Psalm 32 10

Psalm 32:10 kjv

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 32:10 nkjv

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.

Psalm 32:10 niv

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:10 esv

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

Psalm 32:10 nlt

Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.

Psalm 32 verses

Psalm 32 10 Meaning

Psalm 32:10 concisely contrasts the divergent outcomes for two distinct groups of people: the wicked and those who trust in the Lord. It declares that a multitude of pains, sorrows, and afflictions will inevitably fall upon the wicked as a consequence of their chosen path, often a result of their disregard for God's ways or divine judgment. In stark contrast, those who place their unwavering and confident reliance upon the Lord will find themselves perpetually surrounded, encompassed, and protected by God's enduring steadfast love and faithful covenant mercy, serving as a constant source of divine protection and grace.

Psalm 32 10 Context

Psalm 32 is a "Maskil," a psalm of instruction or contemplation, following immediately from Psalm 31. It serves as David's profound personal testimony of finding blessedness and peace through the confession of sin and reception of divine forgiveness. The Psalm begins by extolling the happiness of the person whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered (vv. 1-2). David then recounts the painful physical and spiritual anguish he experienced while attempting to suppress his guilt (vv. 3-5). His body wasted away, and he groaned continually, until he finally acknowledged and confessed his sin to the Lord, immediately experiencing the lifting of the heavy burden. Following this profound relief, David calls on others to seek God while He may be found (v. 6) and declares God as his hiding place and deliverer (v. 7). The Lord responds with a promise to instruct and guide (v. 8) and warns against being stubborn like an unthinking animal that needs to be coerced (v. 9). Verse 10 acts as a culminating summary, drawing a clear distinction between the outcome of persistent wickedness and the outcome of genuine trust in God, reinforcing the central message that the way of humble reliance on God leads to profound blessings, while resistance leads to misery.

Psalm 32 10 Word analysis

• Many sorrows (רַבִּים מַכְאֹבִים - rabbîm makʾōvîm):

  • Rabbîm: "many," "much," "great," emphasizing the abundance and intensity. It's not just a few pains, but a significant, possibly overwhelming, quantity.
  • Makʾōvîm: Plural of makʾōv, meaning "pain," "grief," "sorrow," "affliction," or "suffering." It often denotes deep physical or emotional distress, even anguish. Here, it signifies the painful and debilitating consequences—physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual—that are inherent to a life alienated from God or lived in active rebellion against Him. These sorrows can stem from internal guilt, external natural consequences of choices, or even divine discipline or judgment.

• Shall be to the wicked:

  • Rāšāʿ (רָשָׁע): "wicked," "guilty," "unrighteous." This term describes one whose character and actions are consistently contrary to God's will and law. It implies an internal disposition towards rebellion, lawlessness, and self-serving living, not just isolated wrongdoings. The consequences are intrinsically linked to this state of being.

• But: (וְ - wĕ, "and" or "but") This conjunctive particle marks a strong adversative or contrastive shift, setting the following statement in direct opposition to the preceding one. It highlights the stark difference in outcomes based on one's relationship with God.

• He that trusteth: (הַבּוֹטֵחַ - habbôṭēaḥ)

  • Root baṭaḥ (בָּטַח): To trust, rely on, lean on, be confident, feel secure. It's not mere intellectual assent but an active, profound reliance and placing of one's security and hope entirely in something or someone. It implies dependence and confidence that brings peace and stability.

• in the Lord: (בַּיהוָה - baYahweh)

  • Yahweh (יהוה): The sacred, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. Placing trust "in Yahweh" means relying on His character, promises, power, and covenant faithfulness, not on human strength or fleeting circumstances.

• mercy: (חֶסֶד - ḥesed)

  • A rich and multi-faceted Hebrew term meaning "covenant loyalty," "steadfast love," "kindness," "grace," "goodness," or "lovingkindness." It signifies God's unwavering and active love that fulfills His covenant obligations, extending compassion and saving grace to His people, especially those in need. It's a relationship-based love that endures and protects.

• shall compass him about: (יְסוֹבְבֶנּוּ - yĕsōvēveennû)

  • Root sābab (סָבַב): To surround, encircle, go around, encompass, revolve. The imagery is of being completely enveloped and protected. This is not passive; it suggests an active, dynamic encircling, like a protective shield or a surrounding presence that safeguards the individual from dangers, provides comfort, and continually blesses.

Psalm 32 10 Bonus section

The contrast presented in Psalm 32:10 aligns strongly with the "two ways" theme prevalent throughout biblical wisdom literature (e.g., Ps 1, Prov 4:18-19, Matt 7:13-14). It underscores that human choices have real, divinely ordained consequences. The "sorrows" of the wicked are not always direct, immediate divine judgment in an earthly sense but can also be the natural, escalating misery inherent in a life alienated from its Creator—a lack of purpose, guilt, isolation, and anxiety that often accompanies sin. For those who trust, God's ḥesed isn't necessarily a life without hardship, but it is a life lived within the protective sphere of His unwavering love, where hardship can be redeemed and overcome. It suggests that genuine faith in the Lord offers an umbrella of divine favor and an environment of peace, safeguarding the inner being even when external storms rage.

Psalm 32 10 Commentary

Psalm 32:10 delivers a fundamental truth of God's moral order, establishing a clear dichotomy in human experience. The "many sorrows" promised to the wicked are not merely random misfortunes but the inevitable fruit of their unrepentant rebellion and alienation from God. A life lived contrary to divine wisdom and will inherently generates inner turmoil, relational brokenness, and often external calamity. This serves as a warning, emphasizing that defiance of God comes at a profound cost, bringing increasing suffering and unrest.

Conversely, the verse offers a profound assurance of security and blessing for those who adopt a posture of "trust in the Lord." This trust (baṭaḥ) is not a shallow belief but a deep-seated reliance and confident leaning upon God's unchanging nature and covenant faithfulness (Yahweh). For such individuals, God's "mercy" (ḥesed) is depicted as an all-encompassing reality, like an impregnable fortress or a loving embrace. This mercy is not simply abstract goodness, but an active, loyal, and steadfast love that surrounds, protects, and sustains them through every trial, ensuring their ultimate well-being. It implies not just relief from sorrows, but God's sustaining grace and presence in sorrows, transforming them into opportunities for growth rather than destruction. The verse encourages a decisive turning from self-reliance and sin towards an obedient and dependent relationship with the Almighty, where true peace and divine favour reside.

Examples:

• A person living deceitfully, refusing to acknowledge mistakes, might experience chronic anxiety and strained relationships, illustrating "many sorrows."
• One who honestly admits failings and turns to God finds inner peace and divine guidance even amidst challenges, reflecting "mercy shall compass him about."