Psalms 26:10
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם
In whose hands
H3027
בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם
In whose hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם
and their right hand
H3225
וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם
and their right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
4 of 6
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.1 Samuel 8:3And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
Historical Context
Corruption of justice through bribes plagued Israel repeatedly (Isa. 1:23, Micah 3:11). Prophets condemned leaders whose 'hands' took bribes rather than defending the poor. This verse condemns systemic injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'mischief' and 'bribes' characterize modern systemic injustice?
- How do your 'hands' serve righteousness rather than corruption?
Analysis & Commentary
The description of the wicked: 'In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes' depicts systematic corruption. 'Mischief' (zimmah) suggests premeditated evil; 'bribes' indicates perverted justice. The wicked's very hands—instruments of action—are tools of wickedness. Reformed theology emphasizes total depravity: sin affects all human faculties, including the 'hands' that should do good. This contrasts with verse 6's 'innocent hands,' showing the moral gulf between righteous and wicked.