Psalms 52:6

KJV

¶ The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:

KJV (with Strong's)

The righteous {H6662} also shall see {H7200}{H8799)}, and fear {H3372}{H8799)}, and shall laugh {H7832}{H8799)} at him:

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous will see and be awestruck; they will jeer at him, saying,

Berean Standard Bible

The righteous will see and fear; they will mock the evildoer, saying,

American Standard Version

The righteous also shall see it, and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 52:6 powerfully depicts the divinely orchestrated response of God's faithful people to the judgment meted out against the wicked. Following a vivid prophetic denunciation of a deceitful and destructive individual, this verse describes the righteous witnessing the inevitable downfall of those who defy God. Their reaction is multifaceted: a profound, reverential awe for God's justice, coupled with a righteous, vindicating laughter at the utter folly and ultimate futility of the wicked's boasts and schemes. This verse encapsulates the unwavering assurance of God's sovereignty and His ultimate triumph over evil, offering deep comfort and affirmation to all who steadfastly trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 52, a Miktam of David, is a psalm of lament and imprecation directed against a specific wicked individual, identified in the superscription as Doeg the Edomite. The psalm opens with a scathing condemnation of the wicked man's boastful mischief and destructive tongue, highlighting his reliance on deceit and evil ([Psalms 52:1-4](/psalms/52-1-4 "Psalm 52:1-4 - Condemnation of the Wicked")). This leads into a prophetic declaration of God's swift and decisive destruction of this individual, vividly likening his uprooting to a tree being violently pulled from its dwelling and its root from the land of the living ([Psalms 52:5](/psalms/52-5 "Psalm 52:5 - Prophecy of Divine Judgment")). Verse 6 then dramatically shifts focus, detailing the *reaction* of the righteous community to this divine intervention. This reaction is immediately contrasted with the wicked's misplaced reliance on their own destructive wealth ([Psalms 52:7](/psalms/52-7 "Psalm 52:7 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches")), culminating in David's confident declaration of his own steadfast trust in God's mercy and his commitment to praise Him forever ([Psalms 52:8-9](/psalms/52-8-9 "Psalm 52:8-9 - David's Trust and Praise")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes Psalm 52 to David, specifically "when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech." This refers to the tragic and infamous events recorded in [1 Samuel 22:9-19](/1_samuel/22-9-19 "1 Samuel 22:9-19 - Doeg's Betrayal and the Slaughter of the Priests"). Doeg, King Saul's chief herdsman, witnessed Ahimelech the priest providing aid to David, who was fleeing from Saul. Doeg then reported this to Saul, leading to Saul's horrific command to slaughter the priests of Nob. When Saul's own guards refused, Doeg himself, with chilling obedience, carried out the massacre, killing 85 priests and utterly destroying the priestly city of Nob. This background is crucial for understanding the psalm's intense lament and imprecation; it highlights the extreme treachery, violence, and abuse of power that David is grieving and against which he is seeking divine justice. The psalm reflects the cultural understanding of divine retribution for such egregious acts, where the community expected God to intervene on behalf of the oppressed and uphold His moral order.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Justice and Retribution:** This psalm powerfully asserts God's active involvement in human affairs, ensuring that wickedness, especially that which boasts in its destructive power and deceit, does not go unpunished indefinitely. The righteous "shall see" God's justice unfold, affirming His absolute sovereignty and control over all things, a theme consistently echoed throughout the Psalms, as seen in [Psalm 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - The Righteous See God's Justice").
* **Righteous Reverence (Fear of the Lord):** The "fear" mentioned is not terror but a profound sense of awe, reverence, and humble submission to God's power, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to justice. It is a recognition of His holiness that inspires deep respect and obedience, akin to the foundational biblical concept of the [fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") found throughout wisdom literature. This fear leads to trust and security in God's ways.
* **Vindication and Righteous Laughter:** The laughter described is not malicious glee but a righteous scorn for the utter folly of the wicked, who trusted in their own evil and ill-gotten wealth rather than in the living God. It signifies the triumph of truth and justice, a profound vindication of the righteous who have endured oppression. It’s a laughter born of seeing God’s ultimate victory over evil, a theme also present in [Psalm 37:13](/psalms/37-13 "Psalm 37:13 - The Lord Laughs at the Wicked") where the Lord Himself laughs at the wicked, knowing their day of judgment is coming.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **See (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From the root H7200, this verb signifies more than mere physical sight. In this context, it implies a profound discernment and understanding. The righteous do not just observe the downfall of the wicked; they comprehend its divine origin and significance. It is a spiritual seeing that confirms God's active presence and justice in the world, leading to a deeper appreciation of His character and faithfulness. This "seeing" is an act of spiritual recognition, validating their trust in God.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from H3372, this "fear" is not terror or dread, but a deep, reverential awe. When the righteous witness God's judgment, they are filled with a profound sense of His majesty, power, and holiness. It is a response that leads to worship and deeper submission, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and His just dealings. This fear strengthens their faith, confirming that God is indeed the righteous judge who will not allow evil to prevail indefinitely.
