Psalm 37 17

Psalm 37:17 kjv

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

Psalm 37:17 nkjv

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the LORD upholds the righteous.

Psalm 37:17 niv

for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

Psalm 37:17 esv

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

Psalm 37:17 nlt

For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the LORD takes care of the godly.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 17 Meaning

Psalm 37:17 declares a fundamental principle of divine justice: the apparent strength and means of the wicked will ultimately be dismantled by God, rendering them powerless. In contrast, the same divine power that breaks the wicked’s hold actively sustains and secures the righteous, ensuring their stability and preservation. This verse presents a clear antithesis between the fleeting prosperity and eventual destruction of the ungodly and the enduring support and vindication provided by the LORD to those who live in uprightness.

Psalm 37 17 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, presented as an instructional acrostic (though imperfect) that provides comfort and encouragement to the righteous who observe the apparent prosperity of the wicked. It repeatedly exhorts the faithful not to "fret" or "be envious" of evildoers (Psa 37:1, 7, 8) because their flourishing is temporary, while the righteous, who trust in the LORD and commit their way to Him, will inherit the land and dwell securely. Verse 17 articulates a core reason for this reassurance: the wicked's strength is illusory and temporary, while the righteous are upheld by an unshakeable, divine power. This promise acts as a steadying anchor amidst the moral confusion that arises from witnessing injustice seemingly unpunished. Historically, this theme addressed those grappling with the Problem of Evil and the delay of divine justice in the ancient Near East, affirming YHWH's sovereign rule and consistent moral order over transient human power structures or the arbitrary forces depicted in other polytheistic religions.

Psalm 37 17 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A conjunctive particle. Here, it indicates a causal relationship, meaning "because" or "indeed." It introduces the reason for the exhortation in preceding verses not to fret over the wicked; it provides the theological basis for confidence in God's justice.

• the arms (זְרוֹעוֹת - z'ro'ot): This is the plural form of z'roa, meaning "arm" or "forearm." Biblically, "arm" is a potent metaphor for strength, power, ability, might, and human capacity to act or achieve. In many contexts, it specifically denotes military power, oppressive force, or the ability to execute one's will. Its plural form emphasizes the fullness or collective strength of the wicked.

• of the wicked (רְשָׁעִים - r'sha'im): Plural of rasha', referring to those who are guilty, unrighteous, defiant against God's law, or habitually acting against moral and divine principles. They are depicted as those who thrive by ungodly means.

• will be broken (תִּשָּׁבַרְנָה - tishavarnah): This verb comes from shavar, meaning "to break," "to shatter," "to destroy." It's in the imperfect tense, denoting a future or ongoing action. The passive voice ("will be broken") implies that an external force, namely God, is the agent of their breaking. It signifies rendering them utterly powerless and ineffective. This is a divine, decisive act of judgment.

• but (וְ - v'): A waw-conjunctive, functioning here as an adversative "but," signaling a strong contrast between the two clauses.

• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHVH): The Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenant name. It underscores that it is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel who acts in these definitive ways, not fate or any lesser power. This highlights His faithfulness and active involvement.

• upholds (תֹמֵךְ - tomech): A participle from tamakh, meaning "to grasp," "to hold," "to support," "to sustain," "to uphold." The participle form suggests an ongoing, continuous, and active role. It implies steady, unwavering, and strengthening support, preventing one from falling or being overcome.

• the righteous (צַדִּיקִים - tzaddiqim): Plural of tzaddiq, describing those who are just, morally upright, vindicated by God, living in accordance with His commands, and in a right relationship with Him. They are contrasted with the "wicked."

• "arms of the wicked will be broken" (זְרוֹעוֹת רְשָׁעִים תִּשָּׁבַרְנָה): This phrase dramatically expresses the curtailment of human power when it opposes God's will. It’s a metaphorical representation of the loss of their capability, authority, resources, and even life itself. It means their capacity for evil, their ability to oppress, and their perceived strength will inevitably collapse, stripped away by divine intervention.

• "but the LORD upholds the righteous" (וְתֹמֵךְ צַדִּיקִים יְהוָה): This starkly contrasted phrase emphasizes the security of the godly. The LORD Himself, in His infinite power and faithfulness, actively provides continuous, protective, and empowering support. This isn't merely passive observation but active, sustaining intervention. The placement of "LORD" at the end of the Hebrew clause emphasizes His sovereign agency.

Psalm 37 17 Bonus section

• The passive construction "will be broken" (tishavarnah) underscores God's sovereignty; the breaking is not accidental but divinely ordained and executed. Human power, particularly that which opposes God, is always contingent upon divine permission and is ultimately subject to His ultimate decree.
• The contrast established in this verse ("broken" vs. "upholds") is a theological bedrock throughout the Bible, teaching that there are two destinies rooted in two ways of life: rebellion against God leads to ultimate demise, while humble reliance on Him leads to enduring blessing and security. This concept directly counters any pagan belief in the eternal efficacy of brute strength or the favor of gods obtained by power rather than righteousness.
• The "arm" (or strength) being broken can manifest in various ways in human experience: loss of health, wealth, influence, alliances, or moral authority, all leading to a diminution of their effective power to oppress or thrive through unrighteousness.

Psalm 37 17 Commentary

Psalm 37:17 serves as a powerful assurance to the believer struggling with the paradox of the wicked's prosperity. It distills the psalm's central message: don't fret over transient injustice, for divine justice will surely prevail. The imagery of "broken arms" is profoundly impactful, representing the complete incapacitation of the wicked's strength and malicious intent. Whether through the direct intervention of God, natural consequences, or the turning of circumstances, their means of power, wealth, and oppression will invariably crumble.

Conversely, the verse offers a comforting promise: the same mighty God who judges the wicked actively "upholds" the righteous. This isn't just about protection from harm but about active sustenance, preservation, and stability, irrespective of external pressures. The continuous nature of "upholds" indicates a persistent, relational care, a constant hand that steadies and empowers. It implies that true security and lasting power reside not in human might or worldly schemes, but in God's unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to those who faithfully walk with Him. Thus, the verse calls believers to patient trust, knowing that God's justice is sure, and His covenant care for His own is unwavering.