Psalms 10:11

KJV

He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath said {H559} in his heart {H3820}, God {H410} hath forgotten {H7911}: he hideth {H5641} his face {H6440}; he will never {H5331} see {H7200} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

He says in his heart, "God forgets, he hides his face, he will never see."

Berean Standard Bible

He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”

American Standard Version

He saith in his heart: God hath forgotten; He hideth his face, he will never see it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:11 incisively exposes the profound self-deception and brazen arrogance of the wicked, who, in their innermost being, have convinced themselves that God is either oblivious, forgetful, or utterly indifferent to their oppressive actions. This verse powerfully encapsulates the foundational lie that undergirds their unrestrained evil and disregard for justice, standing in stark opposition to the psalmist's unwavering conviction in God's active presence, perfect knowledge, and ultimate, righteous judgment, even amidst the apparent prosperity of unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 10 functions as a fervent lament, a desperate outpouring from the psalmist to God concerning the rampant wickedness and systemic oppression prevalent in society. It immediately follows [Psalm 9](/psalms/9 "Psalm 9 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving for Justice"), a psalm of thanksgiving that celebrates God's past acts of justice against the wicked. This striking juxtaposition heightens the urgency and pathos of the plea in Psalm 10, as the psalmist observes the continued flourishing of evil despite God's previously demonstrated power and faithfulness. Verses 2-10 vividly detail the wicked's pride, insatiable greed, violent tendencies, and their profound contempt for both God and the vulnerable. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a crucial turning point, articulating the core theological delusion that fuels their audacity: their unshakeable belief that God neither sees nor cares about their deeds. The psalm then transitions into a renewed, impassioned plea for divine intervention (verses 12-18), directly appealing to God to act precisely because of this dangerous and pervasive delusion of the wicked.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The societal backdrop of Psalm 10 reflects a perennial struggle within ancient Israel: the stark tension between the vulnerable righteous (often the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the sojourner) and the oppressive, powerful elite. The "wicked" (רָשָׁע, _rasha'_) in this context are not merely individuals committing isolated sins, but often represent those who systematically exploit and marginalize the defenseless, who, lacking legal or social recourse, could only appeal to divine justice. The concept of God "hiding His face" (הַסְתֵּר פָּנִים, _haster panim_) was a deeply significant theological expression, denoting divine displeasure, perceived absence, or a sense of abandonment, often leading to profound distress among the faithful. The wicked, however, pervert this concept, interpreting God's apparent silence or delay in judgment as definitive proof of His actual indifference or blindness, thereby emboldening their continued wrongdoing without fear of accountability.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 10:11 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical canon. Most prominently, it underscores **The Delusion of the Wicked**, highlighting their fundamental misunderstanding of God's nature, particularly His omniscience and His active, sovereign involvement in human affairs. This verse also vividly illustrates the tension between **God's Perceived Absence and His Actual Sovereignty**, as the wicked's conviction that God "hideth his face" and "will never see [it]" stands in stark contrast to the undeniable biblical truth of God's omnipresence and perfect knowledge, a truth powerfully affirmed in passages like [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the LORD are in Every Place"). Furthermore, it establishes the critical conflict between **Divine Justice and Human Arrogance**, where the wicked's belief in their own impunity directly challenges the ultimate reality of God's righteous judgment, for which the psalmist fervently prays throughout the psalm, knowing that the Lord does indeed see the trouble and grief of the afflicted, as stated in [Psalms 10:14](/psalms/10-14 "Psalm 10:14 - God Sees the Afflicted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820):** This word, _lêb_, signifies far more than a physical organ; it represents the very core of a person's being—their intellect, emotions, will, and conscience. When the wicked "said in his heart," it denotes a deep-seated conviction, an internal resolution, or a settled belief that has taken root in their innermost self. This is not a fleeting thought but a foundational principle of their worldview, informing their actions and justifying their complete lack of moral restraint. It reveals a fundamentally skewed internal moral compass.
* **Forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_ H7911):** The Hebrew verb _shâkach_ means to mislay, to be oblivious of, or to neglect due to a lack of memory or attention. When the wicked apply this to God, it implies a complete lapse in divine memory, attention, or concern regarding their deeds. This is not a passing oversight but a fundamental belief that God is no longer actively engaged, aware, or even relevant in the face of their wickedness, thereby rendering Him impotent or indifferent to their actions.
* **Never (Hebrew, _netsach'_ H5331):** This term, _netsach_, denotes perpetuity, eternity, or to the most distant point of view. In the phrase "will never see [it]," it expresses the wicked's absolute confidence in perpetual impunity. It conveys the firm conviction that their actions will forever escape divine notice, judgment, or consequence. This reflects a profound spiritual blindness on their part, projecting their own moral blindness and desire for unpunished sin onto God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath said in his heart":** This opening clause immediately plunges the reader into the internal world and settled conviction of the wicked. It highlights that their defiance is not merely an outward act but stems from an deeply ingrained, self-justifying belief system that shapes their entire perspective and behavior. This internal monologue reveals the very root of their audacious actions and their utter lack of fear of divine retribution.
* **"God hath forgotten":** This is the first, critical component of the wicked's delusion. They are convinced that God has either ceased to remember their deeds, or that He is simply indifferent and has no active concern for justice. This false belief provides them with a profound, yet ultimately baseless, sense of security and freedom to act without any moral or divine constraint, believing their actions have no eternal consequence.
* **"he hideth his face; he will never see [it].":** This second part of the delusion expands upon the first, articulating a perceived divine absence or disengagement. "He hideth his face" suggests that God is not actively observing or involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly their misdeeds. The concluding phrase, "he will never see [it]," is the ultimate expression of their confidence in perpetual impunity, a firm conviction that their actions will forever escape divine notice, judgment, or intervention, thus remaining unpunished by any higher authority.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 10:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message and expose the wicked's folly. **Personification** is evident in the attribution of human limitations and states to God, such as "God hath forgotten" and "he hideth his face." While these are the wicked's distorted perceptions, they are phrased as if God literally possesses these human frailties, underscoring the depth of their spiritual blindness. **Irony** is a central and powerful device, as the wicked's absolute conviction that God does not see or remember their deeds stands in stark and dramatic contrast to the biblical truth of God's omniscience and omnipresence, which the psalmist and the discerning reader know to be absolute. This creates a profound tension, highlighting the wicked's tragic self-deception. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** to emphasize the vast chasm between human arrogance and divine reality, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent fervent appeal to God to demonstrate His justice precisely because the wicked are so profoundly deluded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 10:11 serves as a profound theological statement, not about the actual nature of God, but rather about the perilous human propensity to project our own moral failings, desires for impunity, and limited understanding onto the divine. The wicked's belief that God "forgets" or "hides His face" is a direct assault on the core biblical doctrines of God's omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and His active, sovereign involvement in His creation. It starkly highlights the spiritual blindness and moral decay that often accompany a life of unrepentant sin, where the sinner convinces themselves that they are beyond divine accountability and consequence. This verse, therefore, establishes a critical tension between flawed human perception and immutable divine reality, urgently compelling believers to cling to the truth of God's unwavering justice, perfect knowledge, and ultimate oversight, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. It powerfully reminds us that God's perceived silence is never His absence, and His patient forbearance is never indifference.

