King James Version

What Does Psalms 10:8 Mean?

Psalms 10:8 in the King James Version says “He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. are: Heb. hide themselves”

Psalms 10:8 · KJV

Context

6

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

7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. deceit: Heb. deceits vanity: or, iniquity

8

He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. are: Heb. hide themselves

9

He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. secretly: Heb. in the secret places

10

He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He: Heb. He breaketh himself by: or, into his strong parts

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This vivid imagery portrays the wicked as a predator lurking to devour the innocent. The Hebrew 'innocent' (nakiy) refers to the legally blameless, not sinlessly perfect—those who are victims of injustice. This foreshadows Satan as a 'roaring lion seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8) and anticipates Christ's condemnation of religious leaders who 'devour widows' houses' (Mark 12:40).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects banditry common in ancient Near East where robbers would ambush travelers in villages and along roads. Metaphorically applied to unjust powerful figures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you see predatory behavior masked in respectable settings?
  2. What responsibility do you have to expose and resist such hidden evil?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יֵשֵׁ֤ב׀1 of 9

“He sitteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּמַאְרַ֬ב2 of 9

“in the lurking places”

H3993

an ambuscade

חֲצֵרִ֗ים3 of 9

“of the villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בַּֽ֭מִּסְתָּרִים4 of 9

“in the secret places”

H4565

properly, a concealer, i.e., a covert

יַהֲרֹ֣ג5 of 9

“doth he murder”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

נָקִ֑י6 of 9

“the innocent”

H5355

innocent

עֵ֝ינָ֗יו7 of 9

“his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לְֽחֵלְכָ֥ה8 of 9

“against the poor”

H2489

a wretch, i.e., unfortunate

יִצְפֹּֽנוּ׃9 of 9

“are privily set”

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 3:141 Samuel 22:18Jeremiah 22:17Proverbs 6:12-13Psalms 17:11Luke 8:1

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