Psalms 10:13

KJV

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore doth the wicked {H7563} contemn {H5006} God {H430}? he hath said {H559} in his heart {H3820}, Thou wilt not require {H1875} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why does the wicked despise God and say in his heart, "It won't be held against me"?

Berean Standard Bible

Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God, And say in his heart, Thou wilt not requireit?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:13 confronts the audacious arrogance of the wicked, probing the root cause of their contempt for God: a deep-seated conviction that divine justice will never be exacted. This verse encapsulates the spiritual delusion that fuels their oppressive actions, revealing a heart that believes itself immune to accountability and thus emboldened to scorn the Almighty and disregard His commandments. It sets the stage for the psalmist's fervent plea for God to rise and intervene against such profound spiritual rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 is a passionate lament, a desperate cry from the psalmist to God concerning the rampant injustice perpetrated by the wicked. It follows Psalm 9, which celebrates God as a righteous judge who remembers the afflicted and punishes the wicked. Psalm 10, however, opens with a question of apparent divine absence ("Why standest thou afar off, O LORD?"), highlighting the psalmist's current distress and the seeming impunity of the oppressor. Verses 2-11 vividly describe the wicked's pride, greed, violence, and self-sufficiency, painting a picture of one who "blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth" [Psalm 10:3](/psalms/10-3 "Psalm 10:3 - The Wicked's Boast"). Verse 13 then serves as a pivotal explanation for their behavior, revealing the theological error at the heart of their contempt, before the psalm shifts to a renewed plea for God's intervention and a declaration of His ultimate reign in verses 14-18, affirming that God does indeed see and will act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely reflects a period of social upheaval or oppression within ancient Israel, where the poor, the fatherless, and the vulnerable were exploited by powerful, unprincipled individuals. In a society where justice was often administered through human courts and where the king was seen as God's representative, the failure of earthly justice would lead the righteous to appeal directly to God. The wicked described here are not merely irreligious; they are actively hostile to the concept of a God who intervenes in human affairs or holds people accountable. Their actions reflect a common ancient Near Eastern phenomenon where the powerful often exploited the weak, believing their might granted them impunity, a belief that directly challenged the covenantal understanding of God's justice and care for the vulnerable, as seen in laws like those concerning the treatment of the poor and sojourners in [Deuteronomy 24](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Laws on Justice and Compassion").
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within Psalm 10 and the Psalter as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of wickedness**, portraying it not merely as a set of evil actions but as a deep-seated spiritual rebellion rooted in a denial of divine accountability. Secondly, it highlights the **tension between perceived divine inaction and ultimate divine justice**. The psalmist's lament expresses the human struggle to reconcile God's sovereignty with the apparent triumph of evil, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Challenge and Job's Suffering"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **deceitfulness of the human heart**, revealing how internal convictions, even false ones, can drive outward behavior, aligning with warnings found in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"). Finally, the verse implicitly affirms **God's inherent righteousness and His role as judge**, even as the wicked deny it, setting the stage for the psalmist's confident declaration of God's ultimate reign and justice in the psalm's conclusion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contemn (Hebrew, _na'ats'_):** This verb (נָאַץ) carries a strong connotation of treating with contempt, spurning, or blaspheming. It signifies more than mere disregard; it implies an active, deliberate disrespect and disdain for God's character, authority, and law. The wicked do not just forget God; they actively scorn Him, treating Him as inconsequential or powerless. This word is used elsewhere to describe Israel's rebellion against God in the wilderness (e.g., [Numbers 14:23](/numbers/14-23 "Numbers 14:23 - God's Judgment on the Spies")), indicating a profound rejection of divine truth.
* **Require (Hebrew, _darash'_):** The verb (דָּרַשׁ) means to seek, inquire, investigate, or demand an account. In this context, it refers to God's act of calling to account for actions, of seeking justice, or demanding retribution. The wicked's internal conviction, "Thou wilt not require [it]," means they believe God will not bother to investigate their deeds, demand an explanation, or inflict punishment. They perceive themselves as operating outside the scope of divine scrutiny and justice, fostering a sense of absolute impunity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?":** This opening clause is a rhetorical question, expressing the psalmist's perplexity and lament. It is not an inquiry into God's impotence but a bewildered cry concerning the audacity and spiritual blindness of the wicked. It highlights the profound moral and theological offense inherent in their contempt for the Creator and Sovereign Lord. The question implicitly calls for God to demonstrate His power and righteousness by addressing this contempt.
* **"he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].":** This second clause provides the crucial answer to the rhetorical question. The wicked's contempt for God stems from an internal, deeply held conviction – a belief "in his heart" – that God will not hold them accountable for their actions. The phrase "Thou wilt not require [it]" conveys their perception of divine indifference, weakness, or even non-existence regarding justice. This internal delusion empowers their external acts of oppression, as they believe they can sin with impunity, free from divine consequence or retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 10:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The opening, "**Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?**," is a striking example of a **Rhetorical Question**. This question is not posed to elicit information but to express the psalmist's profound anguish, bewilderment, and indignation at the wicked's audacity, simultaneously serving as an implicit plea for divine intervention. The phrase "he hath said in his heart" utilizes **Internal Monologue** or **Direct Thought**, giving the reader direct access to the wicked's inner conviction and revealing the psychological and spiritual root of their behavior. This also functions as a form of **Anthropomorphism** in reverse, attributing a human-like decision (or lack thereof) to God from the wicked's perspective ("Thou wilt not require [it]"), even though God's nature is one of ultimate justice. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the psalmist's own faith and the broader biblical understanding of God's character as a righteous judge, thereby highlighting the profound spiritual blindness and moral depravity of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 10:13 powerfully articulates the dangerous delusion at the heart of human rebellion: the belief that God is either indifferent to injustice or incapable of exacting judgment. This theological error is not merely an intellectual mistake but a profound moral failing that emboldens the wicked to act without conscience. It underscores the biblical truth that true fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, for it acknowledges His sovereignty, His justice, and His ultimate accountability for all creation. The verse implicitly affirms God's nature as an active, righteous judge who sees all and will ultimately bring every deed into account, even if His timing seems delayed to human perception.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account to God")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Work into Judgment")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord Are in Every Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider the true posture of our hearts towards God. Do we genuinely live with an awareness that God "requires it"—that He sees, knows, and will ultimately hold us accountable for our thoughts, words, and deeds? Or do we, perhaps subtly, harbor areas of our lives where we believe we can act with impunity, assuming God will overlook certain sins or that consequences will never materialize? For those who witness injustice and feel the frustration of the wicked seemingly prospering, this verse validates that struggle while simultaneously reassuring us that their perceived immunity is a dangerous delusion. God's justice, though sometimes delayed from our perspective, is never denied. It calls us to cultivate a robust and reverent fear of the Lord, not as a cowering dread, but as a healthy respect for His holiness and an unwavering trust in His perfect justice, knowing that He is a God who truly sees and truly requires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I subtly harbor the belief that God "will not require it," leading to complacency or compromise?**
* **How does the wicked's contempt for God, rooted in their denial of accountability, contrast with a truly worshipful and obedient heart?**
* **When I witness injustice, how can I hold onto the truth of God's ultimate justice, even when it seems delayed or denied in the present moment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent awareness of God's omnipresence and His ultimate accountability for all things?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that the wicked "contemn God"?**

