Psalms 37:10
What does Psalms 37:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:10 means
This verse elaborates on the transient nature of the wicked's existence and prosperity, emphasizing its rapid and utter disappearance. David states that it will be "yet a little while," indicating that the time frame for their downfall is short from God's eternal perspective. The impactful declaration, "the wicked shall not be," goes beyond mere decline, signifying their complete non-existence or removal from their place of influence. The phrase "thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be" suggests that their absence will be so profound that even a thorough search will yield no trace of their former presence or power.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For in a short time the evil-doer will be gone: you will go searching for his place, and it will not be there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And yet a little, and the wicked is not, And thou hast considered his place, and it is not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hidden from thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For yet a little while, and the wicked is not; and thou considerest his place, but he is not.
Context
Building on the declaration in verse 9 that "evil-doers shall be cut off," this verse underscores the swiftness and totality of the wicked's disappearance. It provides a vivid picture of their inevitable end, contrasting sharply with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. This stark picture of absence is immediately followed by a comforting affirmation of what the truly blessed will receive, further solidifying the psalm's message of divine justice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 52:5
God will likewise destroy thee for ever; He will take thee up, and pluck thee out of thy tent, And root thee out of the land of the living. [Selah
- Psalms 58:10
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;
- Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
- Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?
- 2 Kings 9:25
Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, Jehovah laid this burden upon him:
- Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.
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