Psalms 11:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will bring judgment upon the wicked through multiple forms of divine punishment.
The Context of Psalms 11:6
The psalmist describes God's judgment against the wicked as inescapable and comprehensive.
What Does Psalms 11:6 Mean?
The vivid imagery of rain, fire, brimstone, and tempest depicts divine judgment unleashed upon the wicked. Unlike the cowardly secret attacks of verse 2, God's judgment is open, powerful, and overwhelming. Snares entrap; fire and brimstone destroy; a horrible tempest sweeps away. These are not earthly weapons but cosmic forces under God's command. The psalmist envisions a reversal: the wicked who plot in secret will face the wrath of God made manifest.
The phrase this shall be the portion of their cup speaks of destiny and consequence. The cup represents their allotted fate—what God will give them in return for their deeds. Just as one receives a cup to drink, so the wicked receive what is theirs to suffer. This language affirms that justice operates not randomly but according to a pattern of consequence. Evil brings forth its own reckoning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 11:6
What does Psalms 11:6 mean?
God will bring judgment upon the wicked through multiple forms of divine punishment.
What is the context of Psalms 11:6?
The psalmist describes God's judgment against the wicked as inescapable and comprehensive.