King James Version

What Does Psalms 10:2 Mean?

Psalms 10:2 in the King James Version says “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. The wicked: H...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. The wicked: Heb. In the pride of the wicked he doth persecute”

Psalms 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

2

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. The wicked: Heb. In the pride of the wicked he doth persecute

3

For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. heart's: Heb. soul's blesseth: or, the covetous blesseth himself, he abhorreth the LORD

4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. God is: or, all his thoughts are, There is no God

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist describes the wicked 'hotly pursuing' the poor, using hunting language. This reveals sin's aggressive nature—it doesn't remain passive but actively oppresses. The prayer that they be 'caught in the schemes they have devised' reflects the biblical principle of divine justice turning evil back upon itself (Psalm 7:15-16, Proverbs 26:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Composed during a time of social injustice in Israel when the powerful oppressed the vulnerable, contrary to Torah's protection of widows, orphans, and the poor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you see pride manifesting as oppression in today's world?
  2. In what ways are you called to defend the vulnerable?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּגַאֲוַ֣ת1 of 8

“in his pride”

H1346

arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

רָ֭שָׁע2 of 8

“The wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִדְלַ֣ק3 of 8

“doth persecute”

H1814

to flame (literally or figuratively)

עָנִ֑י4 of 8

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

יִתָּפְשׂ֓וּ׀5 of 8

“let them be taken”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

בִּמְזִמּ֖וֹת6 of 8

“in the devices”

H4209

a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)

ז֣וּ7 of 8

“that”

H2098

this or that

חָשָֽׁבוּ׃8 of 8

“they have imagined”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 10:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 59:12Psalms 7:16Psalms 36:11Proverbs 5:22Psalms 119:122Psalms 31:18

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