Psalms 10:10

KJV

He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.

KJV (with Strong's)

He croucheth {H1794}, and humbleth {H7817} himself, that the poor {H2426}{H2489}{H2489} may fall {H5307} by his strong ones {H6099}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, he stoops, crouches down low; and the helpless wretch falls into his clutches.

Berean Standard Bible

They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength.

American Standard Version

He croucheth, he boweth down, And the helpless fall by his strong ones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:10 vividly portrays the cunning and predatory tactics of the wicked oppressor. It describes how the ungodly individual deceptively lowers or conceals themselves, not out of genuine humility, but with the calculated intent to ensnare and exploit the vulnerable, particularly the poor, using their power, influence, or agents to achieve their malicious ends. This verse is a stark illustration of the injustice that the psalmist laments throughout Psalm 10, highlighting the methodical cruelty employed by those who disregard God and oppress the defenseless.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 is a passionate lament, often considered a companion to Psalm 9, forming a thematic pair that contrasts the righteous and the wicked. While Psalm 9 celebrates God's justice, Psalm 10 grapples with the apparent absence of divine intervention in the face of rampant evil. The psalmist cries out to God, questioning His perceived distance and silence (e.g., [Psalm 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalm 10:1 - Why do you stand afar off?")). Within this lament, verses 2-11 meticulously detail the character and actions of the wicked oppressor, emphasizing their arrogance, self-sufficiency, and belief that God does not see or care (cf. [Psalm 10:4](/psalms/10-4 "Psalm 10:4 - The Wicked's Arrogance") and [Psalm 10:11](/psalms/10-11 "Psalm 10:11 - The Wicked's Disbelief")). Verse 10 specifically contributes to this detailed portrait by illustrating the subtle, deceptive methods employed by the oppressor, moving beyond overt violence to reveal a calculated, predatory strategy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, was often characterized by significant social stratification and vulnerability for certain groups. The "poor" (דַּל, _dal_) in biblical texts often refers not just to those lacking material wealth, but also to the marginalized, the helpless, the weak, and those without powerful patrons or legal recourse. This category frequently included widows, orphans, and resident aliens, whom God's law specifically commanded to protect (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner, Orphan, and Widow")). In a society without robust social safety nets or independent legal systems to protect the vulnerable, powerful individuals could easily exploit the weak. The psalmist's lament reflects a common experience of injustice where the strong preyed upon the weak, seemingly with impunity, challenging the prevailing understanding of divine justice and order.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 10, and verse 10 in particular, powerfully articulates several key theological and narrative themes. The most prominent is the **Oppression of the Vulnerable**, with the "poor" explicitly targeted, highlighting the wicked's exploitation of those least able to defend themselves. This is coupled with the theme of **Deception and Cunning**, as the language of "croucheth" and "humbleth himself" suggests a deceptive posture, not genuine humility, but a predatory lowering to ambush, reflecting the wicked's reliance on trickery as much as brute force. The phrase "his strong ones" introduces the theme of **Abuse of Power**, referring to the oppressor's resources, influence, or allies used to ensure the poor "fall." Underlying these specific actions is the broader theme of **Injustice and the Absence of Immediate Divine Intervention**, which forms the core complaint of the psalmist. Ultimately, the psalm is a fervent plea for **Divine Justice**, calling upon God to intervene and uphold the cause of the oppressed, as seen in the psalmist's confident declaration in [Psalm 10:14](/psalms/10-14 "Psalm 10:14 - God Sees the Trouble of the Poor") that God does see and will act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **croucheth (Hebrew, _yidkeḥ'_):** This word (יִדְכֶּה) comes from the root דָּכָא (_daka_), meaning "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to be humbled/subdued." In this context, it describes a predatory action, like an animal stooping low to hide or prepare for an attack. It conveys the idea of the oppressor bringing themselves low, not in genuine humility, but in a calculated manner to gain an advantage over their unsuspecting prey. It implies a deceptive posture that aims to conceal their true, destructive intent.
* **humbleth himself (Hebrew, _yissaḥ'_):** Derived from the root שָׁחַח (_shaḥaḥ_), meaning "to bow down," "to sink," or "to be brought low." Similar to "croucheth," this word reinforces the image of the oppressor physically lowering themselves. However, it is crucial to understand that this is a feigned humility, a lowering designed to make the victim feel safe or to put the oppressor in a position to strike effectively. It speaks to the insidious nature of the wicked, who do not rely solely on overt force but also on cunning and misdirection.
