Psalm 37 24

Psalm 37:24 kjv

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:24 nkjv

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 37:24 niv

though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:24 esv

though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.

Psalm 37:24 nlt

Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 24 Meaning

Psalm 37:24 affirms the steadfast divine support for the righteous, assuring that even when they experience setbacks or difficulties, they will not suffer ultimate and permanent ruin. God's hand is actively involved in sustaining and preserving them through all challenges, ensuring their eventual stability and deliverance.

Psalm 37 24 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, offering guidance on how to live righteously amidst the apparent prosperity of the wicked. It functions as a series of reflections and proverbs, largely presented in an acrostic fashion (though less strict in the English translation, the Hebrew follows the alphabet in its stanzas). The overarching theme is the stark contrast between the ultimate destiny of the righteous and the wicked. The psalm repeatedly urges trust in the LORD, patience, doing good, and delighting in God, assuring readers that while the wicked may flourish temporarily, their end is destruction. The righteous, though they may experience hardship or even stumble, are ultimately blessed, inherited the land, and preserved by God. Verse 24 is part of this reassurance, emphasizing God's direct, protective involvement in the lives of His faithful ones, distinguishing their "falls" from the utter downfall of the unrighteous. Historically, it would have served as comfort and instruction for Israelites tempted to despair by the success of oppressors or those who disregarded God's law. It is a polemic against the idea that material prosperity indicates divine favor and against the belief that those who live righteously are necessarily disadvantaged or abandoned by God.

Psalm 37 24 Word analysis

• Though he fall: The Hebrew word for "fall" here is nāphal (נָפַל), meaning to fall down, to stumble, to lie prostrate, to perish. It indicates a temporary setback, a stumble, or a difficulty, not a complete collapse or spiritual annihilation. The "though" or "when" implies this is an expected part of the human experience, even for the righteous. It suggests trials, mistakes, or periods of weakness.
• he shall not be utterly cast down: This phrase is powerful. The Hebrew uses a strong negative, lō-yutāl (לֹא יוּטָל), from the root ṭûl (טוּל), which means "to cast, to throw." It signifies that the righteous will not be permanently or irreparably thrown down, discarded, or abandoned. The emphasis is on divine preservation from absolute ruin. The negative aspect directly counters the fate of the wicked who will be utterly cast down (e.g., Ps 37:2).
• for the LORD: Refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This is the personal, active agent behind the promise. His name emphasizes His sovereign, dependable nature.
• upholds him: The Hebrew verb is sāmak (סָמַךְ), meaning "to lean upon, support, sustain, uphold." It denotes active, firm support, like a hand steadying someone or an arm supporting the weak.
• with His hand: While not explicitly present as "His hand" in some common English translations of Ps 37:24 (e.g., KJV has "for the Lord upholdeth him"), the Hebrew phrase in some textual traditions implies this, as the active agent sāmak inherently suggests a direct application of power, often linked metaphorically to the hand of God (e.g., Ps 63:8, "Your right hand upholds me"). More broadly, sāmak implies physical contact or direct assistance, demonstrating God's personal and strong intervention. The idea of "hand" emphasizes power, direct action, and careful handling.

Words-group analysis:

• "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down": This phrase speaks to the human condition and the divine response. It acknowledges that righteous individuals are not exempt from the trials, difficulties, or even personal failings common to humanity. However, their experience of such "falls" is fundamentally different from that of the wicked. The righteous do not meet a permanent downfall; there is no ultimate defeat. This serves as a strong assurance against despair during hardship.
• "for the LORD upholds him": This explains why the righteous are not utterly cast down. Their stability is not due to their own strength or righteousness, but to God's active, deliberate, and unfailing support. It highlights God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and powerful intervention in the lives of those who trust in Him. This act of "upholding" implies an intimate, sustaining relationship between God and His chosen ones.

Psalm 37 24 Bonus section

• The verse distinguishes between falling in the way and falling out of the way. The righteous might fall, but they remain in God's hand and path, preventing a complete apostasy or permanent destruction. The wicked, by contrast, fall out of His way, to ruin.
• This verse provides immense comfort and encourages perseverance. It affirms that God does not abandon His people when they falter but actively intervenes to ensure their ultimate well-being. This divine attribute establishes a foundation for enduring trust.
• The promise also highlights God's protective love as a defining characteristic. His commitment to His covenant people means His power is always available to sustain them, confirming their security in His hands.

Psalm 37 24 Commentary

Psalm 37:24 beautifully encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness towards those who align themselves with His ways. It is a promise that contrasts sharply with the inevitable ruin of the wicked. While the unrighteous fall and are never able to recover, the righteous, though they may stumble, encounter hardship, or even commit errors, are assured divine intervention. Their "fall" is never final; it is a temporary dip rather than a precipice leading to destruction. This is not because of their inherent strength or flawless walk, but solely because "the LORD upholds him." This "upholding" is not passive; it is God's active, personal, and powerful sustainment, His hand literally preventing a complete downfall. It underscores that spiritual and existential security stems directly from God's preserving power, not from a human being's perfection. It means God allows difficulties but always remains present to lift, steady, and restore, ensuring that the ultimate trajectory of the righteous remains upward towards their divinely ordained inheritance and blessing. It is a powerful affirmation of divine grace in the face of human vulnerability.

Examples:

• A Christian facing business failure finds that while losses occur, opportunities for new ventures or ministries open up, demonstrating God's underlying provision.
• Someone battling a recurrent sin stumbles but repeatedly finds grace to repent and continue growing in holiness, prevented from total moral collapse.
• A believer undergoing intense physical illness endures suffering but finds spiritual strength and deeper reliance on God, illustrating divine support in weakness.