King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:7 Mean?

Psalms 94:7 in the King James Version says “Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

Psalms 94:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.

7

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's theology ('they say') reveals practical atheism despite theoretical acknowledgment of God. The claim 'The LORD shall not see' (lo yir'eh Yah) denies God's omniscience and involvement. The parallel 'neither shall the God of Jacob regard it' (lo yavin—understand, perceive) compounds the error. This verse exposes the connection between bad theology and evil behavior—those who convince themselves God doesn't notice feel free to sin. Psalm 10:11, 13 and 73:11 echo this delusion. It's the functional atheism of living as if God is absent or uncaring.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite Israel's monotheism, wicked Israelites sometimes adopted the practical atheism of surrounding nations, divorcing belief from behavior.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life are you tempted to act as if 'God won't see or notice'?
  2. How does cultivating awareness of God's omniscience affect your daily choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַ֭יֹּ֣אמְרוּ1 of 8

Yet they say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א2 of 8
H3808

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

יִרְאֶה3 of 8

shall not see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יָּ֑הּ4 of 8

The LORD

H3050

jah, the sacred name

וְלֹא5 of 8
H3808

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

יָ֝בִ֗ין6 of 8

regard

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

אֱלֹהֵ֥י7 of 8

neither shall the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יַעֲקֹֽב׃8 of 8

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch


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 94:7 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 94:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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