Psalms 94:11
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יֹ֭דֵעַ
knoweth
H3045
יֹ֭דֵעַ
knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
the thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
the thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
3 of 7
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
אָדָ֑ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֑ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.1 Corinthians 1:19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.1 Corinthians 1:25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Historical Context
This verse directly addresses the psalmist's opponents who believe God neither sees nor cares (v. 7). The assertion of divine knowledge contradicts the practical atheism of Israel's oppressors who act as though human schemes operate autonomously.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'solid' plans in your life might God see as vapor—and what does that reveal about your trust?
- How does God's knowledge of your thoughts comfort rather than terrify you in Christ?
- Where are you tempted to act as though your inner life is hidden from God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity (יְהוָה יֹדֵעַ מַחְשְׁבוֹת אָדָם כִּי־הֵמָּה הָבֶל)—Divine omniscience penetrates human interior life. Machshavot (thoughts/plans) before Yahweh are hevel (vapor, breath, emptiness)—the same word used 38 times in Ecclesiastes for life's futility.
Paul quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 3:20 during his rebuke of Corinthian factionalism around human wisdom. The self-congratulatory schemes of the wicked—and even believers' proud strategies—dissolve like morning mist before God's eternal counsel. This isn't mere intellectual humility but ontological reality: creature thoughts lack substance compared to Creator wisdom.