TRV
Translation
King James 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:
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.
World English Bible Messianic
though the wicked spring up as the grass, and all the evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(When the wicked growe as the grasse, and all the workers of wickednesse doe flourish) that they shall be destroyed for euer.
Young's Literal Translation
When the wicked flourish as a herb, And blossom do all workers of iniquity--For their being destroyed for ever and ever!
In the KJVVerse 15,419 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 92 verses 7–15
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:
8 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
9 For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
11 Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
The psalmist had said (Psa 92:4) that from the works of God he would take occasion to triumph; and here he does so.
I. He triumphs over God's enemies (Psa 92:7, Psa 92:9, Psa 92:11), triumphs in the foresight of their destruction, not as it would be the misery of his fellow-creatures, but as it would redound to the honour of God's justice and holiness. He is confident of the ruin of sinners, 1. Though they are flourishing (Psa 92:7): When the wicked spring as the grass in spring (so numerous, so thickly sown, so green, and growing so fast), and all the workers of iniquity do flourish in pomp, and power, and all the instances of outward prosperity, are easy and many, and succeed in their enterprises, one would think that all this was in order to their being happy, that it was a certain evidence of God's favour and an earnest of something as good or better in reserve: but it is quite otherwise; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever. The very prosperity of fools shall slay them, Pro 1:32. The sheep that are designed for the slaughter are put into the fattest pasture. 2. Though they are daring, Psa 92:9. They are thy enemies, and impudently avow themselves to be so. They are contrary to God, and they fight against God. They are in rebellion against his crown and dignity, and therefore it is easy to foresee that they shall perish; for who ever hardened his heart against God and prospered? Note, All the impenitent workers of iniquity shall be deemed and taken as God's enemies, and as such they shall perish and be scattered. Christ reckons those his enemies that will not have him to reign over them; and they shall be brought forth and slain before him. The workers of iniquity are now associated, and closely linked together, in a combination against God and religion; but they shall be scattered, and disabled to help one another against the just judgment of God. In the world to come they shall be separated from the congregation of the righteous; so the Chaldee, Psa 1:5. 3. Though they had a particular malice against the psalmist, and, upon that account, he might be tempted to fear them, yet he triumphs over them (Psa 92:11): "My eye shall see my desire on my enemies that rise up against me; I shall see them not only disabled from doing me any further mischief, but reckoned with for the mischief they have done me, and brought either to repentance or ruin:" and this was his desire concerning them. In the Hebrew it is no more than thus, My eye shall look on my enemies, and my ear shall hear of the wicked. He does not say what he shall see or what he shall hear, but he shall see and hear that in which God will be glorified and in which he will therefore be satisfied. This perhaps has reference to Christ, to his victory over Satan, death, and hell, the destruction of those that persecuted and crucified him, and opposed his gospel, and to the final ruin of the impenitent at the last day. Those that rise up against Christ will fall before him and be made his footstool.
II. He triumphs in God, and his glory and grace. 1. In the glory of God (Psa 92:8): "But thou, O Lord! art most high for evermore. The workers of iniquity who fight against us may be high for a time, and think to carry all before them with a high hand, but thou art high, most high, for evermore. Their height will be humbled and brought down, but thine is everlasting." Let us not therefore fear the pride and power of evil men, nor be discouraged by their impotent menaces, for the moth shall eat them up as a garment, but God's righteousness shall be for ever, Isa 51:7, Isa 51:8. 2. In the grace of God, his favour and the fruits of it, (1.) To himself (Psa 92:10): "Thou, O Lord! that art thyself most high, shalt exalt my horn." The great God is the fountain of honour, and he, being high for evermore, himself will exalt his people for ever, for he is the praise of all his saints, Psa 148:14. The wicked are forbidden to lift up the horn (Psa 75:4, Psa 75:5), but those that serve God and the interest of his kingdom with their honour or power, and commit it to him to keep it, to raise it, to use it, and to dispose of it, as he pleases, may hope that he will exalt their horn as the horn of a unicorn, to the greatest height, either in this world or the other: My horn shalt thou exalt, when thy enemies perish; for then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, when the wicked shall be doomed to shame and everlasting contempt. He adds, I shall be anointed with fresh oil, which denotes a fresh confirmation in his office to which he had been anointed, or abundance of plenty, so that he should have fresh oil as often as he pleased, or renewed comforts to revive him when his spirits drooped. Grace is the anointing of the Spirit; when this is given to help in the time of need, and is received, as there is occasion, from the fulness that is in Christ Jesus, we are then anointed with fresh oil. Some read it, When I grow old thou shalt anoint me with fresh oil. My old age shalt thou exalt with rich mercy; so the Septuagint. Compare Psa 92:14, They shall bring forth fruit in old age. The comforts of God's Spirit, and the joys of his salvation, shall be a refreshing oil to the hoary heads that are found in the way of righteousness. (2.) To all the saints. They are here represented as trees of righteousness, Isa 61:3; Psa 1:3. Observe, [1.] The good place they are fixed in; they are planted in the house of the Lord, Psa 92:13. The trees of righteousness do not grow of themselves; they