Psalms 10:1
Psalms 10:1 in Multiple Translations
Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?
Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
Why standest thou afar off, O Jehovah? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
Why do you keep far away, O Lord? why are you not to be seen in times of trouble?
Lord, why are you so distant? Why do you hide from me in times of trouble?
Why standest thou farre off, O Lord, and hidest thee in due time, euen in affliction?
Why, Jehovah, dost Thou stand at a distance? Thou dost hide in times of adversity,
Why do you stand far off, LORD? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
Unto the end. A psalm for David.
Yahweh, ◄why are you far away from us?/it seems that you are far away from us.► [RHQ] Why do you not pay attention when we have troubles [RHQ]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 10:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 10:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/מָ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
תַּעֲמֹ֣ד
בְּ/רָח֑וֹק
תַּ֝עְלִ֗ים
לְ/עִתּ֥וֹת
בַּצָּרָֽה
לָ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
תַּעֲמֹ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/רָח֑וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
תַּ֝עְלִ֗ים
ʻâlam
H5956
to conceal
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לְ/עִתּ֥וֹת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cp
בַּצָּרָֽה
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 10:1
לָ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
תַּעֲמֹ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בְּ/רָח֑וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
תַּ֝עְלִ֗ים
ʻâlam
H5956
"to conceal"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
לְ/עִתּ֥וֹת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cp
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
בַּצָּרָֽה
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 10:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 10:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 10:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 10:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 10:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 10:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
- Sermons on Psalms 10:1
Context — The Perils of the Pilgrim
1Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?
2In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. 3For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 22:1 | My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? |
| 2 | Psalms 27:9 | Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. |
| 3 | Psalms 13:1–3 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:8 | O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night? |
| 5 | Psalms 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. |
| 6 | Psalms 44:24 | Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression? |
| 7 | Job 13:24 | Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy? |
| 8 | Psalms 88:14 | Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me? |
| 9 | Psalms 30:7 | O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed. |
| 10 | Job 34:29 | But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, |
Psalms 10:1 Summary
[This verse is a cry from the heart of the psalmist, who feels like God is far away when he needs Him most. He's not saying that God is actually far away, but that it feels that way when we're going through tough times, as David also expressed in Psalms 22:1. According to Deuteronomy 31:6, God promises to never leave or forsake us, so even when it feels like He's hiding, He's still with us, working out His plan for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can be honest with God about our feelings, just like the psalmist, and trust that He's always working everything out for our good.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask God why He stands far off in times of trouble?
The psalmist is expressing his feelings of abandonment and confusion, wondering why God seems distant when he needs Him most, as seen in Psalms 10:1, and this sentiment is also reflected in Psalms 22:1 where David cries out to God asking why He has forsaken him.
Is God really hiding from us when we face troubles?
According to Deuteronomy 31:6, God promises to never leave or forsake us, so even when it feels like He is hiding, He is still with us, working out His plan for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from the psalmist's honesty with God?
The psalmist's willingness to express his true feelings to God teaches us that we can be honest with God, even when we don't understand what's happening, and that He can handle our doubts and fears, as seen in Psalms 102:1-2 where the psalmist pours out his heart to God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse sets the tone for the rest of Psalms 10, which describes the wickedness of the ungodly and the seeming silence of God, but ultimately points to God's justice and redemption, as seen in Psalms 10:16-18 where God's reign and judgment are proclaimed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you felt like God was standing far off, and how did you respond to those feelings?
- How does the idea that God is always with us, even when we can't feel Him, impact your daily life and decisions?
