Psalms 37:28
What does Psalms 37:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:28 means
This verse provides the theological bedrock for all the promises and warnings in the psalm, rooted in God's unchanging character. "For Jehovah loveth justice" asserts that divine righteousness is fundamental to His being; He delights in what is right and detests evil. Because of this, He "forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever." Those who are set apart for Him are never abandoned but are eternally guarded and kept safe by His power. In stark contrast, "But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off," reiterating the ultimate, permanent destruction of the wicked's lineage and influence. God's justice ensures distinct outcomes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For Jehovah loveth justice, And forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For Jehovah loveth justice, And forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the Lord is a lover of righteousness, and takes care of his saints; they will be kept safe for ever; but the seed of the evil-doers will be cut off.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For Jehovah is loving judgment, And He doth not forsake His saintly ones, To the age they have been kept, And the seed of the wicked is cut off.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for Jehovah loveth judgment, and will not forsake his saints: They are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Context
Following the ethical exhortation in verse 27, this verse provides the foundational theological reason for the psalmist's instruction: God's inherent love for justice. It assures the perpetual preservation of His saints and reiterates the cutting off of the wicked's seed. This serves as a powerful summary of God's covenant faithfulness and judgment, directly reinforcing the promise of inheritance for the righteous in the very next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 9:24
but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.
- John 6:39
And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
- Psalms 92:13
They are planted in the house of Jehovah; They shall flourish in the courts of our God.
- John 10:28
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
- Jeremiah 32:40
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me.
- Jude 1:1
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
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