Psalm 34:16

Psalm 34:16, in plain English

On the flip side, God actively opposes those who choose evil—His face is set against them, and His judgment means their harmful legacy will be erased. There are real consequences to rejecting God.

Why it's here

David isn't being vindictive here; he's stating a reality about God's character. God isn't neutral about evil. Those who persistently do wrong can't hide from God's opposition. This verse balances verse 15—God loves the righteous and opposes the wicked.

Who's speaking

David, describing God's opposition to evil

Where it sits in the story

This reflects the biblical reality that God's holiness means He cannot coexist with unrepentant evil—a theme running through both testaments and culminating in Revelation's descriptions of final judgment.

The scholarly reading

Conversely, God's face—symbol of divine favor—is set against evildoers with intent to obliterate their memory from creation itself.

Language and setting

The phrase פְנֵי יְהוָה בְעֹשֵׂי רָע (p'nei YHWH b'osei ra', 'the face of the LORD against those who do evil') employs theological language designating divine opposition and withdrawal of favor. The stated purpose—לְהַכְרִית מִן־הָאָרֶץ אֶת־זִכְרָם (l'hachrit min-ha-aretz et-zichram, 'to wipe out their memory from the earth')—extends judgment beyond death into erasure of historical significance. This reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of ultimate punishment: obliteration from communal memory constitutes annihilation of significance. The stark contrast between verses 15 and 16 presents a cosmic moral dualism.

Voice

The wisdom teacher, completing the ethical contrast.

Significance

This participates in biblical retribution theology, which the book of Job will challenge and complicate. It informs Jesus' warnings regarding judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) while his redemptive mission introduces the possibility of transformation even for the wicked—a mercy that transcends the strict justice envisioned here.

14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.

16But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.

17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.

18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

Read all of Psalm 34 — Written after David escaped death by pretending to be insane. Out of humiliation comes one of the most beloved invitations in Scripture.