Psalms 26:10 — Word Study
WLCאֲשֶׁר־ בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם זִמָּ֑ה וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם מָ֣לְאָה שֹּֽׁחַד׃
BSAin whoseʼăsher handsyâd [holding power and direction] are wicked schemeszimmâh [evil plans, mischief] whose right handsyâmîyn [the right hand or side; the south] are fullmâlêʼ■ [completely filled, overflowing] of bribesshachad [gifts to influence, corrupt payments]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֲשֶׁר־ | [those] whom | Particle |
| בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם | [is] in hands their | Preposition, noun common both dual construct, suffix |
| זִמָּ֑ה | wickedness | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם | and right [hand] their | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| מָ֣לְאָה | it is full | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| שֹּֽׁחַד׃ | a bribe | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. |
| KJV | In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. |
| ASV | In whose hands is wickedness, And their right hand is full of bribes. |
| YLT | In whose hand [is] a wicked device, And their right hand [is] full of bribes. |
| WEB | in whose hands is wickedness; their right hand is full of bribes. |
| BBE | In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely. |
Where they part company is זִמָּה — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of two main clauses connected by a conjunction, each describing the corrupt nature of the wicked.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectזִמָּה
verbמָלֵא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 26:10
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Lament Against the Wickedgenerated
Psalm 26:10 reflects a contrast between the psalmist's integrity and the wickedness of those who engage in corrupt practices. The psalmist calls out to God for protection from those who scheme and bribe, emphasizing the moral decay present in their actions. This verse is part of a larger plea for deliverance and justice, where the psalmist seeks to stand apart from the wicked.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 10:14 | But 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. |
| 2 | Psalm 11:2 | For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. |
| 3 | Psalm 36:4 | Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. |
| 4 | Psalm 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 5 | Psalm 55:9–11 | O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 17 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זִמָּה, zi.Mahgenerated
The Hebrew word זִמָּה (*zimmah*) refers to wickedness or evil plans, often associated with malicious intent. It encompasses a range of immoral actions, including adultery and idolatry, and is derived from a root meaning to plot or devise. The parsing as a feminine singular noun indicates it is treated as a concrete idea within the context of the verse.
In this verse, זִמָּה highlights the schemes of those in power, portraying their actions as deliberate and corrupt. This word sets the tone for the psalmist's condemnation of such behavior, focusing on the moral implications of their wickedness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb in this verse is מָלְאָה, it is full, which governs the description of what is in the hands of the wicked. The structure includes a main clause describing the hands and their contents, emphasizing the relationship between the subjects and their actions.
The sentence is constructed with a noun phrase followed by descriptive clauses, illustrating the wickedness and corruption associated with those in power. The use of conjunctions and prepositional phrases helps to create a complex picture of the moral landscape the psalmist is addressing.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew זִמָּה is rendered as ἀνομίαι, which translates to 'lawlessness.' This choice broadens the meaning from specific wicked plans to a general state of moral corruption, reflecting a wider interpretation of the actions of the wicked.
The Greek term emphasizes the absence of law and order, suggesting that the schemes are not just wicked but also fundamentally opposed to divine law.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 26:10 describes people who are involved in wicked schemes and are corrupt. The psalmist contrasts their actions with his own desire for integrity and calls on God for mercy and justice against such wrongdoing.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It suggests that those in power use gifts or payments to influence others, leading to corruption and injustice.
The psalmist sees the wicked as morally corrupt, engaging in schemes that are harmful to others and against God's ways.
The right hand often symbolizes strength and authority, indicating that those who wield power are using it for evil.
We can reflect on the integrity of our actions and be aware of the influences of corruption in our own lives and society.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some examples of wicked schemes we see in the world today?
- How can we ensure that our actions align with integrity and righteousness?
- In what ways can we resist the influence of corruption in our own lives?
- How does this verse challenge us to think about power and responsibility?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church father Augustine of Hippo references this verse to discuss the nature of wickedness and its consequences, highlighting the psalmist's plea for justice.
"In whose hands is wickedness." Destroy me not then with the ungodly and the men of blood, whose works are wicked. "Their right hand is full of gifts" [Psalms 26:10].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 26 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 26:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn whose hands [is] mischief,.... Every abominable wickedness; as idolatry, adultery, murder, c.
Read John Gill on Psalms 26 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIn whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. In whose hands , [ zimaah (H2154)] - literally, 'thought (of evil)'; scheming evil (Psalms 7:3). Bribes - (Psalms 15:5.)
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 26 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn whose hands is mischief; who not only imagine mischief in their hearts, but persist in it, and execute it with their hands. Their right hand; which should be stretched out to execute justice, and punish offenders.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 26 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 26:10 In whose hands [is] mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.Ver. 10. In whose hands is mischief] Wicked contrivance. Here we have the true portraiture of a corrupt courtier, such as Saul’ s were.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 26 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 10. Their right hand is full of bribes] He speaks of persons in office, who took bribes to pervert judgment and justice.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 26 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8–12. His love for God’s house is a further reason why he should not be involved in the fate of sinners.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 26 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIn whose hands is mischief - The word here rendered “mischief,” means properly “purpose, counsel, plan;” then, an evil purpose, “mischief, wickedness, crime.” The idea is, either that they intended
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 26 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible10. Mischief—The word here denotes crime, infamy. Full of bribes—See on Psalms 15:5
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 26 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.
in whose hands is wickedness; their right hand is full of bribes.
in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.
who are always ready to do wrong or offer a bribe.
