King James Version

What Does Psalms 96:13 Mean?

Psalms 96:13 in the King James Version says “Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the p...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 96 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”

Psalms 96:13 · KJV

Truth

Context

11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. the fulness: or, all it containeth

12

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Read Psalms 96 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This closing verse of Psalm 96 presents God in the role of cosmic judge, establishing the ultimate vindication of His justice. 'Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth' announces God's coming as judge. The repetition 'for he cometh, for he cometh' emphasizes certainty and imminence - the coming is sure and perhaps near. God comes 'to judge the earth' - to exercise righteous judgment over all creation. 'He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth' specifies the character of God's judgment: it is righteous (just, proper, aligned with moral law) and truthful (based on reality, not deception). The parallel structure creates a cosmic scope: both 'world' and 'people' are subject to judgment, both according to God's justice and truth. This verse provides eschatological perspective - it reminds worshippers that earthly injustices will not persist forever. God's future judgment will vindicate His righteousness and punish rebellion. The movement of the psalm culminates here: from worship and witness (earlier verses) to the assurance of final judgment. This provides theological foundation for hopeful faith: despite current injustices, God will ultimately establish righteous rule.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The vision of God coming to judge the earth appears throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic literature (Isaiah 34:8, 40:10; Joel 3:12) and in apocalyptic passages (Daniel 7:10-14). This eschatological hope sustained Israel during periods of oppression - the confidence that God would ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. The emphasis on judgment 'with righteousness and truth' reflects the covenant values central to Israel's theology: God's character is inherently just and truthful. Unlike human judges who might be corrupted or deceived, God's judgment is absolutely reliable. In the post-exilic period, when Jews lived under foreign rule and oppression, such affirmations of God's coming judgment provided hope for vindication. The New Testament reinterprets this coming judgment through Jesus (John 5:22-27), suggesting that the ultimate judge is the God-man who combines divine justice with human redemption. The cosmic scope of judgment ('earth' and 'world') reflects the belief that God's justice is not limited to Israel but extends to all creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What comfort and challenge does the affirmation of God's coming judgment provide to believers experiencing injustice?
  2. How does belief in ultimate judgment affect our response to present unrighteousness?
  3. Why is it significant that God judges 'with righteousness and truth' rather than arbitrarily or capriciously?
  4. In what ways does the certainty of coming judgment ('for he cometh, for he cometh') shape hope and vigilance?
  5. How should the expectation of God's judgment transform our priorities and values in the present?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לִפְנֵ֤י1 of 13

“Before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֨ה׀2 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֬י3 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָא֮4 of 13

“for he cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כִּ֥י5 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָא֮6 of 13

“for he cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יִשְׁפֹּֽט7 of 13

“he shall judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

הָ֫אָ֥רֶץ8 of 13

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׁפֹּֽט9 of 13

“he shall judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

תֵּבֵ֥ל10 of 13

“the world”

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

בְּצֶ֑דֶק11 of 13

“with righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְ֝עַמִּ֗ים12 of 13

“and the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בֶּאֱמוּנָתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“with his truth”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

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 96:13 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 96:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:112 Timothy 4:8Isaiah 25:8-91 Thessalonians 4:16-18Titus 2:13Psalms 96:10

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