Psalms 9:16

Authorized King James Version

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The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Original Language Analysis

נ֤וֹדַ֨ע׀ is known H3045
נ֤וֹדַ֨ע׀ is known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְהוָה֮ The LORD H3068
יְהוָה֮ The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִשְׁפָּ֪ט by the judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֪ט by the judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עָ֫שָׂ֥ה which he executeth H6213
עָ֫שָׂ֥ה which he executeth
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 4 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּפֹ֣עַל in the work H6467
בְּפֹ֣עַל in the work
Strong's: H6467
Word #: 5 of 10
an act or work (concretely)
כַּ֭פָּיו of his own hands H3709
כַּ֭פָּיו of his own hands
Strong's: H3709
Word #: 6 of 10
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
נוֹקֵ֣שׁ is snared H5367
נוֹקֵ֣שׁ is snared
Strong's: H5367
Word #: 7 of 10
to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively
רָשָׁ֑ע the wicked H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע the wicked
Strong's: H7563
Word #: 8 of 10
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
הִגָּי֥וֹן Higgaion H1902
הִגָּי֥וֹן Higgaion
Strong's: H1902
Word #: 9 of 10
a murmuring sound, i.e., a musical notation (probably similar to the modern affettuoso to indicate solemnity of movement); by implication, a machinati
סֶֽלָה׃ Selah H5542
סֶֽלָה׃ Selah
Strong's: H5542
Word #: 10 of 10
suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis & Commentary

The 'Higgaion' and 'Selah' are liturgical notations indicating a pause for meditation on God's revealed justice. The wicked being snared by 'the work of his own hands' demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of God's sovereignty even over human rebellion—He uses the wicked's own devices for their judgment. This verse calls for thoughtful reflection on divine justice.

Historical Context

Musical and liturgical terms suggest this Psalm was used in temple worship. Ancient Israelites would pause here for instrumental meditation.

Questions for Reflection