Old Testament
Psalms 14:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There they were in great fear, for God is in the generation of the righteous.
Compare translations
There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
What Psalms 14:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist describes a situation where the wicked are filled with fear because they realize that God is present among the righteous. This fear stems from the understanding that God protects and supports those who live according to His ways. The phrase 'generation of the righteous' suggests a community or lineage of people who are faithful to God. Their righteousness stands in stark contrast to the wicked, who may feel threatened by the moral integrity and divine favor that the righteous possess. This fear is not just a passing emotion; it reflects a deeper recognition of God's authority and justice. The presence of God among the righteous serves as a reminder that He is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing them with strength and security. Thus, the verse highlights the protective nature of God and the consequences that the wicked face when they oppose His will.
How to apply Psalms 14:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God is with us and protects us. When we align our lives with His will, we can find comfort and strength, even in the face of fear. It reminds us to trust in God's justice and presence in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 14:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 14:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 14:5 mean?
Psalms 14:5 describes how the wicked experience fear because they recognize God's presence among the righteous. This fear highlights the contrast between the moral integrity of the righteous and the insecurity of the wicked.
What is the meaning of 'generation of the righteous' in Psalms 14:5?
The phrase 'generation of the righteous' refers to a community or lineage of people who are faithful to God. It emphasizes that God is actively present and supportive of those who live according to His ways.
How does Psalms 14:5 relate to fear?
Psalms 14:5 shows that the wicked are filled with fear due to the awareness of God's presence among the righteous. This fear is a recognition of God's authority and the protection He offers to those who live righteously.
What themes are present in Psalms 14:5?
Key themes in Psalms 14:5 include the fear of God, the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, divine protection, and the importance of community among believers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.