Psalms 17:10
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
Original Language Analysis
חֶלְבָּ֥מוֹ
in their own fat
H2459
חֶלְבָּ֥מוֹ
in their own fat
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
1 of 5
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
פִּ֝֗ימוֹ
with their mouth
H6310
פִּ֝֗ימוֹ
with their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 5
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
1 Samuel 2:3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.Psalms 123:4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.Psalms 31:18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.Matthew 13:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Acts 28:27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Psalms 119:70Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.Job 15:27Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.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.
Historical Context
Describes Saul and his followers who pursued David without mercy, their hearts hardened by jealousy and their speech filled with accusations and boasts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prosperity tempt you toward hardness of heart?
- In what ways do pride and lack of compassion connect in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked have 'closed their hearts to pity'—literally 'closed their fat' (chelev), suggesting self-indulgent hardness. Their mouths 'speak arrogantly' ('ge'ut'—pride/arrogance). This connects callousness toward others with pride before God. Jesus condemned such hardness in religious leaders (Matthew 23). Reformed theology sees this as evidence of total depravity—the unregenerate heart's natural condition apart from grace.