Keraia
Psalm 37

Psalm 37:36

Delight Yourself in the LORD · Psalm 37:1–40
Read Psalm 37

Translations

Modern
…yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.
Traditional
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Literal
And he passed away, and behold, he was no more; and indeed I sought him, and he could not be found.
Latin
…et transivi, et ecce non erat; et quæsivi eum, et non est inventus locus ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
…yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.

Notes

Psalms 37:35–36

The wicked might appear to be flourishing like a tree (compare Psalm 52:8; 92:12–13), but they eventually die and are forgotten (Psalm 37:2).

Psalms 37:1–40

This psalm addresses the issues raised in Psalm 36:

  • How should the godly react to evil?

  • When will the Lord bring justice?

  • Why does he allow the wicked to harm his creation?

Psalm 37 provides clear answers that reduce the tensions of life (Psalm 37:1–9, 34) and promise that the meek will have a future (Psalm 37:10–11, 39–40).

The contrast between the godly and the wicked highlights the uselessness of foolishness (Psalm 37:12–24, 27–33). The psalmist's personal insights add a human element (Psalm 37:25–26, 35–38). He encourages viewing the land's inheritance with a long-term perspective: The earth belongs to the Lord, who will give it to those he blesses—the humble and godly who trust, hope, and follow him (see Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; see also Isaiah 57:13; Matthew 5:5).

Theme notes and profiles

David Wisdom Psalms

Parallels

1 Kings 2:1–9

Glossary

Acrostic David Music Poetry, Biblical Poor, the Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Wisdom Literature

Topics

Death of the Wicked Happiness of the Wicked: Illustrated The Happiness of the Wicked: Illustrated Wicked (People): Prosperity of Wicked (People): Punishment of