Psalms 10:2
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
Original Language Analysis
בְּגַאֲוַ֣ת
in his pride
H1346
בְּגַאֲוַ֣ת
in his pride
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
1 of 8
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יִתָּפְשׂ֓וּ׀
let them be taken
H8610
יִתָּפְשׂ֓וּ׀
let them be taken
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
5 of 8
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
Cross References
Psalms 59:12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.Psalms 7:16His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.Psalms 36:11Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.Proverbs 5:22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.Psalms 31:18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.Psalms 119:122Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.Psalms 140:5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.Psalms 119:85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.Psalms 119:69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.Isaiah 14:16They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
Historical Context
Composed during a time of social injustice in Israel when the powerful oppressed the vulnerable, contrary to Torah's protection of widows, orphans, and the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see pride manifesting as oppression in today's world?
- In what ways are you called to defend the vulnerable?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist describes the wicked 'hotly pursuing' the poor, using hunting language. This reveals sin's aggressive nature—it doesn't remain passive but actively oppresses. The prayer that they be 'caught in the schemes they have devised' reflects the biblical principle of divine justice turning evil back upon itself (Psalm 7:15-16, Proverbs 26:27).