The Meaning of Psalms 32:10 Explained

Psalms 32:10

KJV: Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

YLT: Many are the pains of the wicked; As to him who is trusting in Jehovah, Kindness doth compass him.

Darby: Many sorrows hath the wicked; but he that confideth in Jehovah, loving-kindness shall encompass him.

ASV: Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he that trusteth in Jehovah, lovingkindness shall compass him about.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Many  sorrows  [shall be] to the wicked:  but he that trusteth  in the LORD,  mercy  shall compass  him about. 

What does Psalms 32:10 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalms 32:1-11 - The Song Of The Forgiven
David wrote this psalm, Romans 4:6-8. Maschil means "to give instruction." We are deeply instructed as to the working of conscience. Compare with Psalms 51:1-19. This was one of Luther's favorites.
For some time after his sin, David withheld confession and suffered terribly. But when the wound was opened and the poison pressed from it, he burst out in the words with which the psalm opens: Oh, the blessedness! Sin means missing the mark; iniquity is that which is turned aside from its course. Forgiven, covered, not imputed-each of these is true in Jesus.
The presence of God is always appreciably nearer when floods are running high. Note those three precious promises of instruction, teaching, and guidance, Psalms 32:8. Throw on God the responsibility of indicating your path. Don't wait for the sharp jerk of bit or bridle; let love prompt and inspire your every movement. Haydn said: "When I think on God, the notes dance from my pen." Remember the music and dancing that welcomed the prodigal! [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 32

1  Blessedness consists in remission of sins
3  Confession of sins gives ease to the conscience
8  God's promises bring joy

What do the individual words in Psalms 32:10 mean?

Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked but he who trusts in Yahweh mercy shall surround him
רַבִּ֥ים מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים לָרָ֫שָׁ֥ע וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַ בַּיהוָ֑ה חֶ֝֗סֶד יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ

רַבִּ֥ים  Many 
Parse: Adjective, masculine plural
Root: רַב 
Sense: much, many, great.
מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים  sorrows  [shall  be] 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural
Root: מַכְאֹב  
Sense: pain, sorrow.
לָרָ֫שָׁ֥ע  to  the  wicked 
Parse: Preposition-l, Article, Adjective, masculine singular
Root: רָשָׁע  
Sense: wicked, criminal.
וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַ  but  he  who  trusts 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Article, Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular
Root: בָּטוּחַ 
Sense: to trust.
בַּיהוָ֑ה  in  Yahweh 
Parse: Preposition-b, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.
חֶ֝֗סֶד  mercy 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: חֶסֶד 
Sense: goodness, kindness, faithfulness.
יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ  shall  surround  him 
Parse: Verb, Piel, Imperfect, third person masculine singular, third person masculine singular
Root: סָבַב  
Sense: to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or arou nd, surround, encircle, change direction.