Psalm 37 9

Psalm 37:9 kjv

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 37:9 nkjv

For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 37:9 niv

For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Psalm 37:9 esv

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

Psalm 37:9 nlt

For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 9 Meaning

Psalm 37:9 articulates a fundamental contrast concerning divine justice: those who actively commit evil will face ultimate removal and destruction, while those who patiently and trustfully depend on the LORD will receive their promised portion and securely inhabit the earth. This verse serves as a concise summary of the psalm's central assurance that God's righteousness will prevail, reversing the perceived imbalance where the wicked might seem to prosper.

Psalm 37 9 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, likely composed by David in an acrostic (alphabetical) pattern, teaching about the contrasting fates of the righteous and the wicked. Its central theme addresses the perennial struggle of believers who witness the prosperity of the wicked and feel inclined to fret or envy. The psalm consistently exhorts the righteous to trust in the LORD, do good, and wait patiently for God's divine justice to manifest. Verse 9 directly follows this theme, providing a foundational reason for the earlier exhortations: because of their respective ends, believers should not envy the wicked but rather rely on God. Historically, David likely experienced significant periods of injustice and betrayal, making this psalm a practical guide for faith amidst life's challenges, assuring that God will ultimately vindicate the faithful and punish the evildoers.

Psalm 37 9 Word analysis

• For: Introduces a reason or justification, linking back to the admonitions in prior verses (e.g., "Fret not thyself because of evildoers," Ps 37:1).
• evildoers (מְרֵעִים, m're'im): From the root ra'a, meaning "to do evil" or "to be evil." It describes those characterized by their deliberate practice of iniquity and malice.
• shall be cut off (יִכָּרֵתוּן, yikkaretoon): From the Hebrew verb karat, meaning "to cut, sever, utterly remove, abolish." This implies a complete and definitive excision, whether from life, the land, community, or future generations. It signifies a divine act of judgment and irreversible destruction.
• but: A strong adversative conjunction, dramatically contrasting the fate of the evildoers with that of the righteous.
• those that wait upon (קוֹי, qowey): From the verb qawah, meaning "to wait, hope, long for, to bind oneself to with expectation." It is not passive inaction, but active trust, patient endurance, and hopeful expectation, fixing one's gaze and reliance solely upon the LORD.
• the LORD (יהוה, YHWH, Yahweh): The personal, covenant name of God, emphasizing His unchanging faithfulness, sovereignty, and power to deliver on His promises. It is the God with whom a relationship of trust and patient waiting is established.
• they shall inherit (יִירְשׁוּ, yire'shoo): From yarash, meaning "to inherit, possess, dispossess, take possession of." This term indicates a rightful, divinely ordained possession, a secure and enduring ownership.
• the earth (אָרֶץ, 'erets): Can refer to "the land" (specifically the Promised Land of Israel) or "the earth" globally. In Psalm 37, it signifies a secure, peaceful, and blessed dwelling under God's favor, contrasted with being "cut off." The New Testament, particularly in Matt 5:5, expands this understanding to encompass a broader, spiritual, and eschatological inheritance in God's eternal kingdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• For evildoers shall be cut off: This phrase establishes a definite divine decree against those who persist in evil. It highlights the certainty of judgment and the finality of their removal from any place of blessing or security.
• but those that wait upon the LORD: This phrase points to the specific righteous response required to receive divine favor. "Waiting upon the LORD" encompasses trust, submission, patience, and continued dependence on God's timing and righteousness. It distinguishes these individuals by their posture of faithful reliance on God.
• they shall inherit the earth: This describes the ultimate blessing and destiny of the righteous. It represents secure dwelling, peace, and rightful possession within God's ordered world, both in the present life (within the confines of the covenant land) and in a more expansive, eschatological sense of dwelling in the new creation under God's righteous rule.

Psalm 37 9 Bonus section

• This verse directly counters common ancient Near Eastern notions that immediate prosperity unequivocally signals divine blessing, while suffering denotes divine displeasure. It introduces the vital element of eschatology and patience in divine timing.
• The Hebrew concept of yarash ("inherit") goes beyond simple possession; it often implies dispossession of previous inhabitants (in this case, the wicked), highlighting a divine reordering of justice where the rightful inheritors are finally given their portion.
• The connection between "waiting on the LORD" (qawah) and receiving strength (Isa 40:31) or goodness (Lam 3:25) further underscores that this is not merely passive expectation, but an active, spiritual discipline that yields real benefits.
• The fulfillment of "inheriting the earth" moves from the literal possession of the Promised Land to a broader spiritual and eternal reign with Christ, showcasing the progressive revelation of God's promises in Scripture.

Psalm 37 9 Commentary

Psalm 37:9 stands as a succinct theological statement, distilling the psalm's message of divine retribution and reward. It unequivocally declares God's ultimate justice, assuring believers that despite appearances, the fate of the wicked is sealed for destruction, while the destiny of the faithful is one of secure possession and blessing. The tension between the present reality (wicked prospering) and God's promised future is resolved by the command to "wait upon the LORD," a call to active trust and patient endurance. This "waiting" is crucial; it acknowledges God's perfect timing and invites the believer to rest in His sovereign plan. The "inheritance of the earth" signifies not just physical land but a comprehensive state of peace, security, and blessed life in God's presence, echoing throughout the Scriptures as the promise for those who live in faithful reliance on the Creator. This verse reminds us that true security is found not in present worldly gain, but in enduring faith in the Everlasting God, whose justice and love will prevail.