King James Version

What Does Psalms 5:10 Mean?

Psalms 5:10 in the King James Version says “Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; f...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. Destroy: or, Make them guilty by: or, from their counsels”

Psalms 5:10 · KJV

Context

8

Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. mine: Heb. those which observe me

9

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. faithfulness: or, stedfastness their mouth: Heb. his mouth, that is, the mouth of any of them very: Heb. wickednesses

10

Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. Destroy: or, Make them guilty by: or, from their counsels

11

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. defendest: Heb. coverest over, or, protectest them

12

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. compass: Heb. crown

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
David's prayer for judgment is not personal vengeance but a call for divine justice. 'Let them fall by their own counsels' invokes the principle of retributive justice - the wicked trap themselves in their schemes (Psalm 7:15-16). The 'multitude of their transgressions' and their rebellion ('rebelled against thee') show these are not innocent victims but covenant violators. Such imprecatory prayers are legitimate when God's people call on Him to execute His threatened judgments against unrepentant rebels, ultimately pointing to the final judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Imprecatory psalms reflected covenant curses that God Himself established against covenant breakers. David as God's anointed had the right to invoke these curses on those opposing God's kingdom. The early church understood these prayers as ultimately aimed at spiritual enemies - sin, death, and Satan - defeated through Christ's work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you pray for justice while maintaining proper attitudes toward enemies?
  2. What does it mean to pray imprecatory prayers against spiritual forces rather than people?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
הַֽאֲשִׁימֵ֨ם׀1 of 10

“Destroy”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים2 of 10

“thou them O God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִפְּלוּ֮3 of 10

“let them fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִֽמֹּעֲצ֪וֹתֵ֫יהֶ֥ם4 of 10

“by their own counsels”

H4156

a purpose

בְּרֹ֣ב5 of 10

“in the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

פִּ֭שְׁעֵיהֶם6 of 10

“of their transgressions”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

הַדִּיחֵ֑מוֹ7 of 10

“cast them out”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

כִּי8 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָ֥רוּ9 of 10

“for they have rebelled”

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

בָֽךְ׃10 of 10
H0

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 5:10 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 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 63:102 Samuel 17:14Psalms 140:9-102 Samuel 17:231 Corinthians 3:19Psalms 71:13

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