Psalms 10:3
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִלֵּ֣ל
boasteth
H1984
הִלֵּ֣ל
boasteth
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
2 of 10
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
רָ֭שָׁע
For the wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
For the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 10
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
desire
H8378
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
desire
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
5 of 10
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
of his heart's
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
of his heart's
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וּבֹצֵ֥עַ
the covetous
H1214
וּבֹצֵ֥עַ
the covetous
Strong's:
H1214
Word #:
7 of 10
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
בֵּ֝רֵ֗ךְ
and blesseth
H1288
בֵּ֝רֵ֗ךְ
and blesseth
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
8 of 10
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Cross References
Psalms 94:4How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?Luke 12:19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.Isaiah 37:23Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.Psalms 49:6They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Job 31:24If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;Exodus 15:9The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.Deuteronomy 29:19And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
Historical Context
Reflects economic injustice in ancient Israel where some accumulated wealth through exploitation, contradicting the Mosaic law's provisions for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- What cultural narratives celebrate greed as virtue rather than vice?
- How can you identify and resist covetous desires in your own heart?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse exposes the root of wickedness: sinful desire replacing God as the ultimate good. The wicked 'blesses the greedy' (literally 'blesses the one who cuts off'), perverting blessing into cursing by celebrating covetousness. This anticipates Paul's description of those whose 'god is their belly' (Philippians 3:19). Reformed theology sees this as the natural outworking of total depravity.