* **Laugh (Hebrew, _sâchaq'_):** From the root H7832, this verb, while capable of expressing joy, here carries the connotation of derision or scorn. However, it is a righteous laughter, not one born of malice or ungodly gloating. It expresses the righteous community's profound scorn for the wicked man's misplaced confidence in his own destructive ways and wealth. This laughter highlights the ultimate absurdity and futility of defying God, affirming His ultimate victory and the vindication of His faithful ones who have suffered under oppression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The righteous also shall see":** This opening clause establishes the perspective of the faithful. "The righteous" (צַדִּיקִים, _ṣaddîqîm_) are those who live in covenant faithfulness with God, who trust in His ways, and who have often been oppressed by the wicked. Their "seeing" is not just a physical observation but a profound spiritual discernment and acknowledgment of God's active intervention in human affairs. They witness the unfolding of divine justice, which serves to confirm their faith and validate God's promises.
* **"and fear":** Following their observation, the righteous are filled with a profound "fear," which is a reverential awe. Upon witnessing God's manifest judgment against the wicked, their response is one of deep respect, worship, and humble submission to the Lord. It is a recognition of His holiness, His omnipotence, and the unwavering certainty of His justice. This fear deepens their trust and commitment to Him, reinforcing the wisdom and blessedness of living righteously.
* **"and shall laugh at him":** This laughter is a complex and significant response. It is not a cruel or ungodly glee, but a righteous scorn directed at the utter folly and inevitable downfall of the wicked individual. It signifies the profound vindication of the righteous who have suffered under the wicked's oppression. It is a laughter born of seeing God's ultimate victory over evil, the triumph of truth and justice, and the utter absurdity of trusting in one's own destructive power or ill-gotten wealth rather than in the living God. It affirms the righteous's secure position in God's mercy, contrasting sharply with the wicked's inevitable ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 52:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse explicitly sets the reaction of "the righteous" against the backdrop of the wicked man's dramatic downfall described in the preceding verses. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the divergent destinies of those who trust in God versus those who rely on their own evil. **Imagery** is subtly present in the "seeing" of the righteous, which evokes a vivid mental picture of them observing the consequences of sin and divine judgment. The sequence of actions—"see, and fear, and shall laugh"—creates a sense of **Progression**, illustrating a natural and appropriate spiritual and emotional response to the unfolding of divine justice. Finally, the "laughter" itself functions as a form of **Irony**, as the wicked man, who likely mocked the righteous in his prosperity and boasted in his destructive power, now becomes the object of their righteous scorn, underscoring the complete reversal of fortunes brought about by God's righteous intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical theme of divine justice and the ultimate vindication of the righteous. It affirms God's active sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to wickedness but will intervene to uphold righteousness and punish evil. The "fear" of the Lord is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, consistently presented as the foundational principle of wisdom and true knowledge of God, leading to a life of obedience and trust. The laughter of the righteous, though potentially unsettling to modern sensibilities, is a profound expression of confidence in God's unfailing justice and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It is a prophetic anticipation of the day when all wrongs will be made right, and the folly of sin will be exposed for all to see. This theme assures believers that their suffering is not in vain and that God will indeed judge the earth, bringing about a just resolution.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalms/37-12-13 "Psalm 37:12-13 - The Wicked Plot, the Lord Laughs")
* [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoicing Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 52:6 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to spiritual discernment for believers today. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately sovereign and will execute perfect justice in His timing. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, reverential awe for God's character, recognizing that His judgments are always righteous and just, even when we don't immediately understand their unfolding. This "fear of the Lord" should not paralyze us with terror, but rather anchor our faith, inspiring us to live in humble submission and unwavering trust. Furthermore, the righteous laughter serves as a powerful reminder that the schemes and boasts of the wicked are ultimately futile and foolish in the face of God's power. It encourages us to find hope and even a sense of vindication in God's promised victory over evil, rather than succumbing to despair, bitterness, or the temptation to take matters into our own hands. Our response to injustice should be patient endurance, faithful witness, and steadfast prayer, knowing that the final word belongs to God, who will set all things right and bring about His perfect kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does witnessing injustice in the world challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can a deep, reverential "fear of the Lord" lead to greater freedom, security, and peace in your daily life, rather than anxiety?**
* **How can believers cultivate a righteous confidence in God's ultimate victory, even when currently facing oppression or the apparent triumph of evil?**
* **What does it truly mean to "laugh" at the wicked from a biblical perspective, and how can this be applied in a way that avoids malice or self-righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Is the "laughter" of the righteous in this verse a sign of ungodly gloating or schadenfreude?**

