Psalms 10:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 10:3 mean?

Psalms 10:3 describes how wicked people brag about getting what they want and praise those who are greedy, even though the LORD hates such attitudes. The verse points out a contrast between what some people celebrate and what God truly values.

In this psalm, the writer is speaking to God about the behavior of the wicked in society. The verse highlights how those who do wrong openly boast about their selfish desires and even admire others who are greedy, ignoring the fact that the LORD (God) finds such greed and pride detestable. This sets the stage for the psalm’s larger theme of questioning why the wicked seem to prosper.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 10:3

• "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word refers to someone who acts in opposition to what is right or just, not just someone who makes mistakes but someone whose life is set against God’s ways.
• "boasteth" (הָלַל, halal): This word often means to praise or brag. Here, it shows that the wicked are openly proud of their selfish desires, not hiding them.
• "covetous" (בָּצַע, batsa): This word means someone greedy for gain, especially by dishonest means. The verse singles out this kind of person as someone the LORD abhors.
• "abhorreth" (נָאַץ, na’ats): This word means to despise or reject strongly. It emphasizes just how much God disapproves of greed and those who celebrate it.

Why Psalms 10:3 matters

• Psalms 10:3 clears up the idea that success or boldness in doing wrong is something to be admired; instead, it shows that God’s view is very different from human praise.
• The verse highlights a key theme in the psalm: the moral confusion in society when evil is celebrated and the righteous seem ignored.
• By naming what the LORD abhors, the verse invites readers to consider what values truly matter, setting up the psalm’s later call for God’s justice.