Devine Scripture

Psalms 91:8

What does Psalms 91:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 91:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 91:8 means

This verse emphasizes a unique perspective granted to the protected believer. While multitudes may fall around them (as described in verse 7), they themselves will not experience the destruction. Instead, they will "only with thine eyes behold, and see the reward of the wicked." This means observing the consequences that befall those who do not trust in God, without personally suffering them. It speaks to a divine vindication and a clear demonstration of God's justice, where the righteous are preserved to witness His righteous judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Only with your eyes will you see the reward of the evil-doers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But with thine eyes thou lookest, And the reward of the wicked thou seest,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When the wicked shall spring up as grass: and all the workers of iniquity shall appear: That they may perish for ever and ever:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the reward of the wicked.

Context

Building upon the miraculous preservation described in verse 7, this verse details the believer's unique vantage point. It assures that not only will they be spared, but they will also observe divine justice played out on others. This verse reinforces the distinction between the protected and the unprotected, leading directly into the psalmist's renewed declaration of trust in verses 9, grounded in this powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness.

v.7A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; Butit shall not come nigh thee.

v.8This passage

v.9For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 3:11

    Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him; for what his hands have done shall be done unto him.

  • Hebrews 2:2

    For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

  • Psalms 58:10

    The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

  • Proverbs 3:25

    Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:

  • Psalms 37:34

    Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, And he will exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

  • Psalms 92:11

    Mine eye also hath seen my desireon mine enemies, Mine ears have heard my desire of the evil-doers that rise up against me.

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