King James Version

What Does Psalms 10:9 Mean?

Psalms 10:9 in the King James Version says “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 draw...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 10:9 · KJV

Context

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

11

He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

Read Psalms 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The double lion imagery intensifies the predatory picture—the wicked lies in wait like a lion in its thicket, catching the poor in a net. This combines hunting metaphors to show calculated evil. The 'helpless' (Hebrew 'ani') are those economically and socially vulnerable. This anticipates Jesus' special concern for the poor and marginalized throughout His ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lions were a real threat in ancient Israel's wilderness areas, making this a powerful metaphor. Nets and snares were common hunting tools repurposed as images of social oppression.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do systems and structures today trap the vulnerable?
  2. In what ways are you called to be an advocate for the helpless?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יֶ֭אֱרֹב1 of 11

“He lieth in wait”

H693

to lurk

בַּמִּסְתָּ֨ר׀2 of 11

“secretly”

H4565

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

כְּאַרְיֵ֬ה3 of 11

“as a lion”

H738

a lion

בְסֻכֹּ֗ה4 of 11

“in his den”

H5520

a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair

יֶ֭אֱרֹב5 of 11

“He lieth in wait”

H693

to lurk

יַחְטֹ֥ף6 of 11

“he doth catch”

H2414

to clutch; hence, to seize as a prisoner

עָ֝נִ֗י7 of 11

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

יַחְטֹ֥ף8 of 11

“he doth catch”

H2414

to clutch; hence, to seize as a prisoner

עָ֝נִ֗י9 of 11

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

בְּמָשְׁכ֥וֹ10 of 11

“when he draweth”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

בְרִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“him into his net”

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

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 10:9 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 10:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 17:12Psalms 59:3Micah 7:2Psalms 35:10Nahum 2:11-12Psalms 12:5

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