King James Version

What Does Psalms 26:10 Mean?

Psalms 26:10 in the King James Version says “In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. full: Heb. filled with — study this verse from Psalms chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. full: Heb. filled with

Psalms 26:10 · KJV


Context

8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. where: Heb. of the tabernacle of thy honour

9

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: Gather: or, Take not away bloody: Heb. men of blood

10

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. full: Heb. filled with

11

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

12

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description of the wicked: 'In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes' depicts systematic corruption. 'Mischief' (zimmah) suggests premeditated evil; 'bribes' indicates perverted justice. The wicked's very hands—instruments of action—are tools of wickedness. Reformed theology emphasizes total depravity: sin affects all human faculties, including the 'hands' that should do good. This contrasts with verse 6's 'innocent hands,' showing the moral gulf between righteous and wicked.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corruption of justice through bribes plagued Israel repeatedly (Isa. 1:23, Micah 3:11). Prophets condemned leaders whose 'hands' took bribes rather than defending the poor. This verse condemns systemic injustice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'mischief' and 'bribes' characterize modern systemic injustice?
  2. How do your 'hands' serve righteousness rather than corruption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲשֶׁר1 of 6
H834

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

בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם2 of 6

In whose hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

זִמָּ֑ה3 of 6

is mischief

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם4 of 6

and their right hand

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

מָ֣לְאָה5 of 6

is full

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

שֹּֽׁחַד׃6 of 6

of bribes

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)


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 26:10 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 26:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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