Tyndale line
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
In whose hands is wickedness, And their right hand is full of bribes.
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
In whose handes is wickednes, and their right hand is full of bribes.
Strictly literal
In whose hands are evil devices, and their right hand is full of bribes.
In whose hand [is] a wicked device, And their right hand [is] full of bribes.
In whose hand [is] a wicked scheme, || And their right hand [is] full of bribes.
In whose hands are wicked devices, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
in whose hands there is a plot, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
From the Latin
For my father and my mother have left me: but the Lord hath taken me up.
Simplified
whose hands carry out their evil schemes and grab hold of bribes.
In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in their essential wording for this verse, with six of the six Hebrew words matched in the Greek translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls also reflect a similar structure, although some words are restored by an editor.
אֲשֶׁר־ בִּידֵיהֶ֥ם זִמָּ֑ה וִֽ֝ימִינָ֗ם מָ֣לְאָה שֹּֽׁחַד׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[אשר] [בידי׳הם] זמה וימינ׳ם מלאה [שחד]
1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 26:10
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Rel — ParticleHTr
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
Prep | N-cd | Suff — Preposition · noun common both dual construct · suffixHR/Ncbdc/Sp3mp
זִמָּה (zimmah) refers to a plan or device, particularly one that is wicked or malicious. It encompasses meanings related to evil intentions, such as lewdness and mischief. The term is derived from a root meaning to plot or devise, and it captures various forms of moral wrongdoing, including adultery and idolatry.
זִמָּה n.f. plan, device, wickedness
base
H2154 זִמָּה plan, device, wickedness
2154 zimmah zim-maw'
or zammah {zam-maw'}; from 2161; a plan, especially a bad
one:--heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose,
thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness).
see HEBREW for 02161
זִמָּה (zim.mah) — wickedness.
1) plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose
1a) plan, purpose
1b) evil device, wickedness
1c) not chaste, incest, licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotry
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wik'-ed-nes:
1. In the Old Testament:
The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…
The Hebrew word יָמִין (*yamiyn*) means 'right hand' or 'right side,' and it can also refer to the direction south, as the right hand points south when facing east. It is derived from the root word for 'to be strong' and covers various contexts, including body parts and directional references.
יָמִין 137 n.f. right hand
right hand
of situation on, or direction toward the right
of other parts of the body
= south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
base
H3225 יָמִין right hand . right hand
. of situation on, or direction toward the right
. of other parts of the body
. = south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
3225 yamiyn yaw-meen'
from 3231; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or
other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally,
the south:--+ left-handed, right (hand, side), south.
see HEBREW for 03231
יָמִין (ya.min) — right.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
Also means: ya.min (יָמִין ": south" H3225H)
יָמִין (ya.min) — right: south.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
יָמִין (ya.min) — [Ben]jamin.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);
brother of: Joseph (H3130);
half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp3mp
מָלֵא (male') means 'to fill' or 'be full,' with applications ranging from literal filling to figurative uses like accomplishing or completing something. It appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances such as being satisfied or confirming. Notably, it can also refer to massing against someone.
מָלֵא 249 vb. be full, fill
Qal 99
be full, usu. c. acc. material
trans. fill
Niph.
be filled
be accomplished, ended
Pi.
fill
special uses are:
fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day
Pu. filled
Hithp. mass themselves against me
base
H4390 מָלֵא be full, fill .. be full, usu. c. acc. material
. trans. fill
. . be filled
. be accomplished, ended
. . fill
. special uses are:
. fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day
. filled
. mass themselves against me
4390 male' maw-lay'
or malae (Esth. 7:5) {maw-law'}; a primitive root, to fill or
(intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally
and figuratively):--accomplish, confirm, + consecrate, be at
an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, X
draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-)flow,
fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume,
replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-)full, + have
wholly.
מָלֵא (ma.le) — to fill.
1) to fill, be full
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be full
1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle)
1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended
1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied
1b2) to be accomplished, be ended
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to fill
1c2) to satisfy
1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete
1c4) to confirm
1d) (Pual) to be filled
1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against
Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
שֹׁ֫חַד (shachad) refers specifically to a bribe or present, often implying a venal or redemptive nature. The entries indicate it can mean a gift or reward, stemming from a root related to giving. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meaning.
שֹׁ֫חַד n.m. present, specif. bribe
base
H7810 שֹׁ֫חַד present, specif. bribe
7810 shachad shakh'-ad
from 7809; a donation (venal or redemptive):--bribe(-ry),
gift, present, reward.
see HEBREW for 07809
שֹׁ֫חַד (sha.chad) — bribe.
present, bribe
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Bribe
None to be taken; “for the gift maketh open eyes blind, and perverteth the cause of the righteous” (Ex. 23:8, literally rendered).