are planted, not in common soil, but in paradise, in the house of the Lord. Trees are not usually planted in a house; but God's trees are said to be planted in his house because it is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that they receive all the sap and virtue that keep them alive and make them fruitful. They fix themselves to holy ordinances, take root in them, abide by them, put themselves under the divine protection, and bring forth all their fruits to God's honour and glory. [2.] The good plight they shall be kept in. It is here promised, First, That they shall grow, Psa 92:12. Where God gives true grace he will give more grace. God's trees shall grow higher, like the cedars, the tall cedars in Lebanon; they shall grow nearer heaven, and with a holy ambition shall aspire towards the upper world; they shall grow stronger, like the cedars, and fitter for use. He that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Secondly, That they shall flourish, both in the credit of their profession and in the comfort and joy of their own souls. They shall be cheerful themselves and respected by all about them. They shall flourish like the palm-tree, which has a stately body (Sol 7:7), and large boughs, Lev 23:40; Jdg 4:5. Dates, the fruit of it, are very pleasant, but it is especially alluded to here as being ever green. The wicked flourish as the grass (Psa 92:7), which is soon withered, but the righteous as the palm-tree, which is long-lived and which the winter does not change. It has been said of the palm-tree, Sub pondere crescit - The more it is pressed down the more it grows; so the righteous flourish under their burdens; the more they are afflicted the more they multiply. Being planted in the house of the Lord (there their root is), they flourish in the courts of our God - there their branches spread. Their life is hid with Christ in God. But their light also shines before men. It is desirable that those who have a place should have a name in God's house, and within his walls, Isa 56:5. Let good Christians aim to excel, that they may be eminent and may flourish, and so may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, as flourishing trees adorn the courts of a house. And let those who flourish in God's courts give him the glory of it; it is by virtue of this promise, They shall be fat and flourishing. Their flourishing without is from a fatness within, from the root and fatness of the good olive, Rom 11:17. Without a living principle of grace in the heart the profession will not be long flourishing; but where that is the leaf also shall not wither, Psa 1:3. The trees of the Lord are full of sap, Psa 104:16. See Hos 14:5, Hos 14:6. Thirdly, That they shall be fruitful. Were there nothing but leaves upon them, they would not be trees of any value; but they shall still bring forth fruit. The products of sanctification, all the instances of a lively devotion and a useful conversation, good works, by which God is glorified and others are edified, these are the fruits of righteousness, in which it is the privilege, as well as the duty, of the righteous to abound; and their abounding in them is the matter of a promise as well as of a command. It is promised that they shall bring forth fruit in old age. Other trees, when they are old, leave off bearing, but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work is their best work. This indeed shows that they are upright; perseverance is the surest evidence of sincerity. But it is here said to show that the Lord is upright (Psa 92:15), that he is true to his promises and faithful to every word that he has spoken, and that he is constant to the work which he has begun. As it is by the promises that believers first partake of a divine nature, so it is by the promises that that divine nature is preserved and kept up; and therefore the power it exerts is an evidence that the Lord is upright, and so he will show himself with an upright man, Psa 18:25. This the psalmist triumphs in: "He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him. I have chosen him for my rock on which to build, in the clefts of which to take shelter, on the top of which to set my feet. I have found him a rock, strong and stedfast, and his word as firm as a rock. I have found" (and let every one speak as he finds) "that there is no unrighteousness in him." He is as able, and will be as kind, as his word makes him to be. All that ever trusted in God found him faithful and all-sufficient, and none were ever made ashamed of their hope in him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–15. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 92
For this reason, after saying, "Your thoughts are very deep," he at once subjoins: "An unwise man does not well consider this, and a fool does not understand it" [Psalm 92:6]. What are the things which an unwise man does not well consider, and which a fool does not understand? "When the ungodly are green as the grass." What is, "as the grass"? They flourish when it is winter, but they will wither in the summer. Thou observest the flower of the grass? What more quickly passes by? What is brighter? What is greener? Let not its verdure delight you, but fear its withering. You have heard of the ungodly being green as the grass: hear also of the righteous: "For lo." In the mean while, consider the ungodly; they flourish as the grass; but who are they who understand it not? The foolish and unwise. "When the ungodly are green as the grass, and all men look upon the workers of iniquity" [Psalm 92:7]. All who in their heart think not aright of God, look upon the ungodly when they are as green as grass, that is, when they flourish for a time. Why do they look upon them? "That they may be destroyed for ever." For they regard their momentary bloom, they imitate them, and wishing to flourish with them for a time, perish for evermore: this is, "That they may be destroyed for ever."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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, is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father (John 5:22). 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, Revelation 20:11-15). 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). Thus, this psalm's promise of ultimate justice and the triumph of God's righteous order is fully and finally realized in Christ.