Psalms 92:7

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 92:7 offers a profound and counter-intuitive declaration, asserting that the apparent, temporary flourishing of the wicked and workers of iniquity is not a sign of divine approval or lasting success, but rather a divinely ordained prelude to their ultimate, irreversible, and eternal destruction. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's perfect justice and unwavering sovereignty, providing a crucial divine perspective that challenges human perceptions of worldly success and assures believers of the certain triumph of righteousness over evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 92 is uniquely designated "A Song for the Sabbath Day," framing its content for worship, reflection, and contemplation on God's character and works, particularly His providential governance. The psalm begins with an exuberant call to praise the Lord for His goodness, His mighty deeds, and the profound depth of His thoughts, contrasting human understanding with divine wisdom ([Psalms 92:1-5](/psalms/92-1-5 "Psalm 92:1-5 - Praise for God's Great Works")). Within this framework of praise, the psalmist confronts a perplexing reality: the visible prosperity of the wicked. Verse 7 directly addresses this observation, providing a divine explanation for this seemingly unjust state of affairs. This declaration acts as a pivotal turning point, immediately followed by a stark contrast detailing the enduring, fruitful prosperity of the righteous, whose strength and vitality are rooted in their intimate relationship with God and His dwelling place ([Psalms 92:12-15](/psalms/92-12-15 "Psalm 92:12-15 - The Flourishing of the Righteous")). Thus, verse 7 not only explains a paradox but also sets the stage for the psalm's triumphant affirmation of God's ultimate justice and the blessedness of those who trust in Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The observation of the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer was a pervasive theological and existential dilemma throughout the ancient Near East, frequently explored in wisdom literature, notably in the Book of Job, Ecclesiastes, and other Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). The imagery of "grass" (Hebrew: _ʻeseb_) was universally understood in the arid Middle Eastern climate as representing something that grows quickly and appears vibrant but is inherently fragile, short-lived, and easily withered under the scorching sun or by a passing wind ([Isaiah 40:6-7](/isaiah/40-6-7 "Isaiah 40:6-7 - All Flesh is Grass")). This cultural understanding would immediately convey the ephemeral, superficial, and ultimately doomed nature of the wicked's success. Central to Israelite theology was the concept of divine justice (retributive and restorative), positing that God is actively involved in human affairs and will ultimately bring about a just resolution, even if His timing and methods differ from human expectations. This verse reaffirms the covenantal promise of blessing for obedience and judgment for rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 92:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Deceptive Nature of Wicked Prosperity**. The vivid imagery of the wicked "springing as the grass" and "flourishing" paints a picture of rapid, visible growth and apparent vitality, yet this outward show is revealed as superficial, lacking true depth or permanence, serving merely as a temporary display before an inevitable and catastrophic end. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores **Divine Justice and Ultimate Judgment**. The core message is the absolute certainty of the wicked's destruction: "it is that they shall be destroyed for ever." This declaration affirms God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice, ensuring that no one ultimately escapes His judgment, regardless of their earthly success or the extent of their perceived impunity. Lastly, it reinforces **God's Omniscience and Sovereignty**. The psalmist, through this divine revelation, reassures believers that God not only sees the actions of the wicked but also remains in complete control of history, and His ultimate plan involves their complete, eternal removal from His presence and the establishment of His righteous reign, contrasting with the lasting fruitfulness of the righteous ([Psalms 92:12](/psalms/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_ H7563):** From a root meaning "to be wrong," this term refers to those who are morally evil, guilty, and ungodly. It describes individuals who are actively and habitually engaged in wrongdoing, rebellion against God's law, and injustice towards others. It is not merely a description of a state, but of a disposition and a pattern of behavior that is contrary to divine righteousness.
* **flourish (Hebrew, _tsûwts'_ H6692):** This verb means "to twinkle," "to glance," and by analogy, "to blossom" or "to flourish." It conveys the idea of a sudden, vibrant, and eye-catching emergence or display. While the preceding verb "spring" (H6524, _pârach_) also suggests rapid growth, _tsûwts_ emphasizes the showy, impressive, and often deceptive outward appearance of success and vitality that the wicked exhibit. It highlights the fleeting, superficial nature of their apparent prosperity, like a quick flash or a rapidly fading bloom.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâmad'_ H8045):** This is a strong, definitive verb meaning "to desolate," "to annihilate," "to lay waste," or "to utterly destroy." It denotes a complete, decisive, and irreversible termination, implying an absolute state of ruin, desolation, and non-existence in their former state. It signifies a comprehensive and final judgment, leaving no possibility of recovery or return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the wicked spring as the grass":** This opening clause introduces the observed phenomenon, painting a vivid picture of the wicked's rapid, widespread, and seemingly effortless growth and proliferation. The simile "as the grass" immediately evokes the image of something that appears quickly and abundantly, often covering the landscape, but is inherently fragile, superficial, and short-lived, destined to wither under harsh conditions. It describes the outward appearance of success and proliferation among those who are morally corrupt and rebellious against God.
* **"and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish":** This second clause functions in powerful synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing and intensifying the idea of the wicked's outward prosperity. "Workers of iniquity" specifically identifies those who actively practice evil, injustice, and moral corruption (from H205, _ʼâven_, meaning "nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness"). "Flourish" (H6692, _tsûwts_) emphasizes the vibrant, blossoming, and successful appearance of their endeavors, suggesting that their unrighteous actions seem to yield positive, visible results in the present, creating a deceptive facade of well-being and power.
* **"it is that they shall be destroyed for ever":** This final, declarative clause delivers the divine verdict, providing the ultimate purpose and inevitable outcome of their temporary flourishing. The introductory phrase "it is that" (or "it is for this very purpose") reveals God's sovereign intent: their apparent success is not an endorsement or a sign of impunity, but a divinely ordained prelude to their certain, complete, and irreversible destruction. The emphatic phrase "for ever" (H5703, _ʻad_) underscores the eternal and perpetual nature of this judgment, highlighting the absolute finality of their separation from God's presence, blessing, and the realm of life.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 92:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Simile**, particularly in the phrase "When the wicked spring as the grass." This comparison immediately communicates the ephemeral, superficial, and fragile nature of the wicked's prosperity, contrasting their rapid, vibrant growth with their inevitable, swift demise, much like grass that quickly sprouts and then withwers. **Parallelism** is also central to the verse's structure, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in the pairing of "When the wicked spring as the grass" and "and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish." These two clauses express a similar idea—the apparent, temporary success of the unrighteous—using different but reinforcing imagery, building the initial premise. The verse then employs stark **Contrast** as its central rhetorical strategy, juxtaposing the temporary, vibrant "springing" and "flourishing" of the wicked with their eternal, ultimate "destruction." This dramatic opposition highlights the vast difference between human perception of success and divine reality. Finally, there is a powerful element of **Irony**: the very flourishing that seems to indicate success and vitality is, in God's economy, the very condition that sets them up for their final, eternal ruin, revealing God's unexpected and perfect judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 92:7 offers a profound theological statement on divine justice, the ultimate triumph of God's righteous order, and the deceptive nature of worldly appearances. It directly addresses the perennial human struggle with the problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a theme that frequently tests the faith and understanding of believers. The verse provides crucial reassurance that God is neither indifferent to injustice nor deceived by outward shows of success. The temporary flourishing of the wicked is not a sign of His approval or a failure of His justice, but rather a divinely ordained prelude to their irreversible and eternal judgment. This truth underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His perfect timing, and His unwavering commitment to holiness, ensuring that all unrighteousness will ultimately face a definitive and eternal reckoning. It calls believers to cultivate a higher, eternal perspective, urging them not to envy the transient successes of this world but to trust implicitly in the eternal reality of God's kingdom and the enduring inheritance promised to the righteous.

