Psalms 101:8 Meaning and Explanation
“I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist vows to act early and decisively to remove wicked people from the LORD's city.
The Context of Psalms 101:8
The psalmist's commitment extends to the just governance of the entire city.
What Does Psalms 101:8 Mean?
The final verse broadens the scope from the psalmist's household to the entire land and city. 'I will early destroy' suggests prompt, vigilant action rather than delay—suggesting that justice is proactive rather than reactive. The emphasis on acting 'early' reflects the understanding that wickedness, if unchecked, spreads and corrupts. Early intervention protects the community.
'All the wicked of the land' and 'all wicked doers from the city of the LORD' indicate comprehensive rather than selective justice. The city is explicitly identified as belonging to the LORD, establishing that the psalmist's judicial role is ultimately accountable to God's standard. The psalm concludes by showing how personal and household integrity (verses 2-7) extends outward to public justice over an entire city.
Psalms 101:8 in the Original Language
šākam (שָׁכַם), 'early' — to rise early, to act promptly; suggesting vigilance and decisive action before evil takes root.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 101:8
What does Psalms 101:8 mean?
The psalmist vows to act early and decisively to remove wicked people from the LORD's city.
What is the context of Psalms 101:8?
The psalmist's commitment extends to the just governance of the entire city.