Psalms 37:27
What does Psalms 37:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:27 means
This verse presents a direct, dual command for righteous living: a call to actively turn away from evil and consistently pursue good, with an accompanying promise of lasting security. "Depart from evil, and do good" is a fundamental ethical directive, requiring both abstinence from sin and engagement in virtuous deeds. It's a call to active transformation of conduct. The promise, "And dwell for evermore," signifies an enduring, stable presence in the land, not only representing physical security but also a lasting peace and a perpetual relationship with God. It contrasts sharply with the fleeting existence of the wicked.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be turned from evil, and do good; and your place will be for ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Turn aside from evil, and do good, and dwell to the age.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Depart from evil, and do good, and dwell for evermore;
Context
After describing the blessed and generous nature of the righteous in verse 26, this verse issues a direct exhortation for ethical living. It's a foundational command, urging both a turning from evil and a commitment to good. This call to righteous conduct then immediately leads to the theological grounding for *why* such living is blessed: God's love for justice and His preservation of His saints, detailed in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
- Titus 2:11
For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
- Titus 3:8
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:
- Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
- Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
- Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
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