* [Psalm 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Until I Understood Their End")
* [Proverbs 24:19-20](/proverbs/24-19-20 "Proverbs 24:19-20 - Fret Not Yourself Because of Evildoers")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day That Burns Like an Oven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 92:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to spiritual discernment for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail and unrighteous individuals appear to prosper. It teaches us not to be dismayed, perplexed, or tempted to envy when we observe the wicked thriving, a common human temptation that can deeply shake one's faith. Instead, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze from the fleeting, superficial successes of this earthly realm to the eternal reality of God's perfect justice and ultimate sovereignty. It urges us to trust implicitly in God's unwavering character and His impeccable timing, understanding that true prosperity is not measured by worldly accumulation, temporary influence, or outward displays of power, but by an enduring relationship with God and an eternal inheritance in His kingdom. Our focus should remain steadfastly on cultivating righteousness, living in accordance with God's will, and patiently enduring, knowing with absolute certainty that His ultimate vindication of the righteous and definitive judgment of the wicked are assured. This liberating truth frees us from the anxiety of comparing our lot with those who disregard God, grounding our hope securely in His eternal and righteous plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my immediate perception of success and failure in the world, especially when I see unrighteous individuals thriving and seemingly escaping consequences?**
* **What does "destroyed for ever" imply about the nature of God's justice, the seriousness of sin, and the ultimate destiny of those who persistently reject Him?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to envy the temporary prosperity of the wicked, and how can the truth of this psalm reorient my perspective and strengthen my trust in God's perfect timing and justice?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all forms of prosperity are inherently bad or a sign of impending destruction?**

