Psalms 9:8
And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Original Language Analysis
וְה֗וּא
H1931
וְה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִשְׁפֹּֽט
And he shall judge
H8199
יִשְׁפֹּֽט
And he shall judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
2 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
תֵּבֵ֥ל
the world
H8398
תֵּבֵ֥ל
the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
3 of 7
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
בְּצֶ֑דֶק
in righteousness
H6664
בְּצֶ֑דֶק
in righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
יָדִ֥ין
he shall minister judgment
H1777
יָדִ֥ין
he shall minister judgment
Strong's:
H1777
Word #:
5 of 7
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
Cross References
Psalms 96:13Before 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 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Historical Context
This contrasts God's eternal throne with temporary earthly kingdoms. Israel repeatedly saw empires rise and fall - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia. Yet Yahweh's throne remained. The prepared throne emphasizes certainty - judgment is not hypothetical but assured. Christians await Christ's return to judge the living and dead from this eternal throne.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's eternal endurance comfort you when facing temporary troubles?
- What confidence does God's prepared throne of judgment give you about history's outcome?
Analysis & Commentary
In contrast to enemies' destruction, 'the LORD shall endure for ever.' The Hebrew 'yashab' (shall endure/sit) suggests permanent enthronement. God has 'prepared his throne for judgment' - His judicial authority is established and permanent. He judges with 'righteousness' and 'uprightness,' ensuring perfect justice. This verse provides comfort: human kingdoms rise and fall, but God's kingdom is eternal. His judgment will always be right. Christ sits on this throne (Matthew 25:31), ensuring righteous judgment.