Old Testament
Psalms 9:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
Compare translations
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
What Psalms 9:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights how God reveals His character through the judgments He carries out. It emphasizes that God's justice is evident in the way He deals with the wicked. The phrase 'the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands' suggests that those who do evil ultimately fall into the traps they set for others. Their own actions lead to their downfall, demonstrating that justice prevails. The term 'Higgaion' may indicate a pause for reflection, while 'Selah' invites the reader to meditate on the significance of God's justice. This verse reassures believers that God is aware of wrongdoing and will act accordingly, reinforcing the idea that righteousness will ultimately triumph over evil.
How to apply Psalms 9:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's justice, knowing that wrongdoing will not go unpunished. It reminds us to examine our own actions and ensure they align with righteousness, as our choices can lead to our own downfall. Reflecting on God's judgments can guide us in making wise decisions.
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 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
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 PlansAsk AI about Psalms 9:16
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 9:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 9:16 say about God's judgment?
Psalms 9:16 reveals that God is recognized through the judgments He executes. This verse emphasizes that God's justice is evident in how He deals with the wicked, showcasing His character as a just and fair deity. It reassures believers that God is aware of wrongdoing and will act to uphold justice.
How does Psalms 9:16 relate to the consequences of wickedness?
The verse states that 'the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands,' indicating that those who commit evil ultimately face the consequences of their actions. This serves as a reminder that engaging in wrongdoing can lead to one's own downfall, reinforcing the idea that justice prevails.
What does 'Higgaion' and 'Selah' mean in this verse?
In Psalms 9:16, 'Higgaion' is often interpreted as a pause for reflection, suggesting a moment to contemplate the weight of the message. 'Selah' is similarly understood as an invitation to meditate on the significance of God's justice and the implications of the verse, encouraging deeper thought about the themes presented.
How can I apply Psalms 9:16 in my daily life?
You can apply Psalms 9:16 by trusting in God's justice and being mindful of your own actions. This verse encourages self-examination to ensure your choices align with righteousness, as it highlights that our actions can lead to our own consequences. Reflecting on God's judgments can guide you in making wise and ethical decisions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.