Answer: No, the verse specifically refers to the "wicked" and "workers of iniquity." It does not condemn prosperity in general, but rather the temporary, deceptive, and ultimately unsustainable flourishing of those who actively oppose God's ways and live in rebellion against Him. God often blesses the righteous with prosperity and abundance ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")), but their prosperity is rooted in His blessing, used for His glory, and is ultimately enduring, unlike the fleeting and ultimately destructive success of the wicked. The key distinction lies in the moral character of the individual, the source, the purpose, and the ultimate outcome of the prosperity.

**How can a loving God "destroy for ever"? Doesn't this contradict His nature of love and mercy?**

Answer: This verse speaks to the multifaceted and perfect nature of God, who is not only boundless in love and mercy but also perfectly holy, righteous, and just. His love does not negate His righteousness or His commitment to moral order. Those who persistently reject His grace, defy His commands, and choose a path of unrepentant iniquity are ultimately choosing a path that leads to separation from the source of all life, goodness, and blessing. The "destruction for ever" is the inevitable, just consequence of their unyielding choices and rebellion against a holy God. It highlights the profound seriousness of sin and the finality of God's judgment against all evil, ensuring that His moral order will ultimately prevail and His creation will be cleansed of all unrighteousness.

**Is "destroyed for ever" referring to annihilation or eternal conscious punishment?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _ʻad_) strongly implies a perpetual and unending state. While theological interpretations of the precise nature of this "destruction" vary among scholars (some suggesting a complete cessation of existence, others eternal conscious separation from God's presence), the phrase unequivocally points to an irreversible, final, and perpetual state of ruin and separation from God's life-giving presence and blessing. It signifies that the wicked's flourishing will cease absolutely, and their state of judgment will have no end, underscoring the absolute finality and permanence of God's verdict against unrepentant evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 92:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who embodies both the perfect righteousness that endures and the divine authority to execute ultimate judgment. Throughout history, and especially during His earthly ministry, the wicked of all ages have seemed to "spring as the grass" and "flourish" in their temporary power and apparent success, often at the expense of the righteous. Jesus Himself, the perfectly righteous one, suffered at the hands of wicked men—religious and political—who seemed to flourish in their plot to crucify Him. Yet, His resurrection decisively proved that their apparent victory was, in fact, the very prelude to their spiritual and ultimate destruction. Jesus Himself, as the [Son of Man](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Declaration as Son of Man"), is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). At His glorious second coming, He will return not as a suffering servant, but as the righteous King and Judge, to fully implement the "destruction for ever" upon all who have persistently worked iniquity and rejected His saving grace ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart From Me, You Cursed"), [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). His eternal kingdom will be established, and in it, there will be no place for the wicked or their deceptive flourishing, only the everlasting righteousness and flourishing of those who are in Him, dwelling in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth")). Thus, this psalm's promise of ultimate justice and the triumph of God's righteous order is fully and finally realized in Christ.

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 73:18

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.