Psalms 91:8

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Only with thine eyes {H5869} shalt thou behold {H5027}{H8686)} and see {H7200}{H8799)} the reward {H8011} of the wicked {H7563}.

Only keep your eyes open, and you will see how the wicked are punished.

You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked.

Commentary

Psalms 91:8 is a powerful declaration found within one of the Bible's most comforting chapters, often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection." This verse emphasizes the security and distinct fate of those who trust in God, contrasting it with the inevitable consequences awaiting the wicked.

Context

This verse is part of a larger psalm (Psalms 91:1-16) that vividly describes the divine shield over those who "dwell in the secret place of the Most High." The psalm reassures believers that they will be protected from various dangers, including terror, pestilence, and the snare of the fowler. Verse 8 serves as a stark reminder that while the righteous are preserved, they will also witness God's ultimate justice against those who reject Him. It is not a call for vengeance, but a promise of God's sovereign control over all outcomes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse highlights the certainty of God's judgment against evil. While the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their "reward" โ€“ or recompense โ€“ is assured. This aligns with other scriptures affirming that God will render to every man according to his deeds.
  • Security of the Righteous: For the believer, this verse is a profound assurance. The phrase "only with thine eyes shalt thou behold" implies observation from a position of safety and divine protection. The righteous will not partake in the suffering and destruction meted out to the wicked.
  • God's Sovereignty: It underscores God's ultimate authority and control over human affairs, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "behold" (ืจึธืึธื”, ra'ah) and "see" (ื—ึธื–ึธื”, chazah) are used together, emphasizing a clear, direct, and undeniable observation. It's not a casual glance but a profound witnessing. The word translated "reward" (ืฉึดืืœึผื•ึผื, shillum) in this context carries the strong connotation of retribution or recompense, a payment for actions, especially negative ones. It signifies the just consequence of their wickedness, not a positive prize.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 91:8 offers several layers of comfort and encouragement:

  • Trust in God's Justice: When it seems that evil triumphs or the wicked go unpunished, this verse reminds us that God sees all and will act in His perfect timing. It encourages patience and faith in God's perfect justice.
  • Assurance of Protection: It reinforces the overarching theme of Psalms 91, that those who abide in God's presence are safe from the judgments that befall others. We are spectators, not victims, of the consequences of unrighteousness.
  • Call to Righteousness: While the verse focuses on the wicked, it implicitly calls believers to live in a manner consistent with God's will, ensuring they remain under His protective wing rather than facing the same fate as those who reject Him.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:34 (17 votes)

    ยถ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].

  • Proverbs 3:25 (16 votes)

    Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

  • Proverbs 3:26 (16 votes)

    For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

  • Psalms 92:11 (10 votes)

    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.

  • Malachi 1:5 (10 votes)

    And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.

  • Psalms 58:10 (8 votes)

    The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

  • Psalms 58:11 (8 votes)

    So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.