Psalms 14:5 Meaning and Explanation
“There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When the wicked encounter God's presence with the righteous, they are seized with fear.
The Context of Psalms 14:5
The evildoers' fear reveals God's presence with the righteous community.
What Does Psalms 14:5 Mean?
'There' points back to the evildoers described in verse 4. Their great fear comes from a sudden, stark realization: 'God is in the generation of the righteous.' The presence of God aligned with God's people becomes a source of terror to those who have acted without fear of judgment. This reversal shows that their sense of safety was always an illusion.
The verse assures believers that God's presence is not abstract or distant but active 'in the generation of the righteous'—those who maintain covenant relationship with Him. When evildoers face the reality of God's presence and power, their confidence crumbles. Fear becomes the inevitable response to encountering divine reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 14:5
What does Psalms 14:5 mean?
When the wicked encounter God's presence with the righteous, they are seized with fear.
What is the context of Psalms 14:5?
The evildoers' fear reveals God's presence with the righteous community.