Psalms 73:8

KJV

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are corrupt {H4167}{H8686)}, and speak {H1696}{H8762)} wickedly {H7451} concerning oppression {H6233}: they speak {H1696}{H8762)} loftily {H4791}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They scoff and speak with malice, they loftily utter threats.

Berean Standard Bible

They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

American Standard Version

They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:8 vividly portrays the profound moral decay and outward arrogance characteristic of the wicked, whose apparent prosperity initially caused the psalmist, Asaph, to waver in his faith. This verse, deeply embedded within a profound meditation on the problem of evil and divine justice, reveals how a corrupt heart manifests in speech that is both oppressive in its content and boastful in its manner, reflecting a profound disregard for God's law and the well-being of others. It serves as a crucial link between the internal state of the wicked and their defiant actions, setting the stage for Asaph's eventual understanding of their ultimate downfall and God's unwavering goodness and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73 opens with Asaph's foundational declaration of God's goodness to Israel, particularly to those with pure hearts ([Psalm 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1 - God's Goodness to Israel")). However, this immediate affirmation is starkly contrasted by Asaph's raw and honest confession of his near spiritual collapse, triggered by his observation of the seemingly unburdened and prosperous lives of the wicked ([Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2-3 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Near Stumble")). The preceding verses (Psalms 73:4-7) offer a detailed, almost envious, description of the wicked's apparent ease: their lack of suffering, robust health, pride worn like a necklace, and eyes bulging from fatness, all contributing to their self-perception of invincibility. Verse 8 specifically zooms in on their speech as a direct outflow of this inner corruption and outward arrogance, serving as a crucial link between their internal depravity and their defiant actions. This verbal defiance escalates dramatically in the very next verse, where they audaciously set their mouth against heaven itself ([Psalm 73:9](/psalms/73-9 "Psalm 73:9 - The Wicked Defy Heaven")), demonstrating the progressive nature of their rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Psalms, a cornerstone of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, frequently grapples with the complex issue of theodicy—the question of how a just and powerful God can permit evil and injustice to seemingly flourish. In ancient Israelite thought, prosperity was often interpreted as a tangible sign of divine blessing, while suffering was frequently seen as an indicator of divine displeasure or judgment. This prevailing worldview created a profound theological dilemma for the righteous when they observed the wicked flourishing without apparent consequence. Psalms 73 directly confronts this common struggle, offering a profound theological resolution that transcends immediate, superficial appearances. The cultural milieu also placed a significant emphasis on the potent power of the spoken word. Words were not merely ephemeral sounds but were considered active forces, capable of creating or destroying, blessing or cursing. The "oppression" mentioned in the verse would have resonated deeply within a society where the vulnerable—widows, orphans, and sojourners—were often exploited by those in positions of power, a lamentable and recurring theme found throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor and Needy").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 73:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme illuminated here is **Moral Corruption**, where the declaration "They are corrupt" points to a deep-seated spiritual and ethical decay that transcends mere external actions, profoundly influencing their very character and disposition. This internal rot is starkly contrasted with the psalmist's own earnest desire for a pure heart, as stated in [Psalm 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1 - God's Goodness to Israel"). Another crucial theme is **Oppressive Speech**, as their words are not simply idle or thoughtless, but actively contribute to injustice, exploitation, and the perpetuation of harm. This highlights the destructive and active power of language, a concept consistently echoed throughout Scripture, which conversely calls for speech that builds up and imparts grace to listeners ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Wholesome Speech")). Finally, the theme of **Arrogance and Haughtiness** is central, as "they speak loftily" depicts a pride that elevates themselves not only above other human beings but also, as the subsequent verses reveal, above divine accountability. This hubris is consistently portrayed in biblical literature as a dangerous precursor to inevitable downfall and destruction ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corrupt (Hebrew, _mûwq'_):** (H4167) This Hebrew root signifies "to jeer" or, in an intensified sense, "to blaspheme" and "to be corrupt." In Psalms 73:8, it points to a deep-seated moral and spiritual decay within the wicked. This corruption is not merely a passive state of imperfection but an active disposition towards moral perversion and offensive behavior, manifesting in their speech and actions. It suggests a fundamental rottenness that permeates their very being, leading to their defiant and harmful expressions.
* **Oppression (Hebrew, _ʻôsheq'_):** (H6233) Derived from a root meaning "to oppress," this noun refers specifically to injury, fraud, unjust gain, or extortion obtained through force, exploitation, or deceit. When the wicked "speak wickedly concerning oppression," their words are intrinsically linked to their exploitative practices. Their speech is either about their acts of injustice, boastful of their illicit gains, or serves as a direct means of perpetrating further harm and exploitation. It highlights how their language is an active instrument of their cruelty and avarice.
* **Loftily (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** (H4791) Stemming from a root meaning "to be high," this word denotes altitude, elevation, or figuratively, elation and haughtiness. In the context of speech, "speaking loftily" vividly portrays the arrogant, boastful, and contemptuous nature of the wicked's communication. They speak as if from a position of unchallenged authority, looking down upon others, and displaying an inflated sense of self-importance. This term encapsulates their hubris and profound disregard for both human and divine authority, foreshadowing their direct defiance of heaven in the following verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are corrupt":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental character of the wicked. Their very essence is tainted by a profound, internal moral decay. This corruption is not merely a superficial flaw but a deep-seated perversion of their nature, from which all their subsequent words and deeds originate. It signifies a deviation from what is good, righteous, and in alignment with God's design.
* **"and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression":** This phrase elaborates on how their inherent corruption manifests through their verbal expressions. Their words are not just generally "wicked" but are specifically intertwined with "oppression." While the KJV's "concerning" is an interpretive addition, the Hebrew implies that their words *are* oppressive, that they *promote* oppression, or that they *boast* about their acts of exploitation and unjust gain. Their speech, therefore, is an active tool or a direct reflection of their injustice, serving to either enact or celebrate their harmful actions against others.
* **"they speak loftily":** This concluding clause describes the *manner* and *attitude* of their speech, revealing their profound arrogance and self-exaltation. They communicate with an inflated sense of their own importance, haughtiness, and contempt for others. This "lofty" speech implies a belief that they are above accountability, beyond the reach of human law, and perhaps even superior to divine judgment, demonstrating a profound hubris that sharply distinguishes them from the humble and righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:8 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the pervasive character of the wicked. **Parallelism** is evident in the progression from their inner state ("They are corrupt") to their outward expression ("speak wickedly concerning oppression") and finally to the arrogant manner of that expression ("they speak loftily"). This creates a cumulative and intensifying effect, deepening the description of their depravity. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "speak loftily," where the abstract concept of "haughtiness" or "arrogance" is vividly conveyed through the concrete image of "height" or "speaking from on high." This device effectively paints a picture of their elevated self-perception and disdain for others. Furthermore, the entire description functions as a stark **Contrast** to the character and speech of the righteous, whose words and lives are meant to reflect humility, justice, and devotion to God. The verse also utilizes **Concretization**, taking abstract concepts like corruption and oppression and giving them tangible, audible form through the act of speaking, thereby making their wickedness palpable and impactful to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:8 profoundly illuminates the biblical understanding of sin as a comprehensive corruption that permeates both the inner being and outward expression. It teaches that the heart's condition directly influences the tongue, revealing that wicked speech is not merely a slip of the tongue but an undeniable symptom of a deeper, pervasive moral malady. The verse underscores God's unwavering concern for justice and His absolute abhorrence of oppression, particularly when it is perpetuated, justified, and even celebrated through arrogant words. It challenges the common human tendency to be swayed by outward appearances or superficial prosperity, reminding us that true spiritual insight discerns the underlying character, recognizing that those who "speak loftily" are ultimately setting themselves in defiant opposition to the divine order and God's righteous standards. This profound theological truth lays the groundwork for the psalm's ultimate resolution, where the psalmist's understanding of God's final, inevitable judgment rectifies his initial struggle with the wicked's apparent prosperity.

* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5-6 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:8 serves as a potent mirror for self-examination and a crucial call for discernment in our interactions with the world. It reminds us that true moral character is not merely about avoiding certain external actions, but fundamentally about the purity and integrity of the heart, from which all words and deeds ultimately flow. The "corrupt" heart inevitably produces "wicked" and "lofty" speech, highlighting the profound and inseparable connection between our inner state and our outward communication. For believers, this verse is a sobering reminder to guard our hearts diligently, recognizing that our words possess immense power—the power to oppress or to uplift, to sow discord or to build peace, to tear down or to edify. It urges us to cultivate genuine humility, to speak truth in love, and to champion justice, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. In a world where arrogant, boastful, and oppressive speech often gains prominence and even appears to thrive, this psalm encourages us to place our unwavering trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing with certainty that He sees beyond the superficial and will hold every word and deed accountable in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the connection between inner corruption and outward speech in this verse challenge my understanding of sin and personal responsibility?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, engage in "lofty" or oppressive speech, and how can I cultivate humility and grace in my communication?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to discern the true character of others, looking beyond superficial prosperity to the heart's condition and the nature of their words?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my words consistently reflect a heart submitted to God's righteousness, justice, and love?**

### FAQ
**What does "speak wickedly [concerning] oppression" truly mean in Psalms 73:8?**

Answer: The phrase "speak wickedly [concerning] oppression" (Hebrew: *yedabberu beraʿ ʿōšeq*) signifies that the wicked's speech is not merely generally evil, but specifically and intrinsically tied to acts of injustice and exploitation. The KJV's bracketed "concerning" is an interpretive addition, and the Hebrew can be understood more directly as "they speak evil oppression," or "they speak oppression." This implies several possibilities, all pointing to the destructive nature of their words: their words *are* oppressive in themselves (e.g., threats, false accusations, slander against the vulnerable, or verbal abuse); their words *promote* or *justify* their oppressive actions (e.g., rationalizing their exploitation of the poor or weak); or they *boast* about their unjust gains and the power they wield through oppression. In essence, their language is an active instrument of their wickedness, directly contributing to or celebrating their acts of extortion and injustice, standing in stark contrast to the words of truth, justice, and humility that characterize the righteous, as exemplified in passages like [Proverbs 12:17](/proverbs/12-17 "Proverbs 12:17 - Truthful Witness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:8, with its stark depiction of the wicked's corrupt, oppressive, and arrogant speech, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "lofty" and self-exalting words of the wicked stand in stark contrast to the humble, authoritative, and gracious words of Jesus, who "spoke as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), yet always with unparalleled compassion, truth, and humility. While the wicked speak of oppression and perpetuate it, Jesus came precisely to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), embodying the very antithesis of their character. He is the perfect embodiment of righteous speech and action, perfectly fulfilling the law and exposing the emptiness and futility of human pride. Furthermore, the psalm's ultimate resolution—the wicked's sudden destruction and God's final, just judgment—is fully realized in Christ, who is appointed by God as the judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead")). His glorious return will bring a definitive end to all oppressive speech and corrupt power, ushering in an eternal era where truth, righteousness, and justice reign supreme, and every idle word will be accounted for before His throne ([Matthew 12:36](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36 - Account for Every Idle Word")). Thus, Psalms 73:8, while lamenting the present reality of pervasive evil and injustice, ultimately points forward to the future triumph of Christ, who will silence all wicked and lofty speech and establish His everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace.

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

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Psalms 17:10

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

Psalms 10:2

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Psalms 12:4

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us?

Psalms 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.