King James Version

What Does Psalms 10:3 Mean?

Psalms 10:3 in the King James Version says “For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. heart's: Heb. soul's ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 10:3 · 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

5

His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse exposes the root of wickedness: sinful desire replacing God as the ultimate good. The wicked 'blesses the greedy' (literally 'blesses the one who cuts off'), perverting blessing into cursing by celebrating covetousness. This anticipates Paul's description of those whose 'god is their belly' (Philippians 3:19). Reformed theology sees this as the natural outworking of total depravity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects economic injustice in ancient Israel where some accumulated wealth through exploitation, contradicting the Mosaic law's provisions for the poor.

Reflection Questions

  1. What cultural narratives celebrate greed as virtue rather than vice?
  2. How can you identify and resist covetous desires in your own heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּֽי1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִלֵּ֣ל2 of 10

“boasteth”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

רָ֭שָׁע3 of 10

“For the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

עַל4 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תַּאֲוַ֣ת5 of 10

“desire”

H8378

a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)

נַפְשׁ֑וֹ6 of 10

“of his heart's”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּבֹצֵ֥עַ7 of 10

“the covetous”

H1214

to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop

בֵּ֝רֵ֗ךְ8 of 10

“and blesseth”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

נִ֘אֵ֥ץ׀9 of 10

“abhorreth”

H5006

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“whom the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 94:4Luke 12:19Zechariah 11:5-8Micah 6:10-12Deuteronomy 29:19Psalms 35:21

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