What does Psalms 34:16 mean?
"The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." - Psalms 34:16
The verse Psalms 34:16 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth."
This verse comes from Psalm 34, which is a Psalm of David. In this particular Psalm, David praises God for delivering him from his enemies and for his continued protection and provision. The Psalm is full of gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness, even in times of trouble.
Psalms 34:16 specifically addresses the consequences for those who do evil. It speaks to the idea of divine justice and punishment for wickedness. The face of the Lord being "against them that do evil" symbolizes God's disapproval and opposition to those who engage in sinful behavior. The phrase "to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth" suggests that God will bring an end to their influence and legacy, perhaps through their defeat or eradication.
The theme of divine justice and retribution is a prevalent theme throughout the Bible, and this verse in Psalms taps into that theme. It reflects the belief that God sees and judges the actions of humanity, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. This theme is also echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Proverbs 11:21, which says, "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered."
In the context of the entire Psalm, this verse serves to reassure the righteous that God is on their side and will ultimately bring about justice for the evil deeds committed against them. It serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding believers that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice in his own time and way. This belief is central to the Christian faith and provides hope and reassurance in times of hardship and persecution.
Symbolically, the "face of the Lord" represents God's presence and attention. When God's face is turned against those who do evil, it signifies his displeasure and opposition to their actions. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's role as a righteous judge who holds people accountable for their deeds.
Overall, Psalms 34:16 conveys the important theological concepts of divine justice, righteousness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It provides a source of hope and comfort for believers, assuring them that God is ultimately in control and will bring about justice for the righteous and punishment for the wicked. This verse continues to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for Christians as they navigate the challenges and trials of life.
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Psalms 34:16 Artwork
Psalms 34:16 - "The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth."
"The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." - Psalms 34:16
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:18
Psalms 34:18
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
"He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." - Psalms 34:20
Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalms 34:18
Psalms 115:16 - "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men."
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - Psalms 34:8
Psalms 105:34 - "He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,"
"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalms 34:3
Psalms 34:5 - "They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed."
Psalms 34:20 - "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken."
Psalms 34:14 - "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalms 107:34 - "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:15 - "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
Psalms 34:18 - "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Psalms 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
Psalms 34:19 - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."
Psalms 106:34 - "They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:"
Psalms 104:34 - "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."
Psalms 34:21 - "Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate."
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:17 - "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
"What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?" - Psalms 34:12
"They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;" - Psalms 135:16
Psalms 89:34 - "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."