* [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the LORD are in Every Place")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things are Naked and Open to the Eyes of Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, Psalms 10:11 offers a vital spiritual anchor and a profound challenge in a world where evil often appears to flourish unchecked and injustice seems to go unpunished. It serves as a powerful reminder that we must never allow ourselves to be swayed by the apparent prosperity or impunity of the wicked, nor should we succumb to their cynical worldview that God is distant, disengaged, or inactive. This verse compels us to confront any latent doubts about God's justice or His active presence that may arise when we witness pervasive injustice. It encourages us to persevere in unwavering faith, to continue praying fervently for justice, and to trust implicitly in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. Our sacred call is to live righteously, to champion justice where we can, and to rest in the profound assurance that God indeed sees, hears, and will ultimately act on behalf of the oppressed, bringing righteous judgment upon all who defiantly oppose Him, even when the timeline of His intervention does not align with our immediate desires. It is a profound call to cultivate a deep, abiding, and active trust in God's sovereign oversight, knowing with absolute certainty that no deed, whether good or evil, ever escapes His all-seeing eye.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond emotionally and spiritually when God seems silent or when the wicked appear to prosper without immediate consequence?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I, at times, adopt the wicked's delusion that God is not fully engaged or aware of all things in my own life or in the world?**
* **How does this verse challenge my preconceived notions of divine justice, its timing, and its ultimate execution?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent, and more active trust in God's omniscience, omnipresence, and His unwavering commitment to justice in every circumstance?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalms 10:11 suggest that God actually forgets or is unaware of human actions?**

Answer: No, the KJV text of Psalms 10:11, "He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it]," reflects the profound *delusion* and *arrogant conviction* of the wicked, not the actual nature or character of God. The psalmist is articulating the false belief system of those who oppress and disregard divine law, a belief that emboldens their sin. Throughout the entirety of Scripture, God is consistently and unequivocally portrayed as omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere). Passages like [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the LORD are in Every Place") declare that "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Similarly, [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things are Naked and Open to the Eyes of Him") definitively states that "neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." God's apparent silence or any perceived delay in judgment is never an indication of forgetfulness, indifference, or a lack of awareness, but rather an expression of His profound patience, His perfect timing, and His ultimate, unwavering plan for justice and redemption. The wicked's belief is a self-deceptive justification for their sin and a profound spiritual blindness, not a theological truth about the Almighty God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:11, in its vivid portrayal of the wicked's profound delusion concerning God's awareness and involvement, finds its ultimate counter-narrative and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The wicked believe God "hath forgotten" and "will never see [it]," but Jesus, as the incarnate God, perfectly embodies and demonstrates God's absolute omniscience, unwavering commitment to justice, and active presence in the world. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word"), through whom all things were created, and in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Jesus' earthly ministry was profoundly characterized by His divine insight into the human heart, revealing that He truly sees beyond outward appearances, discerning the deepest thoughts and hidden intentions of individuals ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")). He consistently exposed the hypocrisy of the religious elite, who, much like the wicked in Psalm 10, believed their secret sins and self-righteousness were unseen by God. Furthermore, while Christ's first coming was marked by grace, mercy, and the ultimate atoning sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), it also powerfully foreshadowed His decisive role as the ultimate, righteous judge. He is the one to whom [all judgment has been committed by the Father](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son"). His glorious return will be the definitive, undeniable revelation that God has neither forgotten nor hidden His face, but will bring every hidden thing to light, executing perfect justice upon all who have defied Him ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Christ is the living, breathing refutation of the wicked's delusion, assuring all believers that God sees, God remembers, and God will ultimately set all things right in His perfect timing.

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

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Psalms 94:7

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

Psalms 73:11

And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Psalms 10:6

He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity.

Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

Ezekiel 9:9

Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah [is] exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.