Psalms 34:21
What does Psalms 34:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:21 means
This verse presents a stark contrast between the destiny of the wicked and the righteous, clearly stating that "evil shall slay the wicked." This signifies that the very evil they engage in or the consequences of their choices will ultimately lead to their destruction. Furthermore, "they that hate the righteous shall be condemned." This emphasizes God's justice, ensuring that those who actively oppose and persecute His people will face divine judgment and condemnation. It assures believers that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish those who oppress them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Evil shall slay the wicked; And they that hate the righteous shall be condemned.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Evil shall slay the wicked; And they that hate the righteous shall be condemned.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Evil will put an end to the sinner, and those who are haters of righteousness will come to destruction.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Evil doth put to death the wicked, And those hating the righteous are desolate.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they opened their mouth wide against me; they said: Well done, well done, our eyes have seen it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Evil shall destroy the wicked; and they that hate the righteous shall bear their guilt.
Context
After affirming God's complete preservation of the righteous in verse 20, this verse sharply contrasts with the fate of the wicked. It explicitly states that evil will lead to their destruction and that those who persecute the righteous will be condemned. This serves to highlight the finality of God's justice before the psalm concludes with a final affirmation of redemption for His servants.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 37:12
The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
- Psalms 37:30
The mouth of the righteous talketh of wisdom, And his tongue speaketh justice.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:15
who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove out us, and please not God, and are contrary to all men;
- Psalms 89:23
And I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:6
if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,
- 1 Kings 22:37
So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 34
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 34.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Depression
The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, offering comfort, hope, and guidance for enduring difficult seasons.
Topic
Bible Verses About Discouragement
When life’s challenges weigh heavily on our hearts, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and guidance to overcome discouragement.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Goodness of God
God’s goodness is a foundational truth of faith, revealing His benevolent nature and faithful provision for all creation.
What the Bible says about…
Answer
What does the Bible say about depression?
God is closest when you feel furthest from him.
Answer
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Our light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Answer
What does the Bible say about anger?
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.