Psalm 37 22

Psalm 37:22 kjv

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

Psalm 37:22 nkjv

For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.

Psalm 37:22 niv

those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

Psalm 37:22 esv

for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

Psalm 37:22 nlt

Those the LORD blesses will possess the land,
but those he curses will die.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 22 Meaning

Psalm 37:22 declares a fundamental truth about divine justice and the ultimate destiny of those in right standing with God versus those who oppose Him. It states that individuals who receive God's favor and blessing will ultimately possess their rightful inheritance, depicted as "the land," a symbol of prosperity, stability, and God's promised blessing. Conversely, those who incur God's disfavor and curse will face certain eradication and separation from all good things, including the loss of their position and life. The verse emphasizes that one's ultimate end is determined by God's pronouncements of blessing or cursing, affirming His sovereign power to uphold justice.

Psalm 37 22 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, presented as an acrostic (though imperfect) that provides instruction on how to live righteously amidst the apparent prosperity of the wicked. It addresses the common struggle of observing evil flourish while the righteous suffer, advising against fretful impatience or envy. The psalm repeatedly contrasts the temporary success and inevitable destruction of the wicked with the steadfast hope, ultimate vindication, and eternal inheritance of the righteous who trust in the LORD. Verse 22 stands as a pivotal summary of this central theme: God's blessing guarantees an enduring inheritance for His people, while His curse guarantees the annihilation of His adversaries, thereby assuring the believer of divine justice despite present circumstances. This context reinforces the psalmist's repeated counsel to "fret not," "trust in the LORD," and "wait patiently for Him." Historically, "the land" was deeply significant to ancient Israel, symbolizing God's covenant promises, security, and identity tied to the physical land of Canaan. Thus, the promise of inheriting the land was a powerful affirmation of divine faithfulness to the covenant.

Psalm 37 22 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A conjunction meaning "for," "because," "that." Here, it introduces the reason or explanation for the prior statements in the psalm, specifically why the righteous need not fret over the wicked – because their ultimate destinies are divinely ordained.
• those blessed (בְרֻכָיו - b’rukháv): From the root verb בָּרַךְ (barak), meaning "to kneel," and by extension, "to bless." The participle form refers to "the blessed ones" or "those who are blessed." The suffix "יו" (-áv) denotes "His," so it means "His blessed ones" or "those blessed by Him," signifying that the blessing originates directly from God. This is not human favor, but divine bestowment.
• by him (suffix referring to the Lord): This reinforces God's active role as the source of blessing. His blessing confers true and lasting prosperity, contrasted with the fleeting gains of the wicked.
• shall inherit (יִירְשׁוּ - yirshu): From the verb יָרַשׁ (yarash), meaning "to take possession," "to inherit," "to occupy," "to dispossess." It implies receiving a designated portion or a lasting possession, often by right or divine grant. This is a recurring covenantal theme in the Old Testament, tied to the Abrahamic promise.
• the land (אָרֶץ - aretz): In its most basic sense, "earth," "ground," "land," or "country." In the Israelite context, especially in Psalms and the Pentateuch, "the land" primarily refers to the Promised Land (Canaan). It signifies a place of security, provision, and covenant fulfillment, where God's people dwell under His blessing. Over time, particularly in New Testament interpretation, this concept expands to refer to spiritual inheritance, the entire redeemed earth, or even the New Creation (Rev 21:1). It signifies stability and abundance.
• but those cursed (וּמְקֻלָּלָיו - u'mequllalav): From the verb קָלַל (qalal), meaning "to be light," then "to curse," "to treat with contempt," or "to revile." The intensive Piel participle "מְקֻלָּל" (mequllal) denotes a deep, active state of being cursed, specifically by God. The "וּ" (u-) means "but," introducing the stark contrast. Similar to "blessed by him," "מְקֻלָּלָיו" refers to "His cursed ones" or "those cursed by Him."
• by him (suffix referring to the Lord): Again, God is the active agent, dispensing judgment. His curse brings ultimate destruction, contrasting with human curses that often lack such power.
• shall be cut off (יִכָּרֵתוּ - yikkaretu): From the verb כָּרַת (karat), meaning "to cut," "to cut off," "to cut down," "to destroy." This term is frequently used in the Old Testament for divine judgment, implying removal, excision from the community or from life itself, leading to complete extinction or cessation. It carries strong theological weight, signifying a permanent and irreversible separation from the source of life and blessing, often involving the eradication of descendants as well.

• those blessed by him shall inherit the land: This phrase highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. His blessing (source: God) leads to a certain, lasting inheritance (the land), symbolizing security and prosperity. It's a divine promise and gift, not earned by human merit alone, but tied to being "of Him" – i.e., in a covenant relationship with Him.
• but those cursed by him shall be cut off: This directly contrasts the former, emphasizing divine judgment. God's curse (source: God) results in utter destruction and removal, with no hope of inheritance or continuation. It highlights the direct consequence of rebellion or being against God's purposes. The dual outcome underscores God's righteous character – both benevolent protector and just judge.

Psalm 37 22 Bonus section

The promise of "inheriting the land" is a rich theological thread that develops throughout biblical history. Initially, for ancient Israel, it signified the physical land of Canaan, flowing with milk and honey, a place of rest and covenant blessings from oppression. However, as revealed Scripture progressed, the "land" became increasingly understood as symbolic of a larger spiritual inheritance and indeed the entire renewed earth, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in the eschatological hope of the New Creation. This expansion ensures the promise is not confined to a single geographical location but extends to all who are truly "blessed by God" through Christ. The certainty of the "cut off" punishment for the cursed further underscores the covenantal relationship with God: being "cut off" from the people of God implied a severance from the life-giving flow of His presence and promises, culminating in spiritual death. The antithesis of God's blessing leading to life and inheritance, versus His curse leading to being cut off, speaks to a fundamental principle of divine administration of justice throughout history and into eternity.

Psalm 37 22 Commentary

Psalm 37:22 presents the essence of divine recompense, articulating the definitive destinies pronounced by God Himself. It serves as a concise summation of the psalm's larger message of hope for the righteous and certainty of judgment for the wicked. "Those blessed by him" refers to individuals whom God actively favors and approves, not based on their own power or cleverness, but by His sovereign choice and their faith in Him. For them, the promise of "inheriting the land" is a tangible symbol of security, lasting well-being, and fulfillment of covenant promises. This "land" is both the literal Promised Land for Israel and a broader spiritual inheritance, culminating in the "new heavens and new earth" where righteousness dwells, as alluded to in the New Testament.

In stark contrast, "those cursed by him" are those under God's active displeasure due to their wickedness, rebellion, or rejection of His ways. Their ultimate end is to "be cut off," a severe divine pronouncement meaning complete excision, destruction, or termination. This "cutting off" implies not just death but the eradication of their lineage and legacy, a complete blotting out from existence or significance, thus confirming God's ultimate justice against all evil. The verse underscores God's absolute authority to determine both blessing and judgment, providing comfort to the persecuted righteous and warning to the prospering wicked. It affirms that earthly appearances of prosperity or hardship are temporary; only God's ultimate verdict is final and decisive.