King James Version

What Does Psalms 75:10 Mean?

Psalms 75:10 in the King James Version says “All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 75 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Psalms 75:10 · KJV


Context

8

For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.

9

But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares: "All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted" (Hebrew v-khol-qar-ney r-shaim agaddea qar-not tzaddiq t-romamnah). Violent imagery: God will "cut off" (destroy) the wicked's power ("horns") while "exalting" the righteous. The verse promises complete reversal—prideful power humbled, humble righteousness elevated. This is eschatological justice: final vindication of the righteous, final judgment of the wicked. God's justice is both retributive and restorative.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The horn symbolizes power throughout Scripture (1 Samuel 2:1,10, Zechariah 1:18-21, Luke 1:69). Hannah's prayer celebrates: "The LORD...will exalt the horn of his anointed" (1 Samuel 2:10)—fulfilled in David and ultimately Christ. Mary's Magnificat echoes this: God "has scattered the proud...exalted the lowly" (Luke 1:51-52). Philippians 2:9-11 describes Christ's exaltation after humiliation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise that God will "cut off" wicked power provide comfort when evil seems triumphant?
  2. What does it mean that the "horns of the righteous shall be exalted"—how does humility lead to exaltation?
  3. How did Christ's path from cross to crown (Philippians 2:8-11) exemplify this principle of humiliation before exaltation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְכָל1 of 7
H3605

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

קַֽרְנ֥וֹת2 of 7

All the horns

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

רְשָׁעִ֣ים3 of 7

of the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

אֲגַדֵּ֑עַ4 of 7

also will I cut off

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

תְּ֝רוֹמַ֗מְנָה5 of 7

shall be exalted

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קַֽרְנ֥וֹת6 of 7

All the horns

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

צַדִּֽיק׃7 of 7

of the righteous

H6662

just


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 75:10 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 75:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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