Psalms 91:8
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭ק
H7535
רַ֭ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
בְּעֵינֶ֣יךָ
Only with thine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֣יךָ
Only with thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תַבִּ֑יט
shalt thou behold
H5027
תַבִּ֑יט
shalt thou behold
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
3 of 6
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
Cross References
Psalms 37:34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.Malachi 1:5And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.Psalms 92:11Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.Hebrews 2:2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is traditionally attributed to Moses, reflecting Israel's wilderness experience where God's protection was visibly demonstrated while surrounding nations faced judgment. The psalm became a messianic text—Satan quoted verses 11-12 during Christ's temptation (Matthew 4:6), and Jewish tradition associated it with pestilence protection, making it particularly relevant during plagues.
Questions for Reflection
- How does witnessing God's justice affect your understanding of His holiness and mercy toward you?
- What is the difference between observing divine judgment with reverent sobriety versus taking pleasure in others' downfall?
Analysis & Commentary
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked—The Hebrew רַק בְּעֵינֶיךָ תַבִּיט (raq be'eynekha tabbit, 'only with your eyes you will look') emphasizes passive observation rather than personal experience. The righteous dwelling in God's shelter (v. 1) will witness divine judgment from a position of safety, not suffer it themselves.
The phrase reward of the wicked (שִׁלֻּמַת רְשָׁעִים, shillumat resha'im) uses שִׁלֻּמַת (shillumat), meaning 'recompense' or 'retribution'—the same root as שָׁלֵם (shalem, 'complete, finished'). This is not vindictive pleasure but sober recognition of God's justice. Jesus echoed this principle in Luke 21:28: 'When these things begin to come to pass, look up... for your redemption draweth nigh.' The believer observes God's righteous judgments while personally protected by covenant relationship.