Psalm 94:7
New International Version
They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

New Living Translation
“The LORD isn’t looking,” they say, “and besides, the God of Israel doesn’t care.”

English Standard Version
and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.”

Berean Standard Bible
They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

King James Bible
Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

New King James Version
Yet they say, “The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”

New American Standard Bible
They have said, “The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob perceive.”

NASB 1995
They have said, “The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.”

NASB 1977
And they have said, “The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
They have said, “Yah does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob discern.”

Amplified Bible
Yet they say, “The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob (Israel) notice it.”

Christian Standard Bible
They say, “The LORD doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They say, “The LORD doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”

American Standard Version
And they say, Jehovah will not see, Neither will the God of Jacob consider.

Contemporary English Version
Then they say, "The LORD God of Jacob doesn't see or know."

English Revised Version
And they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob consider.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They say, "The LORD doesn't see it. The God of Jacob doesn't even pay attention to it."

Good News Translation
They say, "The LORD does not see us; the God of Israel does not notice."

International Standard Version
They say, "The LORD cannot see, and the God of Jacob will not notice."

NET Bible
Then they say, "The LORD does not see this; the God of Jacob does not take notice of it."

New Heart English Bible
They say, "The LORD will not see, neither will Jacob's God consider."

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet they say, The LORD will not see, neither will the God of Jacob regard it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

World English Bible
They say, “Yah will not see, neither will Jacob’s God consider.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they say, “YAH does not see, "" And the God of Jacob does not consider.”

Young's Literal Translation
And they say, 'Jehovah doth not see, And the God of Jacob doth not consider.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say Jah will not see, and the God of Jacob will not understand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they have said: The Lord shall not see: neither shall the God of Jacob understand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they have said, “The Lord will not see, nor will the God of Jacob understand.”

New American Bible
They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

New Revised Standard Version
and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Yet they say, The LORD does not see, neither does the God of Jacob regard it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they said, "LORD JEHOVAH does not see, and the God of Jacob does not understand.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they say: 'The LORD will not see, Neither will the God of Jacob give heed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob understand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Will Not Forget His People
6They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. 7They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” 8Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?…

Cross References
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.

Isaiah 29:15
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”

Ezekiel 8:12
“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’”

Job 22:13-14
Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness? / Thick clouds veil Him so He does not see us as He traverses the vault of heaven.’

Jeremiah 23:23-24
“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” / “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

Psalm 10:11
He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”

Psalm 73:11
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

Psalm 59:7
See what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”

Psalm 64:5
They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.

Psalm 139:1-12
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Matthew 10:26
So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.

Luke 12:2-3
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Romans 2:16
on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.


Treasury of Scripture

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

they say

Psalm 10:11-13
He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it

Psalm 59:7
Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

Job 22:12,13
Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are! …

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Consider Heed Jacob Jacob's Jah Pay Pays Perceive Regard Thought Yah
Psalm 94
1. The prophet, calling for justice, complains of tyranny and impiety.
8. He teaches God's providence
12. He shows the blessedness of affliction
16. God is the defender of the afflicted.














They say,
This phrase introduces the voice of the wicked or the oppressors, who are often mentioned throughout the Psalms. It reflects a common attitude of those who act unjustly, believing they can escape divine justice. This mindset is seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in Psalm 10:11, where the wicked say, "God has forgotten, He hides His face, He will never see it."

“The LORD does not see;
The assertion that "The LORD does not see" reflects a misunderstanding or denial of God's omniscience. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the belief in an all-seeing, all-knowing God was central. This phrase challenges that belief, suggesting a practical atheism where God is perceived as distant or uninvolved. This is countered by numerous biblical affirmations of God's awareness and involvement, such as in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."

the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
Referring to God as "the God of Jacob" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. Jacob, later named Israel, is a patriarch whose life and descendants are central to the identity of the Israelites. The claim that God "pays no heed" contradicts the historical and covenantal faithfulness of God, as seen in His repeated interventions on behalf of Israel. This phrase also highlights a recurring theme in the Psalms and prophetic literature, where God's people are reminded of His attentiveness and justice, as in Isaiah 40:27-28, where God is described as one who does not grow tired or weary and whose understanding is unsearchable.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The God of Jacob
A title for God that highlights His relationship with the patriarch Jacob, representing His ongoing covenant with Israel.

3. The Wicked
Though not explicitly named in this verse, the context of Psalm 94 identifies them as those who oppress and act unjustly, believing they can escape God's notice.
Teaching Points
God's Omniscience
Despite the claims of the wicked, God sees all actions and intentions. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God is aware of every injustice and will act in His perfect timing.

The Folly of the Wicked
The belief that God does not see or care is a dangerous deception. It leads to moral decay and a false sense of security among those who do evil.