Answer: No, the "laughter" (Hebrew, _sâchaq'_) described in Psalms 52:6 is not a malicious or ungodly gloating, nor is it schadenfreude in the negative sense. Instead, it represents a righteous scorn and a profound sense of vindication. It is laughter at the utter folly, misplaced confidence, and ultimate failure of the wicked who trusted in their own destructive ways and ill-gotten wealth rather than in the living God. This laughter is born of seeing God's justice prevail and the truth of His sovereignty affirmed. It's akin to the Lord Himself laughing at the nations' futile plots in [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - The Lord Laughs at the Nations") and at the wicked in [Psalm 37:13](/psalms/37-13 "Psalm 37:13 - The Lord Laughs at the Wicked"), knowing their end is certain. For the righteous, it is an expression of relief, triumph, and confirmation of their faith in God's ultimate victory over evil.

**How does the "fear" mentioned here relate to the "fear of the Lord" in other parts of the Bible?**

Answer: The "fear" (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_) in Psalms 52:6 is deeply consistent with the broader biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord." It is not a terror-inducing fright or a cowering dread, but a profound sense of awe, reverence, and humble respect for God's power, holiness, and righteous character. When the righteous "see" God's judgment, their response is one of humble adoration and recognition of His supreme authority and unfailing justice. This reverential fear is consistently presented throughout Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), leading to a life of obedience, trust, and blessing. It is a wholesome and necessary response to the living God, fostering a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him built on proper understanding of His majesty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 52:6 describes the righteous response to God's judgment in the Old Testament context, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are profoundly realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly [Righteous One](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous"), whose life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection perfectly embody divine justice and the ultimate vindication of God's purposes. The "fear" of the Lord, a reverential awe, reaches its pinnacle in the worship of Christ, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God") and the one through whom all things are reconciled to God. The laughter of the righteous, a scorn for the folly of the wicked, finds its ultimate expression in the triumph of Christ over sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. On the cross, it seemed evil had triumphed, but in the resurrection, God exposed the utter foolishness and futility of all who oppose Him, disarming them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, united with Christ by faith, are called to share in His victory and to live with the assured hope that He will ultimately [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead"). Our hope is not merely in seeing God judge individual wicked people, but in the cosmic triumph of the Lamb of God, who will one day [make all things new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New") and usher in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2_peter/3-13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). In Christ, the righteous are not just spectators of judgment, but participants in the eternal reign of justice and peace, assured of their own vindication through His perfect work.

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

Job 22:19

The righteous see [it], and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalms 37:34

¶ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.