Psalms 92:7

¶ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:

When the wicked {H7563} spring {H6524}{H8800)} as the grass {H6212}, and when all the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205} do flourish {H6692}{H8686)}; it is that they shall be destroyed {H8045}{H8736)} for ever {H5703}:

that when the wicked sprout like grass, and all who do evil prosper, it is so that they can be eternally destroyed,

that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

When the wicked spring as the grass, And when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; It is that they shall be destroyed for ever.

Psalms 92:7 presents a profound paradox, contrasting the temporary flourishing of the wicked with their ultimate, irreversible destruction. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's perfect justice and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.

Context

Psalm 92 is designated "A Song for the Sabbath Day," reflecting themes of praise and contemplation. The psalm opens with an exhortation to praise the Lord for His goodness and works. Amidst this praise, the psalmist observes the world's apparent injustices – the prosperity of the wicked. Verse 7 addresses this observation directly, providing divine perspective on the seemingly successful lives of those who disregard God's law. The psalm then transitions to describe the contrasting, enduring prosperity of the righteous, which is rooted in God (see Psalms 92:12-14).

Key Themes

  • The Deceptive Nature of Wicked Prosperity: The verse vividly describes the wicked "springing as the grass" and "flourishing." This imagery highlights rapid, visible growth, suggesting success and vitality. However, just as grass is easily cut down and withers, their success is fleeting and superficial, lacking true depth or permanence. It's a temporary show before an inevitable end.
  • Divine Justice and Ultimate Judgment: The core message is the certainty of their destruction: "it is that they shall be destroyed for ever." This declares God's unwavering commitment to justice. Their flourishing is not a sign of divine approval but a prelude to their eternal demise, underscoring that no one escapes God's judgment. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as the parable of the tares in Matthew 13, where the wicked are gathered and burned.
  • God's Omniscience and Sovereignty: The psalmist, through this verse, reassures believers that God sees the actions of the wicked and will act decisively. Despite their temporary triumph, God remains in control, and His ultimate plan involves their complete and eternal removal from His presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "spring as the grass" comes from the Hebrew tsamach kachatsir (צָמַח כַּחָצִיר), emphasizing a rapid, almost effortless growth, but one that is inherently fragile and short-lived, much like the grass of the field that quickly withers. The word "flourish" (Hebrew: parach, פָּרַח) means to bud, blossom, or break forth, reinforcing the idea of outward prosperity. However, the stark contrast is in "destroyed for ever" (Hebrew: lehashmid adey 'ad, לְהַשְׁמִיד עֲדֵי עַד), which powerfully conveys an irreversible and perpetual destruction, highlighting the finality of God's judgment.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalms 92:7 offers profound encouragement and a call to perspective. It teaches us not to be dismayed or envious when we see the wicked prosper (a common struggle, as seen in Psalm 73). Instead, it urges us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering justice. Our focus should not be on the temporary successes of this world, but on the eternal reality of God's kingdom and the enduring inheritance of the righteous. This verse reminds us that true prosperity is not measured by worldly success but by an eternal relationship with God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 73:18

    Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

  • Psalms 73:20

    As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

  • Psalms 37:38

    But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

  • Psalms 37:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

  • Psalms 37:2

    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

  • Psalms 37:35

    I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

  • Psalms 37:36

    Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

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