Old Testament
Psalms 9:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Put them in fear, O LORD, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
Compare translations
Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
What Psalms 9:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is calling on God to instill fear in the nations, reminding them of their human limitations. The request is for God to demonstrate His power so that people recognize their own frailty and dependence on Him. The term 'Selah' suggests a pause for reflection, emphasizing the importance of understanding our place in relation to God. This verse highlights the contrast between divine authority and human vulnerability, urging nations to acknowledge their need for God’s guidance and strength. It serves as a reminder that despite their might, nations are ultimately subject to God's will and should live in humility before Him. The fear mentioned here is not just terror but a profound respect and recognition of God’s sovereignty over all creation. This acknowledgment can lead to a more righteous and just society, as people understand their roles and responsibilities under God's authority.
How to apply Psalms 9:20 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this verse by recognizing our limitations and the need for God's guidance. By cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord, we can make wiser decisions and live more humbly, understanding that we are not in control of everything. This perspective can lead to greater peace and reliance on God.
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 9:20
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 9:20
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 9:20 mean by 'put them in fear'?
In Psalms 9:20, the phrase 'put them in fear' is a plea for God to instill a sense of reverence and awareness in the nations. It emphasizes the need for people to recognize their limitations as mere humans in contrast to God's supreme authority. This fear is not about terror but about understanding the power and sovereignty of God, leading to humility and a proper relationship with Him.
How can I apply the message of Psalms 9:20 in my life?
To apply the message of Psalms 9:20, start by acknowledging your own limitations and the need for God's guidance in your decisions. Cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord can help you make wiser choices and foster humility. This perspective encourages reliance on God, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling life as you recognize that you are not in control of everything.
What is the significance of 'Selah' in Psalms 9:20?
The term 'Selah' in Psalms 9:20 serves as a pause for reflection. It invites readers to contemplate the profound message of the verse, emphasizing the importance of understanding our place before God. This pause encourages deeper meditation on the themes of divine sovereignty and human frailty, prompting us to consider how we respond to God's authority in our lives.
Why is it important for nations to recognize their limitations according to Psalms 9:20?
Recognizing their limitations is crucial for nations as highlighted in Psalms 9:20 because it fosters humility and dependence on God. When nations understand that they are not all-powerful, they are more likely to seek divine guidance and make just decisions. This acknowledgment can lead to a more righteous society, where leaders and citizens alike act with integrity and respect for God's authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.