalms 94:20 in the King James Version says “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?”

Psalms 94:20 · KJV

Context

18

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

19

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

20

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

21

They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

22

But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? This rhetorical question poses one of Scripture's most penetrating challenges to corrupt governance and legal systems. The Hebrew word kissē (כִּסֵּא, "throne") signifies not merely a seat but the authority, power, and legitimacy of rulership. When coupled with havvot (הַוּוֹת, "iniquity" or "destruction"), it describes a government fundamentally opposed to God's righteous character.

The phrase "frameth mischief by a law" is particularly striking—the Hebrew yotser 'amal 'aley choq literally means "fashioning trouble upon statute." This exposes the perversion of using legal mechanisms themselves as instruments of oppression. Rather than law protecting the innocent and restraining evil, corrupt authorities weaponize legislation to codify injustice. This describes systems where legal structures serve power rather than justice, making wickedness appear legitimate through official sanction.

The question "shall [it] have fellowship with thee" uses yechabareka from the root chabar (חָבַר), meaning to join, unite, or be allied with. The psalmist asserts the absolute incompatibility between God's holiness and systematic wickedness dressed in legal garments. God cannot be allied with or supportive of regimes that institutionalize oppression, regardless of their claims to authority. This verse stands as a perpetual warning against conflating human legal systems with divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 94 likely emerged from Israel's experience with corrupt judges and rulers who exploited their positions for personal gain. The Law of Moses explicitly commanded righteous judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18-20), making judicial corruption a direct violation of covenant obligations. The prophets repeatedly condemned leaders who "decree unjust decrees" (Isaiah 10:1) and "build up Zion with blood" (Micah 3:10).

Ancient Near Eastern law codes like Hammurabi's Code (c. 1750 BCE) claimed divine authorization, but often protected the privileged while oppressing the poor. Israel's law was revolutionary in demanding equal justice regardless of social status. When Israel's rulers violated this standard, they faced prophetic denunciation. The post-exilic community, having experienced oppression under foreign powers, would have found this psalm's challenge to unjust authority particularly relevant.

This verse has profound implications for understanding governmental authority throughout history. From Roman persecution of early Christians to modern totalitarian regimes, it establishes that no human government holds absolute moral authority when its laws contradict divine justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers discern when human laws conflict with God's justice, and what is our responsibility when they do?
  2. In what ways might modern legal systems, even in democratic societies, 'frame mischief by law' through unjust structures?
  3. What does this verse teach about the limits of governmental authority and the Christian's ultimate allegiance?
  4. How should the church respond when cultural or legal norms contradict biblical principles about human dignity and justice?
  5. What comfort does this verse offer to those suffering under oppressive or corrupt governmental systems?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הַֽ֭יְחָבְרְךָ1 of 7

“have fellowship”

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

כִּסֵּ֣א2 of 7

“Shall the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

הַוּ֑וֹת3 of 7

“of iniquity”

H1942

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

יֹצֵ֖ר4 of 7

“with thee which frameth”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

עָמָ֣ל5 of 7

“mischief”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

עֲלֵי6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֹֽק׃7 of 7

“by a law”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

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 94:20 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 94:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:1Psalms 58:2Revelation 13:15-17Ecclesiastes 3:16John 11:57Daniel 3:4-7

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