Psalms 52:5

KJV

God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H410} shall likewise destroy {H5422}{H8799)} thee for ever {H5331}, he shall take thee away {H2846}{H8799)}, and pluck thee out {H5255}{H8799)} of thy dwelling place {H168}, and root thee out {H8327}{H8765)} of the land {H776} of the living {H2416}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why God will strike you down, seize you, pluck you from your tent and uproot you from the land of the living. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

American Standard Version

God will likewise destroy thee for ever; He will take thee up, and pluck thee out of thy tent, And root thee out of the land of the living. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 52:5 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the wicked, specifically targeting Doeg the Edomite, whose malicious betrayal and violence are the central theme of this psalm. The verse vividly portrays the complete and irreversible destruction awaiting those who practice deceit and harm God's people, emphasizing their permanent removal from all sources of blessing, security, and life itself by the hand of a righteous God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 52 is a Michtam of David, a contemplative or didactic psalm, penned in response to the horrific events surrounding Doeg the Edomite's treachery. The psalm begins with David's lament over Doeg's boastful wickedness and destructive tongue ([Psalms 52:1-4](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1-4 - David's Lament Against Doeg")). This sets the stage for the prophetic pronouncement of judgment in verse 5, which serves as a divine answer to Doeg's evil. The psalm then shifts to David's confident trust in God's enduring mercy and his own secure place as "a green olive tree in the house of God" ([Psalms 52:8](/psalms/52-8 "Psalm 52:8 - The Righteous Like a Green Olive Tree")), contrasting the fate of the wicked with the steadfastness of the righteous. The "Selah" at the end of verse 5 invites a pause for reflection on the gravity of the preceding declaration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 52 is found in [1 Samuel 21-22](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21-22 - David's Flight and Doeg's Betrayal"). David, fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge and provisions from Ahimelech the priest at Nob. Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman and a foreigner, witnessed this encounter and reported it to Saul ([1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg Reports to Saul")). Enraged, Saul commanded the slaughter of the priests of Nob. When Saul's own servants refused, Doeg, with chilling obedience, carried out the massacre himself, killing 85 priests and destroying the city of Nob ([1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Doeg Slays the Priests of Nob")). This act of betrayal, violence, and disregard for sacred life deeply impacted David, prompting this psalm. Culturally, "the land of the living" was understood not merely as physical existence but as a state of blessing, prosperity, and participation in the covenant community, enjoying God's favor. To be "rooted out" from it was the ultimate curse, signifying complete severance from all that was good and life-giving.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming God's active involvement in judging wickedness. He is not passive in the face of evil but ensures that those who perpetrate injustice will face severe consequences, as seen in the declaration that He "shall likewise destroy thee for ever." Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Wickedness**, illustrating that actions rooted in deceit, malice, and violence lead to ultimate ruin. Doeg's fate serves as a stark warning, demonstrating that God will not allow unrepentant evil to stand. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Finality and Totality of Judgment**. The cumulative imagery of being "destroyed," "taken away," "plucked out," and "rooted out" speaks to an irreversible and comprehensive removal from all that constitutes life and blessing, reinforcing the absolute certainty of God's judgment against those who persist in their opposition to Him and His people. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "the way of the wicked shall perish" ([Psalms 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Wicked Shall Perish")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _haras_):** This verb signifies to tear down, demolish, or break down, often referring to buildings or cities. Its use here indicates a complete and utter dismantling of Doeg's existence and standing, implying not just death, but the eradication of his legacy, influence, and very presence. Coupled with "for ever," it speaks to an enduring ruin, an irreversible state of desolation.
* **Pluck thee out (Hebrew, _natash_):** This verb means to tear away, uproot, or pull down, often used in an agricultural context for pulling up plants or in a military context for tearing down walls. The imagery here is forceful and violent, suggesting a sudden and decisive removal. It implies being forcibly dislodged from one's secure position, like a tent peg being torn from the ground, leaving no possibility of re-establishment.
* **Root thee out (Hebrew, _sharash_):** This verb literally means to pull up by the roots, a powerful agricultural metaphor for complete and permanent removal. When a plant is rooted out, it cannot regrow. This emphasizes the finality of the judgment, signifying that Doeg will be utterly severed from the source of life, prosperity, and heritage, leaving no trace or hope of revival. This phrase, "root thee out of the land of the living," is the climactic declaration of his ultimate doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God shall likewise destroy thee for ever":** This opening clause establishes the divine agent of judgment ("God") and the certainty ("shall likewise") and permanence ("for ever") of the impending destruction. The judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Doeg's actions, a divine mirroring of his destructive behavior. The "for ever" indicates a lasting, irreversible consequence, extending beyond mere physical death to a permanent state of alienation from God's favor.
* **"he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of the destruction, emphasizing removal from security and status. "Take thee away" (Hebrew, _yachtekha_, from a root implying cutting off or dismaying) suggests a sudden and decisive severance. "Pluck thee out" (Hebrew, _natash_) reinforces this, depicting a violent removal from one's established home, family, and position of influence. Doeg's "dwelling place" represents his perceived security, status, and perhaps even his very identity, all of which will be violently stripped away.
* **"and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.":** This final clause culminates the imagery of eradication. "Root thee out" (Hebrew, _sharash_) powerfully conveys total and irreversible removal, like a tree pulled up entirely, leaving no chance of regrowth. "The land of the living" refers to the sphere of God's blessing, prosperity, and covenant relationship. To be rooted out of it means complete expulsion from divine favor, a spiritual and existential death, not merely a physical one. The concluding **"Selah"** serves as a musical or liturgical instruction, prompting the reader to pause, reflect, and deeply consider the profound and terrifying finality of this divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of ultimate judgment. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly **agricultural metaphors**, seen in "pluck thee out" and "root thee out." These vivid images draw on the familiar experience of removing plants, emphasizing the thoroughness and finality of Doeg's eradication from the "land of the living," leaving no possibility of regrowth or return. The use of multiple, intensifying verbs of destruction—"destroy," "take away," "pluck out," and "root out"—creates a powerful sense of **climax** and **accumulation**, building to the ultimate pronouncement of doom. This **repetition** also serves as a form of **anaphora** or **parallelism**, reinforcing the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's action. The phrase "for ever" can be seen as **hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and enduring nature of the judgment. Finally, the inclusion of **Selah** acts as a **rhetorical device**, signaling a pause for profound contemplation, allowing the weight of the divine declaration to settle upon the listener or reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 52:5 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His active intervention in the affairs of humanity. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the malice of the wicked. The judgment against Doeg is a testament to divine sovereignty, demonstrating that no one, regardless of their earthly power or position, is beyond the reach of God's righteous hand. This verse assures the oppressed that God sees their plight and will ultimately vindicate them, while simultaneously serving as a solemn warning to those who engage in deceit, violence, and harm against the innocent. It underscores the biblical principle that sin carries severe, often irreversible, consequences, and that a life lived in opposition to God's ways leads to ultimate separation from His blessings and presence.

