Devine Scripture

Psalms 96:13

What does Psalms 96:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 96:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 96:13 means

This verse climaxes Psalm 96 by declaring the ultimate purpose of Yahweh’s arrival: to judge the earth. The repetition of "for he comes" emphasizes the certainty and imminent nature of this divine event. The judgment is characterized by righteousness, highlighting God’s perfect justice and moral integrity. He will judge not just a portion but "the earth" and "the world," indicating a universal scope. Furthermore, this judgment is executed with "truth," underscoring the absolute reliability and faithfulness of God’s decrees. The imagery is one of a majestic, authoritative King, coming to set all things right and uphold His divine standards across all humanity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Before the Lord, for he is come; he is come to be the judge of the earth; the earth will be judged in righteousness, and the peoples with unchanging faith.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Before Jehovah, for He hath come, For He hath come to judge the earth. He judgeth the world in righteousness, And the peoples in His faithfulness!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Before Jehovah, for he cometh; for he cometh to judge the earth: he will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Context

Psalm 96 is a hymn of praise, exhorting all creation to sing a new song to Yahweh. The preceding verses (11-12) call upon the heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees to rejoice before the Lord, creating a grand cosmic anticipation. This verse (13) directly follows that universal rejoicing, providing the reason for such jubilation: God’s impending judgment. It functions as the climax, explaining why all creation should celebrate. The chapter then concludes with this ultimate statement of God’s sovereign reign and just rule over all peoples, solidifying the theme of Yahweh as the worthy and righteous King of all the earth.

v.12Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy

v.13This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

  • Isaiah 25:8

    He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.

  • Revelation 11:18

    And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and the time to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

    when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

  • Psalms 96:10

    Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved: He will judge the peoples with equity.

  • Titus 2:13

    looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

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