Trust in God's Justice
Even when it seems like evil goes unchecked, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice. He will hold the wicked accountable.

Encouragement for the Oppressed
For those suffering under injustice, this verse is a reminder that God is not indifferent. He is a refuge and will vindicate His people.

Living with Integrity
Knowing that God sees all should motivate believers to live with integrity, even when no one else is watching.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 94:7?

2. How does Psalm 94:7 challenge our understanding of God's awareness of injustice?

3. What does "The LORD does not see" reveal about human misconceptions of God?

4. How can Psalm 94:7 deepen our trust in God's omnipresence and justice?

5. What other scriptures affirm God's awareness of human actions and thoughts?

6. How should Psalm 94:7 influence our response to perceived injustices today?

7. Does Psalm 94:7 suggest God is unaware of human actions?

8. How does Psalm 94:7 challenge the belief in God's omniscience?

9. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 94:7?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 94?

11. If Psalm 7:8 claims personal righteousness, does this contradict the broader biblical teaching of universal sinfulness (e.g., Romans 3:10)?

12. Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?

13. Do references to 'all gods' (Psalm 97:7) suggest acknowledgment of multiple deities, contradicting strict monotheism elsewhere in the Bible?

14. Psalm 20:7 - Does this portrayal of military reliance contradict biblical accounts where God commands battle preparations?
What Does Psalm 94:7 Mean
They say

• The psalmist quotes the arrogant words of the wicked: “They say…”—revealing a deliberate mindset, not a passing doubt.

Psalm 14:1 echoes the same voice: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

Psalm 10:11 records it again: “He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.’”

• The repetition across the Psalms shows how common and corrosive this denial is, inviting God’s people to recognize and resist it.


“The LORD does not see”

• This claim attacks God’s omniscience, suggesting His eyes are shut to evil.

• Scripture counters emphatically:

Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.”

Jeremiah 23:24: “Can a man hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD.”

Psalm 139:1-3 affirms God has “searched me and known me… You discern my thoughts from afar.”

• Believing He “does not see” frees the wicked, in their minds, to act without restraint—but it is a lie exposed by the consistent witness of Scripture.


“the God of Jacob”

• The name highlights God’s covenant faithfulness. He is not a distant deity but the personal God who stood with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:6).

Psalm 46:7 calls Him “the God of Jacob,” a title that reassures His people of His unchanging loyalty.

• By invoking this name, the psalmist underscores the insult: the very God who shepherded Jacob is accused of indifference.


“pays no heed”

• This phrase claims God ignores injustice and won’t act. Scripture answers:

Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.”

Nahum 1:3: “The LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.”

2 Peter 3:9 reminds us His apparent delay is patience, “not wanting anyone to perish.”

• God’s attention is active, not passive. Luke 12:6-7 shows He even counts sparrows and the hairs of our heads, proving nothing escapes His notice.


summary

Psalm 94:7 records the boastful denial of the wicked, claiming the covenant-keeping LORD neither sees nor cares. Scripture everywhere contradicts that claim, declaring God’s eyes are on all creation, His covenant love remains steadfast, and His justice will surely be executed. Trusting His watchful, faithful character frees believers from fear and calls the arrogant to repentance before the God who truly sees and will act.

(7) The Lord.--In original, "Jah." This carelessness of heaven to injustice and crime, which, in the mouth of the heathen (or, perhaps, of apostate Jews), appeared so monstrous to the Hebrews, was a doctrine of the philosophy of ancient times. It appears in the saying of Seneca: "Stoicus deus nec cor nec caput habet." And in the Homeric hymn to Demeter men are represented as only enduring the gifts of the gods because they are stronger, and give only grudgingly. (Comp. Lucretius, 1:45.) The feeling has been well caught in Tennyson's Lotus Eaters:

"Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind,

In the hollow Lotus-land to live and lie reclined,

On the hills like gods together, careless of mankind."

Verse 7. - Yet they say, The Lord shall not see (comp. Psalm 10:11, 13). Foreign enemies did not suppose that Jehovah would not see, but trusted that their own gods were stronger than he, and would protect them (2 Kings 18:33-35). Neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. "The God of Jacob" would not be a natural expression in the mouth of Israel's foreign foes. They knew nothing of Jacob. But it was an expression frequently used by Israelites (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 20:1; Psalm 46:7; Psalm 75:9; Psalm 76:6; Psalm 81:1, 4; Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 41:21; Micah 4:2, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They say,
וַ֭יֹּ֣אמְרוּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The LORD
יָּ֑הּ (yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3050: LORD -- the name of the God of Israel

does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see;
יִרְאֶה־ (yir·’eh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Jacob
יַעֲקֹֽב׃ (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

pays no heed.”
יָ֝בִ֗ין (yā·ḇîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand


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OT Poetry: Psalm 94:7 They say Yah will not see neither (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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