Psalms 37:2
What does Psalms 37:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:2 means
This verse provides the critical reason why one should not fret or envy the wicked: their prosperity is extremely fleeting and impermanent. David uses vivid, natural imagery, comparing their rapid downfall to grass that is quickly cut down or a green herb that withers away. Just as vegetation thrives for a season but inevitably fades, so too the success of evil-doers will inevitably come to an end. This imagery serves to console the righteous, affirming that what seems robust now will soon be gone, reminding them of God's sovereign control and eventual judgment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For they will quickly be cut down like grass, and become dry like the green plants.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For as grass speedily they are cut off, And as the greenness of the tender grass do fade.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy wrath.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and fade as the green herb.
Context
Following the command not to fret in verse 1, this verse offers the immediate justification for that command. It explains *why* the righteous shouldn't envy the wicked by highlighting the transient nature of evil prosperity. This explanation then paves the way for the positive instructions in the subsequent verses, shifting the focus from the wicked's temporary state to the enduring faithfulness of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:24
For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth:
- Psalms 129:5
Let them be put to shame and turned backward, All they that hate Zion.
- Psalms 90:5
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: In the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
- Job 14:2
He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
- Psalms 73:17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end.
- Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless but for a moment?
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