Psalm 37 36

Psalm 37:36 kjv

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psalm 37:36 nkjv

Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psalm 37:36 niv

but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

Psalm 37:36 esv

But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.

Psalm 37:36 nlt

But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 36 Meaning

Psalm 37:36 conveys the stark, observable reality of the wicked's transient nature and ultimate removal. The Psalmist, having previously witnessed the unrighteous in a state of apparent great power and thriving, later recounts an observation where that formidable presence has entirely vanished. This definitive and irrecoverable disappearance serves as a powerful testament to God's certain judgment and the inherent vanity of a life lived apart from Him, providing assurance that the prosperity of the wicked is never lasting.

Psalm 37 36 Context

Psalm 37 is a didactic wisdom Psalm, likely from the hand of David, structured alphabetically (though not perfectly sustained) to emphasize its points. It primarily serves as an encouragement to the righteous who are often perplexed by the apparent prosperity of the wicked in this life. The Psalmist directly counsels against fretting or envying those who seemingly succeed through unrighteousness. Instead, it urges unwavering trust, quiet faith, and contentment in the Lord. Verse 36 directly follows Psalm 37:35, where the Psalmist vividly recounts having seen the wicked in "great power" and "spreading himself like a green bay tree," an image of luxuriant, deeply rooted vitality. This vivid preceding imagery sets up a powerful contrast for the abrupt absence described in verse 36. Historically, such psalms provided comfort and theological clarity to a people living in a world where justice was often delayed or unseen, addressing a core human struggle with visible inequity. The Psalm implicitly offers a polemic against ancient beliefs that linked immediate earthly prosperity directly to divine favor, suggesting instead that lasting blessing stems from righteousness and trust in God's ultimate plan.

Psalm 37 36 Word analysis

• Then I passed by (וָאֶעֱבֹר - va'e'evor): Derived from the Hebrew verb עָבַר (avar), meaning "to pass over," "to pass through," or "to go on." This phrase indicates a subsequent observation made after a passage of time or a revisit to the previous scene where the wicked man flourished. It highlights the experiential nature of the Psalmist’s wisdom—not merely theological assertion but observed truth.

• and, lo, (וְהִנֵּה - v'hinneh): This is a strong Hebrew particle of exclamation, often translated as "behold" or "surely." It signals a sudden, surprising, and emphatic realization. Its inclusion emphasizes the immediate and dramatic nature of the observation—the complete disappearance was startling and undeniable.

• he was not: (אֵינֶנּוּ - einennu): From the root אַיִן (ayin), meaning "nothing," "non-existent," or "to be gone." This term conveys an absolute and utter absence. It is stronger than simply "not there," implying that the wicked individual not only left the place but vanished completely, leaving no trace or remaining presence. It underscores finality.

• yea, I sought him, (וָאֲבַקְשֵׁהוּ - va'avakshehu): Formed from the verb בָּקַשׁ (baqash), meaning "to seek," "to search earnestly," or "to require." The intensified form implies a thorough and diligent search, not just a casual glance. This highlights that the wicked’s disappearance was confirmed through active verification, eliminating any doubt or possibility of oversight.

• but he could not be found: (וְלֹא נִמְצָא - v'lo nimtza): "Nimtza" is the Niph'al (passive voice) of the verb מָצָא (matza), meaning "to find." Coupled with the negative particle "lo" (not), it forms a definitive statement of total and absolute failure to locate. This powerfully concludes the observation, asserting the complete and irreversible eradication of the wicked from their position or existence.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then I passed by, and, lo, he was not": This opening phrase conveys a moment of striking discovery and dramatic irony. After a period, the prominent figure who once spread himself majestically is utterly gone. The phrase highlights the deceptive illusion of the wicked's strength and endurance; what seemed robust has proven utterly fleeting. It is an initial shock of total emptiness.
  • "yea, I sought him, but he could not be found": This second clause meticulously confirms and intensifies the first. The active, diligent search followed by the absolute failure to find him leaves no room for doubt that the wicked person’s existence or presence is comprehensively eradicated. It underlines the finality and thoroughness of God's justice, ensuring that there is no residual influence, power, or even a memory to cling to from the wicked.

Psalm 37 36 Bonus section

The profound impact of this verse lies in its experiential witness, contrasting sharply with the purely theoretical or theological affirmations of divine judgment. The Psalmist speaks from personal observation, making the truth tangible and relatable to any believer who has questioned God’s justice in the face of widespread evil. This observation implicitly highlights the "divine oversight" or active involvement of God in the temporal affairs of humanity, ensuring that even on earth, His principles of justice are manifested. The imagery chosen (a tree thriving then utterly gone) contrasts sharply with the "everlasting foundation" of the righteous (Prov 10:25) or the "well-watered garden" that does not fail (Isa 58:11), symbolizing true, enduring spiritual life and legacy. This verse, therefore, offers not just a theological statement but a profound comfort: despite appearances, no human effort apart from God can establish a truly lasting inheritance or a permanent presence.

Psalm 37 36 Commentary

Psalm 37:36 distills the profound truth that the perceived strength and success of the wicked are fleeting and illusory. Following the observation of the unrighteous appearing deeply rooted and thriving (Psa 37:35), the Psalmist's return—whether literal or reflective—reveals a shocking emptiness. The phrases "he was not" and "he could not be found" underscore not merely an absence, but a complete and irreversible eradication. This serves as a vital reassurance for the righteous, who are called to trust in God's perfect timing and unfailing justice, rather than allowing their hearts to be troubled by present inequities. The verse functions as an empirical validation of divine justice, demonstrating that God indeed upholds His word by causing the wicked to utterly disappear from their prominence, thereby solidifying the hope and patience of those who truly trust Him.