Psalm 12 8

Psalm 12:8 kjv

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Psalm 12:8 nkjv

The wicked prowl on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

Psalm 12:8 niv

who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalm 12:8 esv

On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.

Psalm 12:8 nlt

even though the wicked strut about,
and evil is praised throughout the land.

Psalm 12 verses

Psalm 12 8 Meaning

Psalm 12:8 describes a state of moral corruption and societal inversion where those who are unrighteous act with unbridled confidence and prominence. It portrays a disturbing reality where wickedness is not only tolerated but thrives, and what is base, vile, or contemptible is paradoxically elevated to a position of respect or power among humanity. This verse expresses a lament over the pervasive nature of evil and the flourishing of the wicked in the world.

Psalm 12 8 Context

Psalm 12 is a psalm of lament by David, articulating distress over the moral decay in society. The chapter opens with David crying out to God because "the godly one has gone," and "faithfulness has vanished from among the children of man" (Psa 12:1). He details the prevalence of deceit, flattery, and boastful words among people, highlighting their corrupted speech and proud defiance against God (Psa 12:2-4). In response to this lament, God gives a divine promise to "arise" and grant salvation to the needy from those who would ensnare them (Psa 12:5). Verses 6-7 then affirm the purity and preserving power of God's words in contrast to human deception. Verse 8, therefore, provides a final, stark picture of the corrupt state that necessitated God's promised intervention. It underscores the severity of the moral crisis: not only are the wicked present, but their very vileness has become esteemed, making them bold and visible in the public square. This creates a challenging environment for the righteous, emphasizing the need for divine help.

Psalm 12 8 Word analysis

• The wicked (רָשָׁע - rasha): Refers to those who are guilty, ungodly, lawless, or ethically corrupt, specifically in defiance of God's ways. It denotes an active orientation against divine standards, not merely a neutral state.
• strut about (הָלַךְ - halakh): While commonly meaning "walk" or "go," in this context, when combined with "wicked" and their visible dominance, halakh takes on a nuance of moving freely, confidently, proudly, or even ostentatiously. It implies an unchecked and arrogant display of presence and power, without fear of rebuke or consequence.
• on every side (סָבִיב - saviv): This signifies pervasiveness and omnipresence. The wicked are not confined to hidden corners but are visible and influential throughout society, indicating a widespread problem with no escaping their influence or presence.
• when vileness (זֻלּוּת - zulluth): This Hebrew term denotes worthlessness, baseness, despicable behavior, contempt, or moral depravity. It speaks of that which is debased and ought to be despised or considered of no account.
• is exalted (רוּם - rum): Meaning "to be high," "to be lifted up," or "to be exalted." Here, it describes a shocking moral inversion where something intrinsically low, worthless, and debased (zulluth) is lifted up, given prominence, respected, or allowed to flourish. It is celebrated or seen as an achievement.
• among the sons of men (בְּנֵי אָדָם - benei adam): This phrase refers to humanity in general. It highlights that this moral degradation is not isolated but is a pervasive condition within human society, affecting the broader culture and public perception.

• "The wicked strut about on every side": This phrase paints a picture of societal dominance by those who actively defy God. Their confident swagger indicates a lack of moral restraint and an absence of accountability, allowing them to exert their corrupt influence everywhere. Their visibility signifies the failure of righteous systems to check them.
• "when vileness is exalted among the sons of men": This is the cause and condition of the wicked's unchecked behavior. The lament deepens as it exposes a fundamental corruption of values within humanity. When depravity or moral baseness is lifted up as commendable or becomes commonplace, it creates an environment where the wicked feel empowered to act without shame, thus allowing their influence to become widespread. This inversion means what is base gains status, reflecting a deeply flawed moral landscape.

Psalm 12 8 Bonus section

This verse powerfully highlights the concept of moral inversion, a state where a society's standards of good and evil are flipped, leading to what Psa 5:20 calls "calling evil good and good evil." It's not merely that wicked acts exist, but that the very qualities of "vileness" (baseness, corruption) become qualities that are esteemed, celebrated, or rise to positions of influence. This can manifest as celebrating greed as ambition, treachery as cleverness, or arrogance as strength. Such a state represents a significant spiritual crisis, prompting the cry for divine rescue found earlier in Psalm 12, as the natural order of righteousness and justice is deeply compromised. It underscores that God's people must discerningly navigate a world where common moral standards may be drastically different from divine truth.

Psalm 12 8 Commentary

Psalm 12:8 offers a profound lament on the societal breakdown witnessed by the psalmist. It vividly describes a world turned upside down, where moral corruption and those who embody it flourish openly. The "wicked," rather than being marginalized or shamed, walk with pride and confidence ("strut about") throughout all segments of society ("on every side"). This unholy display is a direct consequence of a fundamental perversion of values: "vileness," or that which is contemptible and morally debased, is paradoxically "exalted" and given prominence "among the sons of men." This points to a grievous state where truth is diminished, integrity is scoffed at, and the lines between good and evil are blurred or even inverted. The verse serves as a sober warning against any society that not only tolerates wickedness but elevates it, creating an environment ripe for further moral decay and where the righteous can feel overwhelmed and oppressed. It sets the stage for the crucial call for divine intervention against such pervasive unrighteousness.