Psalms 10:13
Psalms 10:13 in Multiple Translations
Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God, And say in his heart, Thou wilt not require it?
Why has the evil-doer a low opinion of God, saying in his heart, You will not make search for it?
Why do the wicked think they can treat God with such contempt? Why do they think that God won't make them accountable?
Wherefore doeth the wicked contemne God? he saith in his heart, Thou wilt not regard.
Wherefore hath the wicked despised God? He hath said in his heart, 'It is not required.'
Why does the wicked person condemn God, and say in his heart, “God won’t call me into account”?
Why doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it .
Wicked people revile you [RHQ] continually. They think, “God will never punish us!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 10:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 10:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
מֶ֤ה
נִאֵ֖ץ
רָשָׁ֥ע
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
אָמַ֥ר
בְּ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
לֹ֣א
תִּדְרֹֽשׁ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֶ֤ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נִאֵ֖ץ
nâʼats
H5006
to spurn
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
רָשָׁ֥ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִּדְרֹֽשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 10:13
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֶ֤ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נִאֵ֖ץ
nâʼats
H5006
"to spurn"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
רָשָׁ֥ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְּ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִּדְרֹֽשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 10:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 10:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 10:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 10:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 10:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 10:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
- Sermons on Psalms 10:13
Context — The Perils of the Pilgrim
11He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”
12Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless.
13Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”
14But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. 15Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 12:9–10 | Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ |
| 2 | Psalms 74:10 | How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
| 3 | Genesis 9:5 | And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 24:22 | Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” |
| 5 | Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” |
| 6 | Numbers 11:20 | but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and makes you nauseous—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have cried out before Him, saying, ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’” |
| 7 | Psalms 74:18 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 4:8 | Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit. |
| 9 | Luke 11:50–51 | As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. |
| 10 | Genesis 42:22 | And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” |
Psalms 10:13 Summary
[This verse shows that people who do wrong often think they can get away with it and that God won't notice or care. But the Bible teaches that everyone will be held accountable for what they do, as seen in Romans 14:12. We should remember that God is always watching and will judge us for our actions, which should motivate us to live a life that pleases Him (Psalms 37:3-7).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivates the wicked to renounce God?
The wicked man renounces God because he believes he will never be held accountable for his actions, as stated in Psalms 10:13, a mindset also reflected in Psalms 14:1 where it says 'The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”'
Is the wicked man's belief that he will not be called to account supported by Scripture?
No, Scripture teaches that everyone will be called to account for their actions, as seen in Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, emphasizing the importance of living a life pleasing to God
How does the wicked man's mindset compare to the mindset of the righteous?
Unlike the wicked, the righteous trust in God's justice and know they will be held accountable, as expressed in Psalms 37:3-7, which encourages trusting in the Lord and doing good
What is the ultimate consequence of the wicked man's actions?
The wicked will ultimately face judgment and be called to account for their wickedness, as stated in Psalms 10:15 and reinforced in Revelation 20:12-15, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be renouncing God in my own life, and how can I turn back to Him?
- How does the promise of God's accountability affect my daily choices and actions?
- In what ways can I trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even when the wicked seem to prosper?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply that to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 10:13
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?.... God may be said to be contemned or despised, when his being, perfections, and providence are denied, or called in question, or abused, Psalms 10:9; when his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 10:13
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? - "Wherefore" dost thou permit it?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
The sense is either, 1. What is the cause of his contempt of God? To which question the next words give an answer, Thy connivance makes him secure. Therefore show thyself. Or, 2. Why dost thou by giving them impunity suffer and occasion them to despise thee? Do so no longer. Which tacit desire he enforceth by representing their atheistical denial of God’ s providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
Psalms 10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].Ver. 13. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?] q.d. It is time for thee, Lord, to arise and bestir thyself; for otherwise what will become of thy great name? The saints cannot endure that God should be slighted. He hath said in his heart] Psalms 10:3-4. This sticks in David’ s stomach, and draws this prayer from him, who was now blessedly blown up with a holy zeal for God; as was also good Zuinglius, when he said, In aliis mansnetus ero, in blasphemiis in Christum non ita, In other matters I can be mild and patient, but not so in case of blasphemy against Christ.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
Verse 13. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?] How is it that the Lord permits such persons to triumph in their iniquity? The longsuffering of God leadeth them to repentance.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 10:13
13. Why, urges the Psalmist in support of his appeal, has God so long tolerated the blasphemies of the wicked man (Psalms 10:3-4), and by inaction let Himself be misunderstood? The verbs are in the perfect tense, expressing what long has been and still is the case. he hath said] R.V. and say.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 10:13
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? - That is, despise him; or treat him with contempt and disregard. On what ground is this done? How is it to be accounted for? What is the proper explanation of so strange a fact?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 10:13
13. Thou wilt not require it—Thou wilt not search it out, to make men legally answerable for their conduct. On this assumption the hope of the wicked is founded.
Sermons on Psalms 10:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Making Grace Amazing by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of the Law in leading sinners to recognize their need for God's forgiveness. By illustrating how the Law exposes our transgressions and makes |
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A Plea for Relief Part 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by expressing a plea to God for relief from the adversary and the reproach of the enemy. He acknowledges God's power manifested in nature |
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Eternity to Eternity 03 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the days of Noah and the closing days of the church age and the tribulation period. He highlights that both eras wer |
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True Salvation by Roy Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting the dangers of false foundations and the need for a personal encounter with God. It ad |
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Sudden Death by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the unpredictability of death and the importance of being prepared for it. He uses examples of individuals who met sudden death without havin |
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+Pc the China Challenge by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares their experience of visiting China and witnessing the poverty that still exists in the country. They also highlight the government's efforts to p |
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He That Being Often Reproved by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of God without hesitation or explanation. He references a story from the Bible where Jesus sends out |