Old Testament
Psalms 74:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme your name forever?
Compare translations
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
What Psalms 74:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is crying out to God, expressing deep anguish over the ongoing taunts and insults from enemies. The term 'adversary' refers to those who oppose God's people, while 'blaspheme' indicates a serious disrespect towards God's name. The psalmist is questioning how long this situation will last, highlighting a sense of urgency and despair. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful seek reassurance from God during times of trouble. The repetition of 'how long' emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and the desire for divine intervention. The psalmist's plea is not just for personal relief but also for the honor of God's name, which is being mocked by the enemies. This verse captures the struggle between faith and doubt, as the psalmist grapples with the apparent silence of God in the face of adversity.
How to apply Psalms 74:10 to your life
When facing challenges or opposition, it's important to bring our concerns to God, just as the psalmist did. We can express our feelings of frustration and seek God's help. This verse reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God hears our cries for justice and support.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 74:10
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 74:10
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 74:10 mean?
Psalms 74:10 expresses the psalmist's anguish over the ongoing insults from enemies who oppose God's people. The verse questions how long this reproach will continue, highlighting a deep sense of urgency and a plea for God's intervention.
What is the meaning of 'adversary' in Psalms 74:10?
In Psalms 74:10, 'adversary' refers to those who oppose or attack God's people, representing any force that stands against faith and righteousness.
How does Psalms 74:10 relate to feelings of despair?
Psalms 74:10 captures the psalmist's feelings of despair as they question the duration of their suffering and the apparent silence of God in the face of adversity.
What themes are present in Psalms 74:10?
Key themes in Psalms 74:10 include divine justice, the struggle against opposition, faith during adversity, and the desire for God's name to be honored amidst mockery.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.