Psalms 94:11

11 The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.

Psalms 94:11 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
11 the LORD--knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 The LORD knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless!
The Message Bible (MSG)
11 God knows, all right - knows your stupidity, sees your shallowness.
American Standard Version (ASV)
11 Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
11 The LORD knows that people's thoughts are pointless.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
11 The Lord knows man's thoughts; they are meaningless.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
11 The LORD knows what people think. He knows that their thoughts don't amount to anything.

Psalms 94:11 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 94:11

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man
He not only hears their words, and sees their actions; but he knows their thoughts, the secret thoughts of their hearts, though he is afar off from them, and, they from him; he is the searcher of the hearts and trier of the reins of the children of men; see ( Psalms 139:2 Psalms 139:23 Psalms 139:24 ) ( Jeremiah 17:9 Jeremiah 17:10 ) , and so is Christ, who is the omniscient God, and is the Jehovah all along spoken to and of in this psalm; he knows the thoughts of men, and is a critical discerner of them, ( Matthew 9:3 Matthew 9:4 ) ( Hebrews 4:12 )

that they are vanity;
either that their thoughts are vanity; the object of them is vanity, the riches and honours of this world, which are all vanity and vexation of spirit; and sinful lusts and pleasures, which are vain and useless, yea, pernicious and hurtful: and so they are in their issue and event; they come to nothing, they are without effect; the Lord disappoints men's devices, and frustrates their designs; they think of this and the other, form schemes, but cannot execute them: or else the sense is, that they themselves are vanity, as man in his best estate is; even every man, whether of high or low degree; see ( Psalms 39:5 Psalms 39:6 ) ( 62:9 ) . The Syriac version is, "for they are a vapour"; with which compare ( James 4:14 ) . Thales, an Heathen philosopher F5, being asked whether men's deeds could be hid from God, answered, no, nor their thoughts.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 Apud Laert. Vit. ejus, Valer. Maxim. l. 7. c. 2. extern. 8.

Psalms 94:11 In-Context

9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law;
13 you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 139:2; Proverbs 15:26; S Matthew 9:4
  • 2. 1 Corinthians 3:20*
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