Psalms 94:2
Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֭נָּשֵׂא
Lift up
H5375
הִ֭נָּשֵׂא
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 7
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
thyself thou judge
H8199
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
thyself thou 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
הָשֵׁ֥ב
render
H7725
הָשֵׁ֥ב
render
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
גְּ֝מ֗וּל
a reward
H1576
גְּ֝מ֗וּל
a reward
Strong's:
H1576
Word #:
5 of 7
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
Cross References
Psalms 7:6Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.Psalms 31:23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.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?1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, pride is identified as the root sin (Isaiah 14:12-15, James 4:6), making it the appropriate target for divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does pride manifest in your life, and how does awareness of God as Judge address it?
- How can you maintain humility knowing that God actively opposes the proud?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Addressing God as 'Judge of the earth' (shofet ha'arets) appeals to His universal jurisdiction and authority. The request to 'lift up thyself' (hinase) uses imagery of a judge rising to pronounce sentence. 'Render a reward to the proud' (hashev gemul—return recompense) invokes the principle of divine retribution against arrogance. Pride is singled out because it represents fundamental rebellion against God's rightful authority. This verse establishes God's role as cosmic judge who will definitively address human pride.