King James Version

What Does Psalms 112:8 Mean?

Psalms 112:8 in the King James Version says “His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 112 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.”

Psalms 112:8 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

6

Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8

His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10

The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Read Psalms 112 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid (סָמוּךְ לִבּוֹ לֹא יִירָא)—Samukh (established, firm, supported) uses the same root as Psalm 111:8's description of God's precepts standing fast. The righteous person's lev (heart, inner being) possesses divinely-given stability. Lo yira (shall not fear) promises courage not from circumstances but from heart-anchoring in God's character. This echoes Proverbs 3:25-26 and anticipates New Testament teaching on peace transcending understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Until he see his desire upon his enemies (עַד אֲשֶׁר־יִרְאֶה בְצָרָיו)—Ad asher-yireh (until he sees) anticipates vindication. Betsarav (on his adversaries) means seeing God's justice enacted. This is neither personal vengeance nor schadenfreude but confidence that God will ultimately vindicate righteousness and judge wickedness. It echoes imprecatory psalms (Psalm 58, 137) and anticipates eschatological justice when God finally makes all things right. The righteous can maintain courage because they know the outcome—God wins, righteousness prevails.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse addresses the recurring Old Testament problem: the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous (Psalms 37, 73, Jeremiah 12:1, Habakkuk 1:13). Psalm 112 promises that the righteous will eventually witness divine justice, encouraging perseverance during seasons when evil seems triumphant. For post-exilic Israel, this meant confidence that Babylon's judgment and Israel's restoration vindicated covenant faithfulness. New Testament eschatology extends this vindication to final judgment and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confidence in God's ultimate justice enable courage during present injustice?
  2. What is the difference between biblical confidence in divine vindication and personal desire for revenge?
  3. How should believers maintain 'established hearts' when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
סָמ֣וּךְ1 of 8

“is established”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

לִ֭בּוֹ2 of 8

“His heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִירָ֑א4 of 8

“he shall not be afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

עַ֖ד5 of 8
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִרְאֶ֣ה7 of 8

“until he see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְצָרָֽיו׃8 of 8

“his desire upon his enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

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 112:8 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 112:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:24Psalms 59:10Psalms 118:7Psalms 91:8Hebrews 13:9Psalms 92:11

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 112 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 112 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes