King James Version

What Does Psalms 76:10 Mean?

Psalms 76:10 in the King James Version says “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 76 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.”

Psalms 76:10 · KJV

Context

8

Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,

9

When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

11

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. unto him: Heb. to fear

12

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. This remarkable verse declares that even human rage against God serves His purposes. What appears to oppose divine glory actually advances it. This is one of Scripture's clearest statements of God's sovereignty over evil.

"The wrath of man" (chamat adam, חֲמַת אָדָם) refers to human fury, anger, and rage directed against God or His people. Chemah denotes hot anger, burning fury—the kind that drives armies to attack and tyrants to oppress. This wrath seems to threaten God's purposes and harm His people.

"Shall praise thee" (todeka, תוֹדֶךָּ) is stunning. The verb yadah means to give thanks, confess, praise. Human wrath—intended to oppose God—ends up praising Him! How? By providing occasion for God to display His superior power, wisdom, and faithfulness. Pharaoh's stubbornness led to the exodus; Sennacherib's invasion led to miraculous deliverance; the crucifixion led to resurrection. God transforms opposition into testimony.

"The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain" (she'erit chemot tachgor, שְׁאֵרִית חֵמֹת תַּחְגֹּר) indicates that God limits what He does not redirect. Chagar means to gird, restrain, bind up. Whatever portion of human wrath does not serve praise, God restrains. Human fury can go only as far as divine permission allows. Even what seems out of control operates within boundaries God has set.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse has provided comfort to suffering believers throughout history. Joseph told his brothers: "ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20). The early church applied similar logic to the crucifixion: wicked hands killed Jesus, but God's predetermined plan was accomplished (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28).

The Assyrian crisis illustrated this principle. Sennacherib's wrath against Jerusalem seemed to threaten God's purposes. But his campaign—and its sudden end—became occasion for God's glory. Isaiah 10:5-15 presents Assyria as God's instrument of judgment who, overreaching, would himself be judged.

Church fathers and reformers treasured this verse. Augustine saw God's sovereignty over evil as essential to Christian hope. Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" echoes this confidence: though devils fill the world, God reigns supreme. Calvin developed the doctrine of divine providence partly from texts like this.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth that human wrath 'shall praise' God change your perspective on opposition to the faith?
  2. What examples from Scripture or history illustrate human opposition being transformed into divine glory?
  3. What comfort does God's restraint of the 'remainder of wrath' provide during times of persecution or suffering?
  4. How does this verse inform your prayers for situations where evil seems to triumph?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

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

חֵמֹ֣ת2 of 7

“Surely the wrath”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

אָדָ֣ם3 of 7

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תּוֹדֶ֑ךָּ4 of 7

“shall praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

שְׁאֵרִ֖ית5 of 7

“thee the remainder”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

חֵמֹ֣ת6 of 7

“Surely the wrath”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

תַּחְגֹּֽר׃7 of 7

“shalt thou restrain”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

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 76:10 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 76:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:17Matthew 24:22Daniel 3:19-20Acts 4:26-28Acts 12:3-19Matthew 2:13-16

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