Psalms 76:10

Authorized King James Version

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Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֵמֹ֣ת Surely the wrath H2534
חֵמֹ֣ת Surely the wrath
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 2 of 7
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
אָדָ֣ם of man H120
אָדָ֣ם of man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 3 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תּוֹדֶ֑ךָּ shall praise H3034
תּוֹדֶ֑ךָּ shall praise
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 4 of 7
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית thee the remainder H7611
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית thee the remainder
Strong's: H7611
Word #: 5 of 7
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
חֵמֹ֣ת Surely the wrath H2534
חֵמֹ֣ת Surely the wrath
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 6 of 7
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
תַּחְגֹּֽר׃ shalt thou restrain H2296
תַּחְגֹּֽר׃ shalt thou restrain
Strong's: H2296
Word #: 7 of 7
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. This remarkable verse declares that even human rage against God serves His purposes. What appears to oppose divine glory actually advances it. This is one of Scripture's clearest statements of God's sovereignty over evil.

"The wrath of man" (chamat adam, חֲמַת אָדָם) refers to human fury, anger, and rage directed against God or His people. Chemah denotes hot anger, burning fury—the kind that drives armies to attack and tyrants to oppress. This wrath seems to threaten God's purposes and harm His people.

"Shall praise thee" (todeka, תוֹדֶךָּ) is stunning. The verb yadah means to give thanks, confess, praise. Human wrath—intended to oppose God—ends up praising Him! How? By providing occasion for God to display His superior power, wisdom, and faithfulness. Pharaoh's stubbornness led to the exodus; Sennacherib's invasion led to miraculous deliverance; the crucifixion led to resurrection. God transforms opposition into testimony.

"The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain" (she'erit chemot tachgor, שְׁאֵרִית חֵמֹת תַּחְגֹּר) indicates that God limits what He does not redirect. Chagar means to gird, restrain, bind up. Whatever portion of human wrath does not serve praise, God restrains. Human fury can go only as far as divine permission allows. Even what seems out of control operates within boundaries God has set.

Historical Context

This verse has provided comfort to suffering believers throughout history. Joseph told his brothers: "ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20). The early church applied similar logic to the crucifixion: wicked hands killed Jesus, but God's predetermined plan was accomplished (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28).

The Assyrian crisis illustrated this principle. Sennacherib's wrath against Jerusalem seemed to threaten God's purposes. But his campaign—and its sudden end—became occasion for God's glory. Isaiah 10:5-15 presents Assyria as God's instrument of judgment who, overreaching, would himself be judged.

Church fathers and reformers treasured this verse. Augustine saw God's sovereignty over evil as essential to Christian hope. Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" echoes this confidence: though devils fill the world, God reigns supreme. Calvin developed the doctrine of divine providence partly from texts like this.

Questions for Reflection