King James Version

What Does Psalms 101:8 Mean?

Psalms 101:8 in the King James Version says “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 101 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”

Psalms 101:8 · KJV

Context

6

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. in a: or, perfect in the way

7

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. shall not tarry: Heb. shall not be established

8

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. This concluding verse describes David's commitment to swift justice, particularly in Jerusalem. "I will early destroy" (lab'qarim atzmit, לַבְּקָרִים אַצְמִית) literally means "morning by morning I will destroy"—suggesting regular, diligent administration of justice. Tzmit (צָמַת) means to destroy, silence, or cut off completely.

"All the wicked of the land" (kol-rish'ei-aretz, כָּל־רִשְׁעֵי־אָרֶץ) uses resha (רֶשַׁע), denoting guilty, criminal, or morally corrupt individuals. This isn't arbitrary persecution but judicial punishment of proven evildoers. The phrase "of the land" may refer to all Israel under David's jurisdiction or specifically to prominent cases requiring royal adjudication.

"That I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD" provides David's purpose: purifying Jerusalem. "Cut off" (l'hakhrit, לְהַכְרִית) is covenant language for excommunication or capital punishment—removing corrupting influences from God's people. "The city of the LORD" (ir-Yahweh, עִיר־יְהוָה) is Jerusalem, chosen by God as His dwelling place (Psalm 48:1-2, 87:3).

This verse reflects the king's responsibility for justice, particularly capital cases. David commits to addressing wickedness promptly ("early/morning by morning") rather than allowing corruption to fester. The goal isn't personal vengeance but maintaining Jerusalem's sanctity as the city where God's presence dwelt.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the king served as supreme judicial authority, hearing cases brought by citizens and rendering final verdicts (2 Samuel 14:4-11, 15:1-6, 1 Kings 3:16-28). 'Morning by morning' reflects the practice of holding court at dawn, when people would bring cases for royal adjudication (2 Samuel 15:2; Jeremiah 21:12).

Jerusalem's status as 'the city of the LORD' meant maintaining its holiness. God's presence dwelling in the Temple required corresponding moral purity in the city's inhabitants (Psalm 15, 24). Tolerating flagrant wickedness in Jerusalem defiled the sacred space and invited divine judgment.

Biblical law prescribed capital punishment for serious offenses: murder (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12), adultery (Leviticus 20:10), idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:6-11), blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), and rebellion against parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). While these seem harsh, they reflect the seriousness of sin and the necessity of protecting community from corrupting influences.

The New Testament shifts emphasis from civil execution of justice to church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5) and anticipates final judgment when Christ returns to judge the living and dead (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-21). Meanwhile, governing authorities bear the sword to execute wrath on wrongdoers (Romans 13:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance this commitment to 'destroy wickedness' with New Testament emphases on mercy, patience, and redemptive discipline?
  2. What does 'morning by morning' justice suggest about the dangers of delayed justice or allowing corruption to accumulate unchecked?
  3. How should church discipline reflect both the Old Testament concern for community purity and New Testament hope for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
לַבְּקָרִ֗ים1 of 11

“I will early”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אַצְמִ֥ית2 of 11

“destroy”

H6789

to extirpate (literally or figuratively)

כָּל3 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רִשְׁעֵי4 of 11

“all the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

אָ֑רֶץ5 of 11

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְהַכְרִ֥ית6 of 11

“that I may cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵֽעִיר7 of 11

“from the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כָּל9 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פֹּ֥עֲלֵי10 of 11

“doers”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

אָֽוֶן׃11 of 11

“all wicked”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

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 101:8 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 101:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 75:10Jeremiah 21:12Proverbs 16:12Psalms 48:8Proverbs 20:26Proverbs 20:8

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