Old Testament
Psalms 101:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
Compare translations
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
What Psalms 101:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a strong commitment to rid the land of wickedness. The term "early" suggests a sense of urgency and determination to act swiftly against evil. The psalmist desires to remove all wicked individuals from the city of the LORD, indicating a desire for purity and righteousness in the community. This reflects a broader theme in the Psalms where the righteous seek to uphold justice and eliminate wrongdoing. The psalmist's intention is not just punitive but aims to create a safe and holy environment for the faithful. By taking decisive action against wickedness, the psalmist hopes to restore order and promote a society that honors God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of standing against evil and striving for a community that reflects God's values.
How to apply Psalms 101:8 to your life
This verse encourages individuals to take a stand against wrongdoing in their own lives and communities. It reminds us to actively pursue justice and righteousness, ensuring that our surroundings reflect our values. By addressing wickedness early, we contribute to a healthier, more godly environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 101:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 101:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 101:8 mean?
Psalms 101:8 expresses the psalmist's determination to eliminate wickedness from the land and the city of the LORD. It emphasizes the urgency to act against evil to create a righteous and pure community.
What is the meaning of 'early' in Psalms 101:8?
In Psalms 101:8, 'early' signifies a sense of urgency and readiness to confront and remove wickedness swiftly. It highlights the psalmist's commitment to addressing wrongdoing without delay.
How does Psalms 101:8 relate to justice?
Psalms 101:8 relates to justice by illustrating the psalmist's proactive approach to eliminating wrongdoing. It underscores the importance of taking action to uphold righteousness in society.
What themes are present in Psalms 101:8?
The themes present in Psalms 101:8 include righteousness, justice, community purity, divine judgment, and the urgency to combat evil. These themes highlight the psalmist's desire for a faithful and godly environment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.