Psalms 94:8
Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
Original Language Analysis
בִּ֭ינוּ
Understand
H995
בִּ֭ינוּ
Understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
1 of 6
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
בָּעָ֑ם
among the people
H5971
בָּעָ֑ם
among the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים
and ye fools
H3684
וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים
and ye fools
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Cross References
Psalms 92:6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Psalms 49:10For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.Romans 3:11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.Deuteronomy 32:29O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.Psalms 73:22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 8:5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.Jeremiah 10:8But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
Historical Context
Israel's wisdom tradition (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) made clear distinctions between those who sought wisdom and 'fools' who rejected instruction and divine truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'brutish' thinking patterns do you need to repent of and replace with godly wisdom?
- How can you move from folly to wisdom by embracing God's correction in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The address to 'brutish' (bo'arim—stupid, senseless like cattle) and 'fools' (kesilim—obstinate fools) among the people uses strong language to confront willful ignorance. The question 'when will ye be wise' (taskilu) implies that wisdom is both urgent and attainable—the issue isn't capacity but willingness. This verse distinguishes between intellectual limitations and moral obtuseness. The fool's problem isn't low IQ but stubborn rejection of truth. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the wise who embrace correction with fools who persist in folly.