Psalms 129:4 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the cords of the wicked.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's righteousness has freed Israel from the bonds of wickedness.
The Context of Psalms 129:4
God's intervention severs the bonds of oppression.
What Does Psalms 129:4 Mean?
After naming oppression, the psalm abruptly shifts to declare the Lord's righteousness and active intervention. 'Cut asunder the cords' suggests breaking chains or bonds that held Israel captive—whether literal physical bonds or the grip of oppressive systems. God is not distant or neutral but actively works to sever the power of wickedness over His people.
This assertion moves beyond passive endurance to divine action. God's righteousness (His character of justice and covenant faithfulness) finds expression in liberation. The psalmist affirms that ultimate power lies not with oppressors but with the Lord, whose nature compels Him to act on behalf of the afflicted.
Psalms 129:4 in the Original Language
צַדִּיק (tsaddiq), 'righteous' — just, upright, in right relationship. God's righteousness here manifests as active deliverance, not mere moral approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 129:4
What does Psalms 129:4 mean?
God's righteousness has freed Israel from the bonds of wickedness.
What is the context of Psalms 129:4?
God's intervention severs the bonds of oppression.