Psalms 94:15
But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
צֶ֭דֶק
unto righteousness
H6664
צֶ֭דֶק
unto righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
3 of 9
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
יָשׁ֣וּב
shall return
H7725
יָשׁ֣וּב
shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
But judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
But judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וְ֝אַחֲרָ֗יו
shall follow
H310
וְ֝אַחֲרָ֗יו
shall follow
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Micah 7:9I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.Psalms 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.Psalms 37:34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.Psalms 58:11So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.Psalms 9:16The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.Job 35:14Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.Malachi 3:18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel's legal system, judges sat at city gates administering justice. When corruption prevailed, judgment departed from righteousness. The psalmist envisions a day when the legal/moral order reflects God's character—ultimately fulfilled in Christ's millennial reign.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you see justice divorced from righteousness in contemporary culture—and how does this promise sustain hope?
- Are you among the 'upright in heart' willing to follow justice even when it's costly now?
- How does believing in future vindication change how you respond to present injustice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But judgment shall return unto righteousness (כִּי־עַד־צֶדֶק יָשׁוּב מִשְׁפָּט)—Mishpat (justice/judgment) will return (shuv) to tsedeq (righteousness). Currently justice seems divorced from righteousness—the wicked prosper, the righteous suffer. But a great reversal is coming. All the upright in heart shall follow it promises that moral alignment with God's character will prove vindicated.
This prophesies both historical restorations (like post-exilic return) and ultimate eschatological justice. The New Testament locates this in Christ's return when judgment and righteousness kiss (Psalm 85:10). Meanwhile believers live as faithful witnesses to coming vindication.