Psalms 21:10
Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
Original Language Analysis
תְּאַבֵּ֑ד
shalt thou destroy
H6
תְּאַבֵּ֑ד
shalt thou destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
וְ֝זַרְעָ֗ם
and their seed
H2233
וְ֝זַרְעָ֗ם
and their seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
4 of 6
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
Cross References
Psalms 37:28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.1 Kings 13:34And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.Psalms 109:13Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.Job 20:28The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern warfare, eliminating an enemy's lineage prevented future rebellion. However, this verse primarily emphasizes God's sovereignty over generations—He determines which lines continue and which cease, according to His righteous purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the doctrine of original sin help explain generational consequences of evil?
- In what ways does God's promise to Abraham reverse the curse of sin upon future generations?
Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment extends to the 'fruit' (descendants) and 'seed' (progeny) of the wicked, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of divine justice. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates corporate solidarity in sin and judgment. However, it also reminds us of God's mercy in Christ, who bore the curse so that believers' 'seed' might be blessed (Gal. 3:13-14). Judgment is both individual and generational.