Psalms 37:24
What does Psalms 37:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:24 means
This verse offers profound comfort and reassurance, acknowledging that even the righteous may experience setbacks and failures, but God's sustaining power ensures they are never utterly defeated. "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down" implicitly recognizes the reality of human imperfection, trials, or mistakes. However, the crucial promise is that God intervenes to prevent complete collapse or ruin. "For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand" emphasizes God's personal, active, and powerful support. His strong hand prevents the righteous from being permanently overcome, lifting them up and securing their continued path.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even if he has a fall he will not be without help: for the hand of the Lord is supporting him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862When he falleth, he is not cast down, For Jehovah is sustaining his hand.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for Jehovah upholdeth his hand.
Context
Building on the concept of God establishing a man's goings in verse 23, this verse offers a realistic yet deeply comforting promise for the righteous in the face of life's difficulties. It directly addresses the possibility of falling, assuring that God's upholding hand prevents utter defeat. This promise of divine support during hardship then naturally leads to David's personal testimony about God's faithfulness throughout his own life in the verse that follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
- John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
- Proverbs 24:16
For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
- Psalms 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.
- Psalms 147:6
Jehovah upholdeth the meek: He bringeth the wicked down to the ground.
- Psalms 94:18
When I said, My foot slippeth; Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up.
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