Answer: To "contemn God" means to treat Him with utter scorn, contempt, and disdain. It's not merely ignoring God or being ignorant of Him, but actively despising His authority, His commands, and His very existence as a moral and sovereign power. The Hebrew word `na'ats` implies a deliberate, active rejection and blasphemy, treating God as if He is insignificant or powerless, particularly in His capacity to judge or intervene. This contempt stems from their internal conviction that God "will not require [it]," meaning He will not hold them accountable for their actions.

**Why do the wicked believe God "will not require [it]"?**

Answer: The wicked's belief that God "will not require [it]" stems from a deep-seated spiritual blindness and self-deception. It's a conviction "in his heart" that God is either indifferent to their actions, too weak to intervene, or simply does not exist as a just judge. This delusion allows them to pursue their selfish and oppressive desires without fear of divine consequence, leading to a sense of impunity. This false security is often reinforced by their temporary prosperity or the apparent delay of divine judgment, as noted in passages like [Ecclesiastes 8:11](/ecclesiastes/8-11 "Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because Sentence Against an Evil Work Is Not Executed Speedily").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:13, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's contempt for God rooted in a denial of accountability, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The wicked's delusion that God "will not require [it]" is utterly shattered by the Gospel. Christ's coming reveals the absolute holiness and justice of God, demonstrating that sin cannot go unpunished. On the cross, God "required it" of His own Son, pouring out His wrath against sin upon the [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who bore the penalty for humanity's contempt and rebellion. Thus, Christ became the ultimate demonstration that God does indeed require an account, but in His mercy, He provided the means for that account to be settled for those who believe. Furthermore, Jesus is not only the atoning sacrifice but also the appointed judge. The New Testament consistently declares that [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Committed All Judgment to the Son"). Therefore, the wicked's conviction that they will escape judgment is a profound and dangerous error, for every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus"), and all will stand before His judgment seat, where every deed will be required, not by an indifferent deity, but by the righteous and sovereign Son of God, who perfectly embodies both God's justice and His grace.

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

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Psalms 74:10

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Genesis 9:5

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Psalms 74:18

¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

2 Samuel 12:9

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

2 Samuel 12:10

Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

2 Chronicles 24:22

Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon [it], and require [it].