Psalms 94:16
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 11
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יָק֣וּם
Who will rise up
H6965
יָק֣וּם
Who will rise up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מְרֵעִ֑ים
for me against the evildoers
H7489
מְרֵעִ֑ים
for me against the evildoers
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
6 of 11
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
or who will stand up
H3320
יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
or who will stand up
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
7 of 11
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
The language suggests judicial imagery—the psalmist stands accused or oppressed with no advocate. In ancient courts, the accused needed someone to plead their case. This foreshadows Christ as our advocate (1 John 2:1) and the Spirit as our helper (John 14:16).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you felt isolated in opposing evil—and where was God in that loneliness?
- Who around you needs an ally to 'rise up' on their behalf against injustice?
- How does Christ's advocacy for you embolden you to stand against wickedness despite opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? (מִי־יָקוּם לִי עִם־מְרֵעִים)—The lonely cry of the righteous surrounded by wickedness. Qum (rise up/stand) seeks an ally willing to confront evil. The rhetorical question expects silence—no human helper appears adequate. Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (מִי־יִתְיַצֵּב לִי עִם־פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן) repeats the desperation.
Yet verse 17 answers: the LORD is the defender. This pattern saturates Psalms—human isolation drives the psalmist to divine sufficiency. Christ experienced ultimate abandonment (Mark 15:34) so believers never face evil alone. Romans 8:31—'If God be for us, who can be against us?'—echoes this confidence.