Psalms 9:17 - The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God.

Generated Verse: Psalms 9:17

What does "Psalms 9:17" mean?


Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God," speaks of judgment and consequences for those who reject God. Let's break down the key components:

The Wicked: This refers to those who actively choose to do evil, oppress others, and disregard God's laws and principles. The Psalms often contrast the righteous and the wicked.

Shall be Turned Back to Sheol: Sheol is the Hebrew word for the realm of the dead. Its exact meaning is debated, but generally, it represents a place of darkness, separation from life and God, and a shadowy existence. Being "turned back" implies that the wicked, in their pursuit of worldly gain and rejection of God, ultimately return to a state of nothingness or punishment after death. Some interpretations suggest a metaphorical "Sheol" of despair and ruin even within this life due to the consequences of their actions.

Even All the Nations that Forget God: This extends the judgment beyond individuals to entire nations. It suggests that nations that collectively turn away from God, abandon moral principles, and pursue injustice will also face consequences. This could manifest as internal decay, societal collapse, or defeat by other nations. "Forgetting God" implies not just intellectual disbelief, but a deliberate turning away from God's standards of righteousness and justice.

In essence, the verse is a warning: It asserts that wickedness and rejection of God, whether by individuals or nations, will ultimately lead to a negative outcome, a form of "death" or destruction. It is a statement about divine justice and the consequences of choosing a path that is opposed to God's will.

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