Psalms 36:12

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 36:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “There are the workers of iniquity fallen: They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise. Psalm 37 [A Psalm] of David.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

There are the workers of iniquity fallen: They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise. Psalm 37 [A Psalm] of David.
Psalms 36:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 36

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12There are the workers of iniquity fallen: They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise. Psalm 37 [A Psalm] of David.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“There are the workers, of iniquity fallen, etc.] Either in the pit they dug for others; or into hell, where they shall be turned at last; (see Gill on “<190505>Psalm 5:5”) and (see Gill on “<190608>Psalm 6:8”); they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise; which will be the case of Babylon when fallen, (<661821>Revelation 18:21), and this distinguishes the falls of the wicked from those of the righteous; for though the righteous fall, whether into sin, or into any calamity, they rise again; not so the wicked; (see <193724>Psalm 37:24 <330708>Micah 7:8); and thus, as the psalm begins with the transgression of the wicked, it ends with their ruin.”
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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
“There--in the acting of violence, they are overthrown. A signal defeat. Next: Psalms Chapter 37”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“There are the workers of iniquity fallen - The meaning of this seems to be, that the psalmist saw his prayer answered already. He speaks as if that which he desired and had prayed for was already done, and as if he himself saw it. He was so certain that it would be done, he had such an assurance that his prayer would be answered, that he seemed, by faith, to see the events already occurring before his own eyes, and felt that he might speak of what he prayed for as if it were already granted. Such is the nature of faith; and such strong confidence in God, and in his faithfulness to his promises, may all have who pray in faith. It is remarkable, as has been observed already in reference to the…”
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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
“There - He seems as it were to point at the place, as if it were already done. Next: Psalms Chapter 37”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“36:12 The psalmist remains confident that the disorder caused by the wicked (36:1-4) will end when they meet their demise.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“There: Psa 9:16, Psa 55:23, Psa 58:10, Psa 58:11, Psa 64:7-9; Jdg 5:31; Th2 1:8, Th2 1:9; Rev 15:4, Rev 19:1-6 shall: Psa 1:5, Psa 18:38; Jer 51:64 Next: Psalms Chapter 37”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification