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Psalms 10:4

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 10:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, [saith], He will not require [it]. All his thoughts are, There is no God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, [saith], He will not require [it]. All his thoughts are, There is no God.
Psalms 10:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Why standest thou afar off, O Jehovah? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
2In the pride of the wicked the poor is hotly pursued; Let them be taken in the devices that they have conceived.
3For the wicked boasteth of his heart`s desire, And the covetous renounceth, [yea], contemneth Jehovah.
4The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, [saith], He will not require [it]. All his thoughts are, There is no God.
5His ways are firm at all times; Thy judgments are far above out of his sight: As for all his adversaries, he puffeth at them.
6He saith in his heart, I shall not be moved; To all generations I shall not be in adversity.
7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression: Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.
← Psalms 10:3Psalms 10:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God], etc.] We supply it, “after God”; as do the Targum and Kimchi on the place: the sense is, he will not seek to God for counsel or assistance, he will not pray unto him; which is the character of every unregenerate man, ( <450311>Romans 3:11); or, he will not inquire into the will of God, to know what is right or what is wrong, but will do what seems best in his own eyes: and this arises from the pride of his heart, which shows itself in his countenance, in his proud and haughty look. It is said of the little horn, who is antichrist, that he has a look more stout than his fellows, (<270720>Daniel 7:20). The words may…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The face expresses the self-conceit, whose fruit is practical atheism (Psa 14:1).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance - In consequence of his pride; or, his pride is the reason of what is here stated. The “pride of his countenance” is a phrase that is used because pride shows itself mainly in the countenance, or in a lofty air and manner. The design is to state the influence of pride in producing the effect here specified. Will not seek after God - The phrase “after God,” is supplied by our translators. Something clearly is to be supplied, and it is plainly something relating to God - either that the wicked man will not seek after God in prayer, or that he will not inquire after the proofs of his existence and attributes; or that he will not seek after his…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Countenance - So called, because though pride be properly seated in the heart, yet it is manifest in the countenance. Psalms 10:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:4 God is dead: See 10:11; 14:1.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the pride: Psa 18:27, Psa 101:5; Pro 6:17, Pro 21:4, Pro 30:13; Isa 2:11, Isa 3:9 will not: Psa 14:2, Psa 27:8; Exo 5:2; Deu 8:14; Job 22:17; Pro 30:9; Jer 2:31; Dan 5:22, Dan 5:23; Zep 2:3 God: etc. or, all his thoughts are, There is no God, Psa 14:1, Psa 53:1; Eph 2:12 thoughts: Gen 6:5; Isa 59:7, Isa 65:2; Jer 4:14; Mar 7:21; Act 8:22; Rom 1:21, Rom 1:28 Psalms 10:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification