King James Version

What Does Psalms 10:4 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

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

He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. never: Heb. unto generation and generation

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **The wicked.**—The Authorised Version has quite missed the meaning of this verse. Translate, *the wicked in his haughtiness *(literally, *height of his nostril. *Comp. the common expression, ‘to turn up one’s nose at a person’) *saith He will not requite it *(*i.e., *punish; comp. Psalm 10:13). *There is no God in all his thought. *(Comp. Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.