Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭כֵן
H3651
לָ֭כֵן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עֲנָקַ֣תְמוֹ
compasseth them about as a chain
H6059
עֲנָקַ֣תְמוֹ
compasseth them about as a chain
Strong's:
H6059
Word #:
2 of 7
to collar, i.e., adorn with a necklace; figuratively, to fit out with supplies
גַאֲוָ֑ה
Therefore pride
H1346
גַאֲוָ֑ה
Therefore pride
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
3 of 7
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
יַעֲטָף
covereth
H5848
יַעֲטָף
covereth
Strong's:
H5848
Word #:
4 of 7
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
Cross References
Psalms 109:18As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Proverbs 1:9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.Judges 8:26And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern powerful elites often wore elaborate jewelry and clothing to display status. The psalmist uses this imagery to show the wicked 'wear' pride and violence as public badges of honor rather than shame.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemporary culture celebrate pride and violence that Scripture condemns?
- What areas of pride in your life need to be recognized as shameful rather than displayed?
- How can you develop humility in a culture that 'wears' pride as an ornament?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pride adorns the wicked like a chain (jewelry worn proudly), and violence covers them like a garment (clothing worn daily). Their character traits—arrogance and brutality—are displayed openly, not hidden in shame. They're unashamed of qualities Scripture condemns. This moral inversion, where evil is celebrated rather than mourned, marks advanced cultural decay (Isaiah 5:20). Yet God opposes the proud (James 4:6); their pride ensures eventual judgment.