Psalms 94:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist questions who will defend him against the wicked, expressing the need for divine help.
The Context of Psalms 94:16
The psalmist acknowledges his helplessness and frames the fundamental need: divine defense against evil.
What Does Psalms 94:16 Mean?
This rhetorical question assumes no human can adequately defend against oppression. The psalmist recognizes his weakness and the superior power and organization of the evildoers. The form of the question—who, if not God?—prepares the listener for the answer that follows.
Rising up and standing up are military language, suggesting the psalmist feels besieged and outnumbered. No earthly ally can match the opposition. The question drives home the necessity of divine intervention.
Psalms 94:16 in the Original Language
rise up (קוּם, qum) — to stand, rise, take a stand; in military contexts, to take up arms or position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 94:16
What does Psalms 94:16 mean?
The psalmist questions who will defend him against the wicked, expressing the need for divine help.
What is the context of Psalms 94:16?
The psalmist acknowledges his helplessness and frames the fundamental need: divine defense against evil.