Psalms 92:6

KJV

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

KJV (with Strong's)

A brutish {H1198} man {H376} knoweth {H3045}{H8799)} not; neither doth a fool {H3684} understand {H995}{H8799)} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Stupid people can't know, fools don't understand,

Berean Standard Bible

A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand,

American Standard Version

A brutish man knoweth not; Neither doth a fool understand this:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 92:6 serves as a profound counterpoint to the preceding verses, which extol the magnificent works and unfathomable thoughts of God. This verse starkly illuminates the spiritual insensitivity and intellectual dullness of those described as "brutish" and "foolish," asserting their inherent inability to grasp the divine wisdom and providential actions of the Lord. It lays the groundwork for the psalm's subsequent declaration of God's unwavering justice, where the transient prosperity of the wicked is sharply contrasted with the enduring stability and flourishing of the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 92 is uniquely designated "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," underscoring its intended use in worship and contemplative reflection on God's character and deeds, particularly His creative and providential work. The psalm commences with an exuberant call to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness and faithfulness, emphasizing the appropriateness of such praise "in the morning" and "every night" ([Psalms 92:1-2](/psalms/92-1-2 "Psalms 92:1-2 - A Call to Praise God at All Times")). The psalmist then pivots to celebrate God's "great works" and "very deep" thoughts ([Psalms 92:5](/psalms/92-5 "Psalms 92:5 - God's Magnificent Works and Profound Thoughts")), highlighting the unfathomable nature of divine wisdom. Immediately following this declaration of divine profundity, verse 6 introduces the "brutish man" and "fool," presenting them as utterly incapable of comprehending these spiritual realities. This sharp contrast sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which detail the temporary flourishing and ultimate destruction of the wicked ([Psalms 92:7-9](/psalms/92-7-9 "Psalms 92:7-9 - The Brief Prosperity and Doom of the Wicked")), juxtaposed with the enduring strength and prosperity of the righteous ([Psalms 92:12-15](/psalms/92-12-15 "Psalms 92:12-15 - The Flourishing and Stability of the Righteous")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalms 92 does not allude to a specific historical event, its designation for the Sabbath day highlights its integral role in Israelite worship and spiritual formation. The Sabbath was a sacred day of rest, consecrated for reflection and remembrance of God's creation and His redemptive deliverance ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Commandment to Remember the Sabbath Day")). On this day, the community was encouraged to meditate deeply on God's sovereignty and His ongoing work in the world. The concepts of the "brutish man" and "fool" were pervasive in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, particularly within Israelite thought, where true wisdom was understood not merely as intellectual acumen but as moral and spiritual discernment rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge is the Fear of the Lord")). Those who lacked this divine wisdom were perceived as living contrary to God's established order, often leading to self-destructive paths. The psalm articulates a worldview where divine justice, though sometimes seemingly delayed, is ultimately certain, a recurring and foundational theme within the broader wisdom tradition.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalms 92:6 is **spiritual blindness and the profound inability to discern divine truth**. It draws a stark dichotomy between God's unfathomable, profound wisdom and the limited, often self-destructive, understanding of those who willfully reject or ignore divine revelation. This verse powerfully underscores the theme of **divine wisdom versus human folly**, illustrating how a lack of spiritual perception prevents individuals from appreciating God's magnificent works and deep thoughts, as so eloquently described in [Psalms 92:5](/psalms/92-5 "Psalms 92:5 - God's Great Works and Deep Thoughts"). Furthermore, it implicitly introduces the crucial theme of the **consequences of ignorance**, setting the stage for the psalm's overarching message: while the wicked may experience fleeting prosperity, their ultimate destiny is destruction, a fate that stands in sharp contrast to the enduring prosperity and stability of the righteous who genuinely understand and embrace God's ways, a truth extensively elaborated in [Psalms 92:7-15](/psalms/92-7-15 "Psalms 92:7-15 - The Fate of the Wicked Contrasted with the Flourishing of the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brutish (Hebrew, _baʻar'_):** Derived from a root signifying "to be dull" or "like a beast," this term describes someone who is spiritually and morally unintelligent. Such an individual operates primarily on instinct or superficial understanding, lacking reflection or insight into divine matters. They are insensitive to the deeper realities of God's presence and work, akin to an animal that lacks rational thought and spiritual capacity, failing to grasp the profound.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** This is a significant biblical term for a person who is not merely intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually perverse. A _kᵉçîyl_ is characterized by an active choice of folly, a contempt for wisdom, and an obstinate refusal to acknowledge God's will and truth. Unlike a simpleton, the _kᵉçîyl_ is defined by their willful rejection of divine instruction, often leading to self-inflicted harm and ultimate destruction, a concept richly explored in the wisdom literature of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom").
* **Understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** This verb denotes "to discern," "to perceive," or "to have insight." It implies a deep, intuitive comprehension that extends beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound grasp of truth. When the text states that the brutish man and fool "understand not," it signifies their complete inability to grasp the profound truths about God's works and thoughts mentioned in the preceding verse, indicating a fundamental spiritual incapacity rather than simple ignorance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A brutish man knoweth not;":** This initial clause introduces the first category of individuals characterized by spiritual unperception. The "brutish man" is one whose understanding is dulled, whose spiritual senses are undeveloped or atrophied. They lack the capacity to truly "know" or perceive the deeper spiritual realities of God's existence, His character, and His active involvement in the world. Their knowledge is confined to the superficial, the material, and the immediate, failing to recognize the divine hand at work in creation and providence.
