Psalms 94:14

Authorized King James Version

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For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י׀ H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִטֹּ֣שׁ will not cast off H5203
יִטֹּ֣שׁ will not cast off
Strong's: H5203
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
יְהוָ֣ה For the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה For the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַמּ֑וֹ his people H5971
עַמּ֑וֹ his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 5 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְ֝נַחֲלָת֗וֹ his inheritance H5159
וְ֝נַחֲלָת֗וֹ his inheritance
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲזֹֽב׃ neither will he forsake H5800
יַעֲזֹֽב׃ neither will he forsake
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 8 of 8
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

Analysis & Commentary

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance (כִּי לֹא־יִטֹּשׁ יְהוָה עַמּוֹ וְנַחֲלָתוֹ לֹא יַעֲזֹב)—The double negative intensifies covenant assurance. Natash (cast off/abandon) and azav (forsake/leave) together form an emphatic promise. Nachalah (inheritance) casts Israel not merely as God's possession but His treasured portion.

Paul quotes this in Romans 11:1-2 as proof God hasn't rejected ethnic Israel despite Christ's rejection. The psalmist's confidence rests not on Israel's faithfulness but Yahweh's covenant character—His reputation is bound to His people. Hebrews 13:5 applies this promise to all believers: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'

Historical Context

This verse addresses exile-level despair when it appeared Yahweh had abandoned His promises. The Babylonian captivity, destruction of the temple, and loss of land seemed to contradict God's covenant with Abraham and David. The psalm reasserts theological truth against emotional perception.

Questions for Reflection

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