Psalms 10:9 Meaning and Explanation
“He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Like a lion in its den, the wicked waits in concealment to trap and capture the poor.
The Context of Psalms 10:9
The psalm compares the wicked person to a hunter who traps the poor as prey.
What Does Psalms 10:9 Mean?
The comparison to a lion emphasizes predatory patience and power: the wicked person waits in their hiding place with calculated intent. The repetition of 'he lieth in wait' stresses the deliberate, patient nature of this wickedness—it is not impulsive but calculated and sustained.
The 'net' into which the poor are drawn represents the schemes and traps laid by the wicked. The poor are portrayed as unable to escape once caught—they are ensnared by the superior cunning and power of their oppressor, left defenseless against systematic exploitation.
Psalms 10:9 in the Original Language
kph (כפה), 'draweth'—to seize, overpower, or bend to one's will; the power to compel and trap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 10:9
What does Psalms 10:9 mean?
Like a lion in its den, the wicked waits in concealment to trap and capture the poor.
What is the context of Psalms 10:9?
The psalm compares the wicked person to a hunter who traps the poor as prey.