Old Testament

Psalms 9:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made; in the net which they hid, their own foot is taken.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

What Psalms 9:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights a powerful truth about justice and consequences. It describes how nations or people who plot evil against others often end up falling into their own traps. The 'pit' and 'net' symbolize the schemes and plans they create to harm others. Instead of succeeding, they find themselves ensnared by their own actions. This serves as a reminder that wrongdoing can lead to self-destruction. The verse emphasizes that God sees these injustices and will ensure that those who do evil will face the repercussions of their actions. It reassures the faithful that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their own deceit will ultimately lead to their downfall. This theme of divine justice is prevalent throughout the Psalms, encouraging believers to trust in God's righteousness and timing.

How to apply Psalms 9:15 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions. It reminds us to avoid plotting harm against others, as such actions can backfire. Instead, we should focus on kindness and integrity, trusting that God will handle justice in His time.

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.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 9:15

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 9:15

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 9:15 mean?

Psalms 9:15 means that those who plot evil against others often end up suffering the consequences of their own actions. The verse illustrates how their schemes can lead to their downfall, emphasizing the idea of divine justice.

What is the significance of the 'pit' and 'net' in Psalms 9:15?

The 'pit' and 'net' in Psalms 9:15 symbolize the traps and schemes that people create to harm others. The verse suggests that these very traps can ensnare the ones who set them, highlighting the theme of self-destruction.

How does Psalms 9:15 relate to justice?

Psalms 9:15 relates to justice by illustrating that wrongdoing does not go unpunished. It conveys the message that God will ensure that those who plot harm against others will eventually fall into their own traps.

What lesson can we learn from Psalms 9:15?

The lesson from Psalms 9:15 is to avoid plotting harm against others, as such actions can lead to our own downfall. Instead, it encourages us to act with kindness and integrity, trusting in God's timing for justice.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.