Psalms 112:10 Meaning and Explanation
“The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked witness blessing in the righteous and respond with grief, their own desires coming to nothing.
The Context of Psalms 112:10
The wicked's futile opposition dissolves when confronted with the permanence of righteousness.
What Does Psalms 112:10 Mean?
The verse concludes by contrasting the blessed righteous with the wicked. The wicked see the flourishing, blessing, and honor of the righteous and respond with grief. They gnash with their teeth—an image of intense frustration and anger at seeing goodness rewarded while their own pursuits fail. They melt away, dissolving in the face of the righteous person's stability and strength.
The fundamental difference is that the desire of the wicked shall perish, while the righteous endure. The wicked pursue goals rooted in selfishness, exploitation, or opposition to God's will; these pursuits are hollow and ultimately come to nothing. In contrast, those whose desires are aligned with God's purposes experience lasting satisfaction. The psalm ends by affirming that righteousness triumphs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 112:10
What does Psalms 112:10 mean?
The wicked witness blessing in the righteous and respond with grief, their own desires coming to nothing.
What is the context of Psalms 112:10?
The wicked's futile opposition dissolves when confronted with the permanence of righteousness.