* **"neither doth a fool understand this.":** This second clause powerfully reinforces and intensifies the first. The "fool" (_kᵉçîyl_) is not merely ignorant but actively resists and despises wisdom. The demonstrative pronoun "this" explicitly refers back to "the great works of the Lord, and thy thoughts are very deep" ([Psalms 92:5](/psalms/92-5 "Psalms 92:5 - God's Great Works and Deep Thoughts")). This signifies that the fool cannot comprehend God's magnificent creation, His providential care, His intricate plans, or His ultimate justice. Their lack of understanding is a willful blindness, a moral and spiritual perversity that fundamentally prevents them from grasping divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 92:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two clauses, "A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this." This synonymous parallelism serves to reinforce the central idea of profound spiritual ignorance by presenting two distinct yet similar categories of individuals ("brutish man" and "fool") who share the same fundamental deficiency ("knoweth not" and "understand not"). The verse also utilizes powerful **Contrast**, setting the spiritual dullness and willful ignorance of humanity against the unfathomable depth and grandeur of God's works and thoughts described in the preceding verse. This stark juxtaposition highlights the immense chasm between divine wisdom and human folly. Furthermore, an element of **Irony** pervades the psalm's broader context: the very individuals who are most preoccupied with worldly success and fleeting prosperity are precisely those who fail to comprehend the true nature of God's justice, which will inevitably lead to their downfall, while the righteous, who may appear less powerful or successful in the world's eyes, are the ones who truly thrive and endure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 92:6 profoundly articulates the biblical concept of spiritual discernment, drawing a clear distinction between those who are receptive to divine truth and those who remain willfully blind. It underscores that understanding God's works and thoughts is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual capacity, a divine gift granted to those who fear the Lord and earnestly pursue wisdom. The "brutish man" and "fool" represent humanity's fallen state, where sin darkens the mind and hardens the heart against God's revelation. This verse serves as a sober warning against intellectual and spiritual arrogance, reminding us that true wisdom commences with acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His understanding, rather than relying solely on finite human reason. It also sets the stage for the psalm's broader theological message: God's justice will ultimately prevail, and those who reject His wisdom will face destruction, while the righteous will flourish in His presence.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things")
* [Romans 1:21-22](/romans/1-21-22 "Romans 1:21-22 - Suppressing the Truth in Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 92:6 issues a profound challenge, compelling us to examine the true state of our own hearts and minds. Are we genuinely seeking to understand God's "great works" and His "very deep thoughts," or are we content with a superficial engagement with spiritual truth, allowing our spiritual senses to remain dull? The verse calls us decisively away from the spiritual insensitivity of the "brutish man" and the willful ignorance of the "fool." It serves as a vital reminder that true wisdom is not merely academic or intellectual but involves a profound, Spirit-led discernment of God's sovereign hand in creation, providence, and redemption. To avoid being "brutish" or "foolish," we must cultivate a posture of humility, actively seeking God through diligent engagement with His Word, fervent prayer, and contemplative reflection on His majestic character. This intentional pursuit of divine wisdom enables us to see beyond the fleeting realities of this world and grasp the eternal truths that govern all things, leading to a life of deeper worship, unwavering trust, and joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be exhibiting a "brutish" lack of spiritual discernment or a "foolish" resistance to God's revealed truth?**
* **How does meditating deeply on "the great works of the Lord" and His "very deep thoughts" (Psalms 92:5) actively contribute to your growth in spiritual understanding and insight?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can you commit to taking this week to cultivate a heart that is more receptive to God's wisdom and less prone to spiritual blindness?**
* **How does the ultimate, contrasting fate of the wicked and the righteous, as vividly described later in Psalms 92, motivate you to diligently seek and embrace God's profound understanding?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be a "brutish man" or a "fool" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 92:6, a "brutish man" (Hebrew: _baʻar'_) refers to someone who is dull, stupid, or animal-like in their understanding, particularly concerning spiritual matters. They lack the capacity for moral and spiritual insight, operating on a superficial level without appreciating God's profound works or thoughts. A "fool" (Hebrew: _kᵉçîyl'_) is a more severe designation. This is not merely someone intellectually deficient, but a person who is morally and spiritually perverse, actively choosing folly and despising wisdom. The _kᵉçîyl_ willfully rejects divine truth and acts contrary to God's will, often leading to self-destructive behavior. Both terms describe individuals who are spiritually unperceptive and unable to grasp the deeper realities of God's nature and actions, particularly "this" – referring to God's "great works" and "very deep thoughts" mentioned in [Psalms 92:5](/psalms/92-5 "Psalms 92:5 - God's Great Works and Deep Thoughts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 92:6, with its lament over the inherent spiritual blindness of the "brutish man" and "fool," finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's inherent inability to truly "know" or "understand" God's profound works and deepest thoughts is a direct consequence of the Fall, which has rendered us spiritually dead and darkened in our understanding ([Ephesians 4:18](/ephesians/4-18 "Ephesians 4:18 - Darkened in Understanding Due to Ignorance")). Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and the perfect revelation of His deepest thoughts and purposes. He definitively declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Exclusive Way to the Father")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ not only fully reveals God's magnificent works but also provides the sole means for spiritual sight and understanding. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send, illuminates the hearts and minds of believers, enabling them to comprehend the "things of God" that the "natural man receiveth not" ([1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom to Believers")). Thus, what was utterly impossible for the brutish and the foolish is made gloriously possible for those who are "born again" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - The Necessity of Being Born Again")), receiving new spiritual eyes to perceive and understand the glorious wisdom and works of God, all centered in the person and redemptive work of Christ, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Repository of All Wisdom and Knowledge")).

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

Psalms 73:22

So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.

Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?

Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Psalms 49:10

For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Proverbs 24:7

¶ Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.