Psalms 28:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls for God's just judgment against the wicked according to their actions.
The Context of Psalms 28:4
A petition for retributive justice against those who practice deception and wickedness.
What Does Psalms 28:4 Mean?
This verse expresses a foundational principle of divine justice: people reap what they sow. The repetition of 'give them according to' and 'render to them their desert' emphasizes the certainty and completeness of God's judgment. Each phrase reinforces that the consequence is directly proportional to the evil done.
The psalm assumes that God's justice is perfect and personal—He sees every deed and every work of their hands. 'Desert' means what is deserved or due, suggesting that the psalmist trusts God to calculate and deliver exactly what justice requires without error.
Psalms 28:4 in the Original Language
desert (גְּמוּל, gemul) — reward or recompense; what is earned through one's actions, good or bad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 28:4
What does Psalms 28:4 mean?
The psalmist calls for God's just judgment against the wicked according to their actions.
What is the context of Psalms 28:4?
A petition for retributive justice against those who practice deception and wickedness.