Psalm 10:2

Translations

Modern

In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.

Traditional

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Literal

In his arrogance, the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; may they be caught in the schemes that they have devised!

Latin

Dum superbit impius, incenditur pauper: comprehenduntur in consiliis quibus cogitant.

Original

Hebrew

English

In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.

Notes

Psalms 10:2

The wicked openly defy God with their actions and words (Psalm 17:10; 31:18; 59:12; 73:8; 123:4). Although the Lord will deal with them (Psalm 31:23), they trouble the righteous (see Psalm 5:4–6) before their condemnation and judgment.

Psalms 10:2–11

Wicked and oppressive people might succeed, causing harmful effects. Evil can be as dramatic as the psalmist portrays it here, or it could be more subtle.

Psalms 10:1–18

The lament in Psalm 9:13–20 continues in Psalm 10 (see study note on Psalms 9–10). However, the mood shifts from confident statements to anguished questions. The psalmist prays for rescue, trusting that the Lord, as a just king, take care of the needy.

Psalms 9:1–10:18

This hymn celebrates the Lord's rule and triumph over evil. It may also respond to the laments in Psalms 3–7.

Some believe that Psalms 9 and 10 should be read together as one psalm in two parts. This is because Psalm 9 has a title, while Psalm 10 does not.

Despite some missing or inverted letters, the two psalms form an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. This means that each line or section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Other alphabetic acrostics include Psalms 25, 34, 37, 111–112, 119, and 145.

The ancient Greek and Latin translations treat Psalms 9 and 10 as one psalm.

Theme notes and profiles

David The Poor and Needy in the Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 59:12
By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.
Psalm 36:11
Let not the foot of the proud come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
Psalm 7:16
His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.
Proverbs 5:22
The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him.
Psalm 31:18
May lying lips be silenced—lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.
Psalm 119:122
Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
Psalm 140:5
The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah
Isaiah 10:12–13
So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes.
Psalm 119:85
The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.
Psalm 119:69
Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all my heart.
Isaiah 14:16
Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,
Isaiah 14:13
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.

Glossary

Acrostic David Music Persecution Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of

Topics

Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Poor: Oppressions of Prayer: Imprecatory Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Retaliation: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Fruits of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute

Psalm 10:2

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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