Psalm 94:17

Translations

Modern

Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

Traditional

Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

Literal

Unless YHWH had been the help for me, My soul would soon have dwelt in silence.

Latin

Nisi quia Dominus adjuvit me, paulominus habitasset in inferno anima mea.

Original

Hebrew

English

Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

Notes

Psalms 94:16–23

The psalmist resumes their prayer (see Psalm 94:1–7) with a desperate plea for the Lord's justice. It ends with the hope that evil will cease.

Psalms 94:1–23

This plea for the Lord’s justice includes both communal and individual expressions of sorrow (Psalm 94:1–7, 16–23). The psalmist speaks about the pain and suffering caused by the wicked. He also describes the comfort and stability of the Lord’s protection. He calls on the Lord to avenge the needy against the arrogant and foolish, he rebukes such people for their foolishness (Psalm 94:8–11), and speaks a blessing on the wise (94:12–15).

Psalms 93:1–100:5

These psalms challenge the doubts created by the exile (see Psalm 89) and answer the questions asked in Psalm 90:11, 13. The Lord has established a kingdom (Psalm 93) that is characterized by:

punishment of the wicked (Psalm 94),
respectful obedience among his people (Psalm 95),
justice for the poor (Psalm 96),
celebration in Zion (Psalm 97),
salvation for Israel (Psalm 98),
holiness (Psalm 99), and
praise (Psalm 100).

Theme notes and profiles

David Death Spirit Empowerment The Creator-King Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 124:1–2
A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—
Psalm 31:17
O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol.
Psalm 118:13
I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me.
2 Timothy 4:16–17
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
Psalm 115:17
It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.
Psalm 13:3
Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
Psalm 142:4–5
Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.
2 Corinthians 1:8–10
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
Psalm 125:1
A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
John 16:32
“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Glossary

David Dumah (Place) Hell Imprecatory Psalms Music Place of the Dead Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Blessing: Spiritual, from God Faith: Exemplified Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Temptation: Resistance To

Psalm 94:17

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