Psalms 17:10
Psalms 17:10 in Multiple Translations
They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
They are inclosed in their own fat: With their mouth they speak proudly.
They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.
They have no compassion, and all they have to say is pure arrogance.
They are inclosed in their owne fat, and they haue spoken proudely with their mouth.
Their fat they have closed up, Their mouths have spoken with pride:
They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
He bowed the heavens, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
They never pity [IDM] anyone, and they are always boasting.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 17:10
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 17:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶלְבָּ֥/מוֹ
סָּגְר֑וּ
פִּ֝֗י/מוֹ
דִּבְּר֥וּ
בְ/גֵאֽוּת
חֶלְבָּ֥/מוֹ
cheleb
H2459
fat
N-ms | Suff
סָּגְר֑וּ
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פִּ֝֗י/מוֹ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
דִּבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
בְ/גֵאֽוּת
gêʼûwth
H1348
majesty
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 17:10
חֶלְבָּ֥/מוֹ
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
סָּגְר֑וּ
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
פִּ֝֗י/מוֹ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
דִּבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בְ/גֵאֽוּת
gêʼûwth
H1348
"majesty"
Prep | N-fs
This term refers to majesty, describing a rising up or swelling, like a column of smoke or the sea, and is used to describe God's power in the Bible.
Definition: 1) majesty 1a) a rising up (of column of smoke) 1b) a swelling (of sea) 1c) majesty (of God) 1d) pride
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: excellent things, lifting up, majesty, pride, proudly, raging. See also: Psalms 17:10; Isaiah 12:5; Psalms 89:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 17:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 17:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
- Sermons on Psalms 17:10
Context — Hear My Righteous Plea
8Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
11They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground, 12like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 2:3 | Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. |
| 2 | Psalms 123:4 | We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. |
| 3 | Psalms 31:18 | May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt. |
| 4 | Matthew 13:15 | For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 5 | Revelation 13:5–6 | The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. |
| 6 | Exodus 15:9 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ |
| 7 | Acts 28:27 | For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 8 | Isaiah 6:10 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 9 | Psalms 119:70 | Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:18 | With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. |
Psalms 17:10 Summary
This verse is talking about people who have become very hard-hearted and speak with pride, which is the opposite of how God wants us to be, as seen in Micah 6:8, where we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. It's a warning to us to make sure our hearts are soft towards God and others, and that our words are kind and humble, not arrogant or hurtful, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6. We can ask God to help us have hearts that are full of love and compassion, and to speak words that are gentle and uplifting, as taught in Ephesians 4:29. By doing so, we can avoid having callous hearts and arrogant mouths, and instead reflect the heart of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'callous heart'?
Having a callous heart means being hardened against God and His ways, similar to Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 7:13, which was hardened against the Lord's commands, leading to a lack of empathy and compassion for others.
How can people's mouths speak with arrogance if they claim to be believers?
The Bible warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance in Proverbs 16:18, and in this verse, it highlights the contrast between what people say and the true state of their hearts, as Jesus taught in Matthew 15:18-19, that it's not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it.
Is this verse talking about all non-believers or just some?
This verse is specifically describing the wicked who assail the psalmist, as mentioned in Psalms 17:9, and their characteristics are not representative of all non-believers, but rather those who are actively opposed to God and His people, as seen in Psalms 17:11-12.
How can we avoid having callous hearts and arrogant mouths?
To avoid having callous hearts and arrogant mouths, we must regularly examine our hearts and actions, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:40, and seek to humble ourselves before the Lord, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6, and cultivate a heart of compassion and kindness towards others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be contributing to a callous heart or arrogant speech in my own life?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking it in love, as Ephesians 4:15 encourages?
- What are some practical ways I can 'hide in the shadow of God's wings' as mentioned in Psalms 17:8, and find protection from the wicked?
- In what ways can I show compassion and empathy to those around me, rather than having a callous heart?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:10
They are enclosed in their own fat,.... Or "their fat has enclosed them"; either their eyes, that they can hardly see out of them, or their hearts, so that they are stupid and senseless, and devoid
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:10
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
They live in great splendour and prosperity, whilst I am exercised with many and sore troubles. The like phrase we have . They speak proudly; not only against us, whom they scorn, but even against God himself, whom they despise, boasting of their own power, and what great things they will certainly effect against me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
Psalms 17:10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.Ver. 10. They are inclosed in their own fat] See Job 15:27, They abound in all delights, and therefore soare not to speak proudly. They have closed up their eyes in their fulsome fat, ut non videant nec timeant te, saith R. Solomon, that they cau neither see nor fear thee. Adipem suum obesant (Tram.). With their mouth they speak proudly] Heb. in pride, that is, Palam et pleats buccis; openly and with full mouth they condemn God and men; they belch out blasphemies, and do what they please.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
(10) They are inclosed . . .—Literally, Their fat have they shut up. So LXX. and Vulgate, without indicating the meaning. But the “proudly” of the next clause suggests that “fat” is only a figure for the conceit of prosperity, and as that verb is active, the word mouth should be joined with it as object from the next clause, “In their conceit they shut their mouth; (when they do speak) they speak proudly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
Verse 10. They are enclosed in their own fat] Dr. Kennicott, Bishop Horsley, Houbigant, and others, read the passage thus: עלי חבלמו סגרו alai chablamo sageru, "They have closed their net upon me." This continues the metaphor which was introduced in the preceding verse, and which is continued in the two following: and requires only that עלי ali, "upon me," should began this verse instead of end the preceding; and that חלב cheleb, which signifies fat, should be read חבל chebel, which signifies rope, cable, or net. This important reading requires only the interchange of two letters. The Syriac translates it, shut their mouth: but the above emendation is most likely to be true. They speak proudly.] Having compassed the mountain on which I had taken refuge, they now exult, being assured that they will soon be in possession of their prey.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:10
10–12. The character of his enemies.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:10
They are enclosed in their own fat - The meaning here is, that they were prosperous, and that they were consequently self-confident and proud, and were regardless of others.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:10
10. From this to Psalms 17:14 the character and deadly purposes of the writer’s enemies are described.
Sermons on Psalms 17:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Visible Churches Warned by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle warns visible churches about the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of complacency in religious practices. He emphasizes that the letters to the seven churches i |
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The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I |
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Ploughing a Rock by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples |
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The One Thing Guaranteed to End All Marriages by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and respect in marriages, focusing on the need for husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church |
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Breaking Up the Fallow Ground by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of breaking up the fallow ground of our hearts to prepare for a revival within the Church. He explains that fallow ground represents hearts |
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Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |
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Here Am I - Send Me by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a vision of God's holiness and grace as illustrated in Isaiah 6, where Isaiah responds to God's call with 'Here am I. Send me.' He st |