* **strong ones (Hebrew, _baʿăṣûmāw'_):** This term (בַּעֲצוּמָיו) comes from the root עָצַם (_ʿaṣam_), meaning "to be mighty," "to be strong," or "to be numerous." "His strong ones" refers to the instruments, agents, or perhaps even the sheer power and influence by which the wicked accomplish their evil deeds. This could include their physical strength, their wealth, their network of corrupt allies, their legal manipulation, or any other means by which they overpower and ensnare the vulnerable. It emphasizes that the oppressor does not act alone but leverages all available resources to ensure the "poor may fall."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself":** This phrase paints a vivid picture of the oppressor's deceptive posture. The two verbs work in tandem to describe a deliberate lowering or bending down, akin to a hunter stalking prey or a predator lying in wait. It is not an act of genuine humility or submission, but a calculated maneuver designed to gain a strategic advantage, to appear less threatening, or to position oneself perfectly for the strike. This highlights the cunning and insidious nature of the wicked, who employ deceit as a primary weapon.
* **"that the poor may fall":** This clause reveals the wicked's malicious objective. The "poor" (דַּל, _dal_) represent the vulnerable, the helpless, and the marginalized members of society. The verb "fall" (נָפַל, _naphal_) signifies their collapse, ruin, or being overcome. The oppressor's entire deceptive posture is aimed at causing the defenseless to stumble, to be trapped, to lose their standing, or to be utterly defeated. It underscores the predatory intent to exploit and destroy those who are weakest.
* **"by his strong ones":** This final phrase specifies the means by which the wicked achieve their objective. "His strong ones" refers to the oppressor's instruments of power, influence, or agents. This could encompass their physical might, their wealth, their corrupt connections, their ability to manipulate legal systems, or any other resources that enable them to overpower and ensnare the vulnerable. It emphasizes that the wicked do not act merely through brute force but leverage all available means to ensure the downfall of the poor, making their oppression systematic and formidable.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 10:10 employs powerful **Imagery** to depict the wicked oppressor. The verbs "croucheth" and "humbleth himself" evoke the vivid image of a predator, such as a lion or a hunter, stooping low, hiding in ambush, or feigning weakness to deceive its prey. This animalistic imagery underscores the ruthless and instinctual nature of the oppressor's malice. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the language of "humbling oneself" typically connotes virtue, submission, or meekness. Here, however, it is twisted into a tool of deception and aggression, highlighting the perversion of true humility for wicked ends. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the cunning strength of the oppressor and the inherent vulnerability of "the poor," emphasizing the stark power imbalance and the calculated nature of the injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, deeply embedded in a lament psalm, speaks profoundly to the biblical understanding of evil and God's relationship with the oppressed. It underscores that wickedness is not merely overt violence but often involves insidious deception and calculated exploitation of the vulnerable. The psalmist's cry implicitly affirms God's ultimate concern for justice and His identification with the poor and afflicted, even when His intervention seems delayed. The Bible consistently portrays God as the defender of the defenseless, and the wicked's actions in this verse are a direct affront to His character and covenantal demands for righteousness and compassion. The psalm's ultimate resolution, despite the initial despair, rests on the conviction that God does see the suffering and will ultimately act to judge the oppressor and deliver the oppressed.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Isaiah 10:1-2](/isaiah/10-1 "Isaiah 10:1-2 - Woe to Unjust Rulers")
* [James 2:6](/james/2-6 "James 2:6 - Oppression of the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 10:10 serves as a powerful reminder that injustice often operates with cunning and subtlety, not just brute force. It challenges us to look beyond overt acts of oppression and discern the deceptive postures and calculated strategies employed by those who seek to exploit the vulnerable. The "crouching" and "humbling" of the wicked are a chilling illustration of how power can be wielded insidiously, preying on trust or weakness. This verse calls believers to a heightened awareness of such tactics in our own societies, whether in economic systems, political maneuvering, or interpersonal relationships. It compels us to identify with the plight of the "poor" – those marginalized, exploited, or without voice – and to join the psalmist in a prophetic lament, crying out for God's righteous intervention. Furthermore, it reminds us that while justice may seem delayed, God ultimately sees and cares for the oppressed, strengthening our resolve to be advocates for justice and compassion in a world where such predatory tactics persist.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of "humility" when it is used for deceptive purposes, and where might we see such false humility today?**
* **In what contemporary forms might the "strong ones" of oppressors manifest, and how can we identify and resist their influence?**
* **What is our responsibility as individuals and as the church to protect and advocate for the "poor" and vulnerable who are targeted by cunning exploitation?**
* **How does this psalm's honest lament about apparent injustice help us process our own experiences or observations of evil in the world?**

