Psalms 37:19
What does Psalms 37:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:19 means
This verse offers specific assurances of God's protection and provision for the righteous during times of severe hardship and scarcity. "They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil" means they will not suffer disgrace or be left without help when wickedness prevails or adversity strikes. Moreover, "in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." This promise directly addresses extreme material need, assuring that God will miraculously provide for His own, ensuring their sustenance even when others are starving. It reinforces the truth that God's faithfulness transcends circumstances and human limitations, providing for His beloved.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They will not be shamed in the evil time, and in the days when all are in need of food they will have enough.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They are not ashamed in a time of evil, And in days of famine they are satisfied.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I will declare my iniquity: and I will think for my sin.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890they shall not be ashamed in the time of evil, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Context
Following the promise of an eternal inheritance for the perfect in verse 18, this verse provides concrete examples of God's faithfulness even in the most challenging earthly circumstances. It directly addresses fears of disgrace and starvation, promising divine provision and protection during times of evil and famine. This explicit assurance for the righteous contrasts sharply with the bleak fate of the wicked, which is presented immediately after.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
- Micah 2:3
Therefore thus saith Jehovah: Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks, neither shall ye walk haughtily; for it is an evil time.
- Proverbs 10:3
Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.
- Psalms 33:19
To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.
- Ephesians 5:16
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- Amos 5:13
Therefore he that is prudent shall keep silence in such a time; for it is an evil time.
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