Psalm 37 27

Psalm 37:27 kjv

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Psalm 37:27 nkjv

Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore.

Psalm 37:27 niv

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

Psalm 37:27 esv

Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.

Psalm 37:27 nlt

Turn from evil and do good,
and you will live in the land forever.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 27 Meaning

Psalm 37:27 is a succinct moral imperative within a wisdom psalm, calling believers to actively reject wickedness and embrace righteous living. This twofold command (negative and positive) is presented as a foundational principle for experiencing God's enduring blessing and securing a stable, lasting inheritance or place in the Lord's favor. It highlights the direct connection between ethical conduct and the promise of a steadfast existence under God’s care, in stark contrast to the fleeting prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 37 27 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, offering guidance and comfort to the righteous living among the wicked who seem to prosper. The overarching theme is the stark contrast in the ultimate destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous. While the wicked may flourish temporarily, their end is destruction; conversely, the righteous, though facing hardship, will ultimately be vindicated and inherit lasting blessings. David, as the author, repeatedly assures his audience to "fret not" (Ps 37:1, 7, 8) over the apparent success of evildoers. The psalm provides practical instruction on how to live righteously and patiently wait for God's just timing. Verse 27 fits squarely into this theme by presenting a direct, active command to the believer: rather than observing the wicked with envy or despair, they are to actively pursue a life of godliness as a pathway to the promised eternal blessing mentioned throughout the psalm (e.g., inheriting the land, Ps 37:3, 9, 11, 22, 29). The historical context reinforces this: a just God rules, and His people must reflect His character, trusting His promise to reward faithfulness.

Psalm 37 27 Word analysis

• "Depart": (Hebrew: סוּר, sûr) This is an imperative verb, meaning "turn aside," "turn away," "remove oneself," or "avoid." It signifies a decisive, deliberate action to cease engaging in something. It's not a passive distancing but an active turning away. This implies a complete break from former evil ways. In its root, it suggests setting a course different from the one previously taken or potentially considered.
• "from evil": (Hebrew: מֵרָע, mē-ra') The preposition mē (from) signifies separation. Ra' refers to that which is morally bad, wicked, injurious, harmful, or displeasing to God. It encompasses sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. It stands in direct opposition to "good" (ṭôḇ), emphasizing a clear binary choice presented by divine wisdom.
• "and do": (Hebrew: וַעֲשֵׂה, wa'ăśēh) The conjunction wa ("and") links this action directly to the preceding one. Asah is also an imperative verb meaning "make," "perform," "bring about," or "act." It denotes active participation and diligent effort. This command underscores that ethical living is not merely about avoiding sin, but equally about positive moral action.
• "good": (Hebrew: טוֹב, ṭôḇ) This term signifies what is morally upright, beneficial, pleasant, desirable, righteous, or fitting in God's eyes. It encompasses acts of kindness, justice, love, and obedience to God's commands. Together with "depart from evil," it forms a comprehensive call to moral transformation—a "putting off" of the old and a "putting on" of the new, in biblical ethical teaching.
• "So": (Hebrew: וּשְׁכָן, ūšəḵān) This is often translated "and dwell" or "so dwell." The conjunction ū ("and" or "so") introduces the consequence or outcome of obeying the preceding commands. Shakan is an imperative verb meaning "to settle down," "to abide," "to inhabit," "to dwell securely." In a general sense, it denotes permanence and stability. It conveys the idea that "by doing these things, you will then achieve this result."
• "dwell forevermore": (Hebrew: לְעוֹלָם, lə'ôlām) The preposition lāmed ("to" or "for") precedes 'ôlām, which signifies "eternity," "perpetuity," "a long time," or "forever." In the context of Psalm 37, which heavily emphasizes inheriting the land and God's lasting blessing, "forevermore" suggests a secure, stable, and enduring existence under God's favor and protection, implying a perpetual, unshakable place with God and His people, contrasting with the wicked's certain destruction. While it can mean eternal life in a strict theological sense (especially viewed through a New Testament lens), in the immediate Old Testament context, it emphasizes unending security and a continuous share in God's covenant blessings within the land, leading ultimately to eternal blessedness.

Psalm 37 27 Bonus section

The phrase "depart from evil and do good" embodies a profound biblical principle often described as the "put off/put on" dynamic in ethical instruction, particularly prominent in Pauline epistles (e.g., Eph 4:22-24, Col 3:5-10). It highlights that Christian ethics are never just about ceasing bad behavior; they invariably require replacing that behavior with active obedience to God's righteous standards. This verse serves as a foundational Old Testament expression of this very principle. The consequence, "dwell forevermore," ties directly into the covenant promises of God, particularly the promise of the land to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:7; 13:15) and its repeated affirmation throughout the Law and Prophets. In Psalm 37, "dwelling in the land" becomes a metaphor for a life lived securely under God's blessing, flourishing in His presence, extending even to the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1-4). This perpetuity is intrinsically linked to God's own unchanging character and faithfulness to those who walk in His ways, asserting that their security rests not on their perfect performance, but on their obedient reliance on His everlasting covenant.

Psalm 37 27 Commentary

Psalm 37:27 presents a foundational principle for blessed living: genuine righteousness involves both renunciation of sin and active pursuit of virtue. It's a dual imperative: one negative ("depart from evil") and one positive ("do good"). This is not merely an option but a direct command for those who seek to experience the enduring favor of God promised throughout the psalm. The call to "depart from evil" implies a radical turning away from sinful practices and the company of the wicked, signifying a decisive break from the ways of the world. Simultaneously, "do good" demands active engagement in righteous, God-honoring deeds. It is insufficient merely to abstain from wrong; one must also proactively pursue and manifest acts of kindness, justice, and obedience to God's will. The reward, "dwell forevermore," encapsulates the ultimate hope for the righteous: stability, security, and an enduring presence within the realm of God’s blessing, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of the wicked's success (Ps 37:10). This "dwelling" points not just to physical possession of land, but to a spiritual abiding in peace and fellowship with God that transcends earthly limitations, ultimately extending into eternal life. This verse beautifully summarizes the ethical demands and accompanying divine promises, teaching that true peace and security stem from a life wholeheartedly committed to God's righteous standards.For practical usage, this means:

• Identify specific evils (e.g., deceit, anger, gossip) and consciously choose to avoid them.
• Seek opportunities daily to do good (e.g., show kindness, serve others, practice justice).
• Remember that enduring security and peace are tied to active obedience, not just passive faith.