### FAQ
**Does "humbleth himself" imply genuine humility on the part of the wicked?**

Answer: No, the phrase "humbleth himself" in Psalms 10:10 does not imply genuine humility or meekness. Instead, it describes a deceptive and predatory posture. The wicked person is not lowering themselves out of reverence or submission, but rather like a hunter stooping or crouching to conceal their presence and prepare for an ambush. The context of the entire psalm, which describes the wicked's arrogance and disregard for God (e.g., [Psalm 10:4](/psalms/10-4 "Psalm 10:4 - The Wicked's Arrogance")), makes it clear that this "humbling" is a calculated tactic to deceive and trap the vulnerable, specifically "the poor." It highlights the insidious and cunning nature of their evil, which employs misdirection as much as overt force.

**Who are "his strong ones" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: "His strong ones" (בַּעֲצוּמָיו, _baʿăṣûmāw_) refers to the instruments or agents of the oppressor's power by which they achieve their malicious goals. This term is broad and can encompass various means. It could refer to their physical strength, their wealth and financial resources, their influential connections and allies, their ability to manipulate legal or social systems, or even their numerous followers or henchmen. The phrase emphasizes that the wicked do not act in isolation but leverage all available resources and power structures to overpower, ensnare, and cause "the poor" to "fall." It highlights the systematic and formidable nature of the oppression described in the psalm, where the vulnerable are overwhelmed by the oppressor's combined might, as the psalmist laments that the wicked "persecute the poor" (cf. [Psalm 10:2](/psalms/10-2 "Psalm 10:2 - The Wicked Persecute the Poor")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:10, with its stark portrayal of the wicked oppressor's cunning and predatory tactics against the vulnerable, finds its ultimate answer and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist laments the apparent triumph of injustice, Christ embodies God's perfect justice and His profound identification with the "poor" and oppressed. Jesus himself came "to preach the gospel to the poor" and "to set at liberty them that are bruised" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to the Poor")), actively championing the cause of the marginalized against the oppressive systems and individuals of His day. Unlike the wicked who "humbled himself" deceptively to destroy, Christ genuinely "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")), not to ensnare, but to liberate humanity from the ultimate oppressor, sin and death. His "strong ones" are not instruments of exploitation, but the power of His Spirit and the truth of His word, which break chains and bring true justice. In Christ, the cry of the psalmist for God to "arise" and "break the arm of the wicked" ([Psalm 10:12-15](/psalms/10-12 "Psalm 10:12 - Arise, O Lord!")) is fully answered, as He is the righteous King who will ultimately judge all injustice and establish a kingdom where the poor are blessed and the wicked are brought to nothing ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These"); [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ as Righteous Judge")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 23:21

And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

1 Samuel 23:22

Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, [and] who hath seen him there: for it is told me [that] he dealeth very subtilly.

1 Samuel 18:21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

1 Samuel 18:26

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.

2 Samuel 15:5

And it was [so], that when any man came nigh [to him] to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

1 Samuel 2:36

And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.