Psalms 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
Original Language Analysis
בִּפְרֹ֤חַ
spring
H6524
בִּפְרֹ֤חַ
spring
Strong's:
H6524
Word #:
1 of 11
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
רְשָׁעִ֨ים׀
When the wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֨ים׀
When the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 11
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
and when all the workers
H6466
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
and when all the workers
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
7 of 11
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
8 of 11
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
Cross References
Psalms 37:38But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.Psalms 73:12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.Job 12:6The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.Malachi 3:15And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.Isaiah 37:27Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
Historical Context
Written in an agricultural society where the contrast between grass and perennial plants was vivid, this metaphor would have immediate resonance with the original audience.
Questions for Reflection
- When you see wickedness prospering, how does the perspective of eternity change your response?
- What 'grass-like' temporary things are you tempted to pursue instead of eternal values?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of wicked prosperity as grass that springs up contains both botanical observation and prophetic judgment. Though grass appears quickly and abundantly, it has no permanence. The phrase 'destroyed forever' (shamad ad) emphasizes complete, eternal ruin—not temporary setback. This verse addresses the perennial problem of theodicy: why do the wicked prosper? The answer: their flourishing is brief and deceptive, while their destruction is permanent.