* [Psalms 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Shall Be Turned Into Hell")
* [Proverbs 2:22](/proverbs/2-22 "Proverbs 2:22 - The Wicked Uprooted from the Land")
* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Does Not Bear Good Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse from Psalm 52 serves as both a sobering warning and a profound source of comfort. For those who might be tempted to use their words or influence for malicious purposes, to betray trust, or to inflict harm, it stands as a stark reminder that God observes all actions and intentions, and His justice is certain and final. The "land of the living" is not merely a physical place but a state of flourishing and blessing in God's presence; to be rooted out of it is to lose everything that truly matters. Conversely, for those who have experienced betrayal, injustice, or persecution, this psalm offers immense solace. It assures us that God is the ultimate vindicator, and while human justice may falter or be delayed, divine justice will prevail. Our security and flourishing are not found in worldly power or deceit, but in trusting God's steadfast love and living righteously, like a "green olive tree in the house of God" ([Psalms 52:8](/psalms/52-8 "Psalm 52:8 - The Righteous Like a Green Olive Tree")). This verse calls us to examine our own hearts, to repent of any destructive tendencies, and to cultivate a life marked by integrity, truth, and unwavering trust in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of being "rooted out of the land of the living" challenge my understanding of what true life and security entail?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use my words or actions to tear down rather than to build up, and how can I align my conduct with God's righteousness?**
* **How does the "Selah" at the end of this verse invite me to pause and deepen my trust in God's ultimate justice, even when I don't see immediate retribution for evil in the world?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse advocating for personal vengeance or encouraging believers to curse their enemies?**

Answer: No, this verse is not an endorsement of personal vengeance or a call for believers to curse their enemies. Instead, it is a prophetic declaration of divine judgment, spoken by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, entrusting the ultimate retribution to God alone. David, as a man after God's own heart, understood that vengeance belongs to the Lord ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")). The psalm expresses a profound trust in God's sovereignty and His commitment to justice, assuring the righteous that God will ultimately deal with those who perpetrate evil. It serves as a reminder that God sees all injustice and will act in His perfect timing and according to His righteous character.

**What is the significance of being "rooted out of the land of the living" beyond physical death?**

Answer: The phrase "rooted out of the land of the living" signifies a far more profound and comprehensive judgment than mere physical death. In the Old Testament, "the land of the living" represents a state of blessing, prosperity, well-being, and covenant relationship with God. It encompasses not only physical existence but also the enjoyment of God's favor, the security of one's heritage, and participation in the community of faith. To be "rooted out" of it implies a complete and irreversible severance from all these blessings. It denotes a spiritual and existential death, a permanent expulsion from God's presence and favor, leading to a state of utter desolation and separation from all that is truly life-giving. This concept foreshadows the New Testament understanding of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart from Me, You Cursed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 52:5 pronounces a terrifying judgment upon the wicked, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are profoundly illuminated through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Doeg's fate, a complete and irreversible cutting off from the "land of the living," stands in stark contrast to the eternal life and secure dwelling place offered through Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate Judge, to whom "the Father has committed all judgment" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")), and His warnings against hypocrisy and destructive words echo the principles of this psalm ([Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Every Careless Word")). Yet, Christ also came to offer salvation from this very judgment. The "land of the living" finds its ultimate and eternal reality in the new heavens and new earth, and in the presence of God, a dwelling place secured for those who believe in Jesus ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man")). Those who are "in Christ" are not rooted out but are "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), inheriting eternal life ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - I Give Them Eternal Life")) and a secure dwelling place with God forever, a destiny utterly distinct from the "fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" for those who reject Him ([Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - It is a Fearful Thing to Fall into the Hands of the Living God")). Thus, Psalm 52:5, while a warning of divine wrath, ultimately points to the necessity and glory of the salvation found only in Christ, who delivers us from the judgment we deserve.

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

Proverbs 2:22

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Psalms 27:13

[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Psalms 7:14

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Isaiah 22:19

And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

Isaiah 38:11

I said, I shall not see the LORD, [even] the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.