King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:3 Mean?

Psalms 94:3 in the King James Version says “LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?

Psalms 94:3 · KJV


Context

1

O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. God: Heb. God of revenges shew: Heb. shine forth

2

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

3

LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?

4

How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

5

They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The question 'LORD, how long' (ad-matay Yahweh) expresses the tension between faith in God's justice and the present reality of evil's apparent success. This cry appears throughout Scripture (Psalms 6:3, 13:1-2, Habakkuk 1:2, Revelation 6:10), validating honest lament before God. 'Shall the wicked triumph' (ya'alzu—exult, rejoice) captures the painful reality that evil sometimes appears victorious. The repeated questioning intensifies the plea. This verse teaches that expressing anguish to God about injustice is legitimate prayer, not faithlessness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history included repeated periods when righteous suffered under wicked rulers, creating existential tension between covenant promises and lived reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations of prolonged injustice cause you to cry 'How long, O LORD?' to God?
  2. How can honest lament before God deepen your faith rather than undermine it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
עַד1 of 8
H5704

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

מָתַ֖י2 of 8
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

רְשָׁעִ֥ים3 of 8

how long shall the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 8

LORD

H3068

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

עַד5 of 8
H5704

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

מָ֝תַ֗י6 of 8
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

רְשָׁעִ֥ים7 of 8

how long shall the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יַעֲלֹֽזוּ׃8 of 8

triumph

H5937

to jump for joy, i.e., exult


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 94:3 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 94:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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