Psalm 75 10

Psalm 75:10 kjv

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Psalm 75:10 nkjv

"All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted."

Psalm 75:10 niv

who says, "I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."

Psalm 75:10 esv

All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Psalm 75:10 nlt

For God says, "I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly."

Psalm 75 verses

Psalm 75 10 Meaning

Psalm 75:10 proclaims God's decisive and comprehensive judgment against the proud power of the wicked and His active elevation and vindication of the righteous. It is a declaration of divine justice, affirming that God alone breaks down oppressive strength and establishes the authority of those who walk uprightly before Him.

Psalm 75 10 Context

Psalm 75 is a Psalm of Asaph, typically categorized as a wisdom or eschatological psalm emphasizing divine judgment and sovereignty. It begins with the psalmist giving thanks to God for His presence and declares that God, the true Judge, is about to act. The psalm stresses that "the earth and all its inhabitants are melting away," but God establishes its pillars (v.3), implying His constant control amidst human chaos. God then declares, "I myself will choose the time; I will judge with equity" (v.2). The proud and wicked are warned against their arrogance, as elevation comes not from east, west, or south, but from God alone (v.6-7). He holds the cup of wrath (v.8), indicating inevitable judgment for the unrighteous. Therefore, verse 10 stands as the summary statement of God's comprehensive and righteous judgment: He decisively dismantles the power of the wicked while affirming and exalting the righteous, ultimately ensuring the stability and just governance of His creation. Historically, this psalm might have been sung in times of national threat, reflecting on God's intervention against arrogant oppressors, or as a general theological statement on divine justice applicable to any generation.

Psalm 75 10 Word analysis

• All: The Hebrew word kol (כֹּל) signifies totality or completeness. It emphasizes that no portion or manifestation of the wicked's power will escape God's judgment; their authority will be entirely nullified.
• the horns: The Hebrew karnoth (קַרְנוֹת), literally "horns," is a powerful biblical metaphor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, animal horns symbolized strength, power, dominance, dignity, and often aggressive force or imperial might. Kings and nations were sometimes depicted with horns. Here, "horns" represent the authority, pride, and oppressive power of the wicked.
• of the wicked: resha'im (רְשָׁעִים) refers to those who are guilty, morally unrighteous, lawless, or defiant against God and His established order. Their "horns" are powers exercised without regard for God's justice or will.
• I will cut off: The Hebrew aqattet (אֲקַטֵּעַ) is a strong and decisive verb, meaning to cut off, hack off, or completely sever. This is not merely a reduction or weakening but a radical, complete destruction of their power. It signifies a divine, final act of judgment, demonstrating God's ultimate authority to dismantle any opposing force.
• but: This adversative conjunction clearly marks a sharp contrast, introducing the opposite outcome for a different group.
• the horns: Again, karnoth (קַרְנוֹת), symbolizing strength and authority. This time, it applies to those who are divinely approved.
• of the righteous: tsaddiqim (צַדִּיקִים) describes those who are just, upright, vindicated, and in right standing with God. Their strength or influence is derived from their alignment with divine principles.
• shall be exalted: The Hebrew tērommāhnâ (תְּרוֹמַמְנָה) is a passive verb form derived from rum (רוּם), meaning "to be high, to be lifted up, to be exalted." This indicates that their exaltation is not a self-achieved status but is God's doing. He raises them, honors them, and establishes their authority and vindication in His due time.

Words-group analysis:

• "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off": This phrase encapsulates God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to justice. It's a divine declaration of war against arrogance and oppressive power, ensuring that all such illicit strength will be utterly annihilated by His direct action.
• "but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted": This contrasting declaration highlights divine vindication and blessing. It promises that legitimate authority, dignity, and strength – not born of human pride but founded on righteousness – will be divinely recognized, upheld, and raised to prominence, demonstrating God's favor and empowering those who obey Him.

Psalm 75 10 Bonus section

The imagery of "horns" being cut off or exalted finds a significant parallel in the Messianic promise. Jesus, as the ultimate righteous one, is described as the "horn of salvation" (Lk 1:69), symbolizing the powerful, delivering strength from God, established and exalted by the Father. The breaking of the horns of the wicked ultimately points to Christ's final victory over all opposing earthly and spiritual powers (e.g., Col 2:15, Rev 19:11-21), demonstrating that every claim to authority not established by God will be utterly dismantled. Conversely, Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God ensures that the 'horns' of His people, His body the church, are also eventually established in a Kingdom of righteousness, dignity, and peace. This verse, therefore, points beyond temporal victories to the enduring triumph of God's redemptive plan through His Son.

Psalm 75 10 Commentary

Psalm 75:10 functions as the emphatic conclusion to a psalm focused on God's righteous judgment and ultimate sovereignty. It confirms the psalmist's and Israel's belief that while human pride may temporarily assert itself through power and oppression (symbolized by "horns"), this is transient. God is depicted as the sole, true Administrator and Judge of the cosmos, holding the scales of justice and appointing the season for reckoning. The "cutting off" of the wicked's horns signifies not just their defeat, but their complete divestiture of power and authority. Their boasting and defiant self-exaltation (as implied in earlier verses) are brought to an absolute end. In stark contrast, the "horns" of the righteous—their legitimate dignity, strength, and just influence—are divinely exalted. This is not about human ambition but about God establishing what is right and vindicating His faithful ones. This verse serves as both a comfort to the oppressed and a warning to the oppressor, asserting God's control over destiny, ultimately establishing a realm where only His righteousness prevails.

Examples for practical usage:

• Encourages believers to trust God's ultimate justice, even when surrounded by seemingly unchallenged wickedness.
• Warns against pride and self-exaltation, reminding that true power and honor come only from God.
• Motivates walking in righteousness, knowing that God will in His time vindicate and elevate those who follow Him.