- What are some ways you can be honest with God about your doubts and fears, and how can you trust Him to work everything out for your good?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of Romans 8:28, that God works all things together for good, to your life when you face troubles?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 10:1
Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?.... This psalm begins with a complaint which proceeds on two general heads; the one is with respect to God, his distance from his people, and desertion of them in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 10:1
Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? This Psalm differs from those which precede and follow, in having no superscription.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
Psalms 10 THE This Psalm contains David’ s complaint unto God against his malicious enemies, especially those of his own people, whose wicked and deceitful practices he here describes, and then commits his cause to God, and begs his help against them. The psalmist complaineth of God’ s hiding himself, ; and of the outrage and pride of the wicked, . The language, ,7, and malicious practice of the wicked, , and their denying God’ s omniscience, . David prayeth for remedy against and punishment upon, the wicked, ; and acknowledgeth God’ s mercy in hearing the oppressed, . Why standest thou afar off, like one that neither sees, nor hears, nor regards me, nor intendest any help for me? Thyself, or, thy face, out of , which did sometimes shine upon me; or, thine eyes, by comparing this with . In times of trouble, when I most need thy pity and succour. Do not add affliction to the afflicted.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
Psalms 10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?Ver. 1. Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?] As if thou hadst forgotten what thou hadst promised thy people in the formed psalm; which the Greek and Latin versions make to be one and the same with this, as having no title, and tending almost to the same purpose. Hence the difference in numbers, which holdeth almost to the end of the psalter, viz. to Psalms 148:1-14. Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?] So God seemeth to do when he helpeth not presently; neither doth anything more trouble the saints in affliction than the want of God’ s gracious presence. This maketh them thus to expostulate and lament after the Lord; not quarrel, as those hypocrites did, Isaiah 58:3, or revile, as Caligula did his Jupiter, taking up that verse in Homer, Zευπατερουτιςσειο Yεωνολοωτεροςαλλος, or with him (little better) in the holy history, who said, "Behold, this evil is of the Lord; what should I wait for the Lord any lenger?" 2 Kings 6:33. The good soul knows that God waiteth to be gracious; and as he seldom cometh at our time, so at his own (which is ever the best) time he never faileth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
PSALM X The psalmist complains to God of the oppressions which the poor suffer from the wicked man, whom he describes as the hater of the poor, 1, 2; proud, 3; one who will not seek God, 4; and is regardless of his judgments, 5; self-confident, 6; blasphemous and deceitful, 7; strives by subtlety and treachery to destroy the poor, 8-10; and supposes that God is regardless of his conduct, 11. The psalmist calls earnestly on God to preserve the poor and humble, and cast down the oppressor, 12-15. He foresees that his prayer is heard; that judgment will be executed, and the poor delivered, 16-18. NOTES ON PSALM X Verse 1. Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?] This Psalm makes a part of the preceding in the Vulgate and Septuagint; and in four of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. It seems to belong to the time of the captivity, or the return of the captives. It was probably made in reference to Sanballat, and the other enemies or the Jews. There is a great similarity between this and Psalms 13, Psalms 14, Psalms 35, and Psalms 53. In these, as Calmet remarks, we find the same complaints, the same sentiments, and almost the same expressions. God is represented here as standing at some distance, beholding the oppression of his people, and yet apparently disregarding it.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 10:1
1, 2. Stanza of Lamed. Expostulation with Jehovah for neglect of His persecuted people, and statement of the wrongs which call for redress.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 10:1
Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? - That is, What is the reason why thou doest this?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 10:1
1. Why—Not a demand for the reason of delay, but a plaintive appeal for help. Afar off… hidest… thyself—Not literally, but in appearance— seemest to hide thyself.
Sermons on Psalms 10:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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When God Quits Speaking by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and obeying His commands. He warns that there may come a time when God stops speaking to us if we |
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Jesus Christ My Glory by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the corrupt state of the world, drawing parallels between the present day and the biblical times. The preacher emphasizes that God's nature |
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Prevailing Prayer - God Always Triumphs by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, highlighting three keys: perseverance in prayer, knowing who you are praying to, and humbling yourself to be heard b |
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When God Is Silent and Evil Prevails by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the feelings of abandonment and confusion when God seems silent amidst the prevalence of evil in the world. He emphasizes the importance of venting to God, |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of rooting ourselves in God's Word to maintain spiritual vitality and resilience against life's challenges. He draws parallels between the flou |
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How Near Is God? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the reality that even faithful believers like David faced troubles and felt distant from God at times, highlighting that challenges are not an indication |
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Access to God by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical nature of our approach to God, highlighting the confusion surrounding access due to sin and the necessity of a mediator, Jesus Christ. He explains |