Psalms 12:8
The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
Original Language Analysis
סָבִ֗יב
on every side
H5439
סָבִ֗יב
on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
1 of 7
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
The wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יִתְהַלָּכ֑וּן
walk
H1980
יִתְהַלָּכ֑וּן
walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כְּרֻ֥ם
are exalted
H7311
כְּרֻ֥ם
are exalted
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
4 of 7
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
זֻ֝לּ֗וּת
when the vilest
H2149
זֻ֝לּ֗וּת
when the vilest
Strong's:
H2149
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a shaking, i.e., perhaps a tempest
Historical Context
Written during a period of moral decline in Israel when cultural values inverted, celebrating what God condemned—a pattern repeated throughout Judges and Kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does cultural celebration of sin embolden wickedness in society?
- What is your responsibility when living in a culture that exalts vileness?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes a vicious cycle: the wicked freely strut when vileness is exalted among humanity. The Hebrew 'halak saviv' (walk all around) suggests unrestrained movement. When culture celebrates vice as virtue, wickedness becomes unashamed and public. This anticipates Paul's description of those who not only practice sin but celebrate those who do (Romans 1:32). Reformed theology calls this the judicial hardening that follows persistent rebellion.