Psalms 37:3
What does Psalms 37:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:3 means
Instead of fretting, believers are called to active trust in the Lord and diligent pursuit of good actions. This verse provides the positive counterpoint to the negative commands of verse 1, offering a path for righteous living. To "dwell in the land" indicates stability and security under God's provision, while to "feed on his faithfulness" means literally to pasture or graze upon, metaphorically suggesting that God's unwavering truth and covenant loyalty are the source of spiritual sustenance and sustained provision, even amidst difficult circumstances. It's an invitation to rely entirely on God for all needs.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have faith in the Lord, and do good; be at rest in the land, and go after righteousness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Trust in Jehovah, and do good, Dwell <FI>in<Fi> the land, and enjoy faithfulness,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong upon me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Confide in Jehovah, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on faithfulness;
Context
Having established the futility of envying the wicked in verses 1-2, this verse pivots to direct, positive commands for the righteous. It offers the first of several actionable steps, instructing believers on *how* to live in contrast to the wicked. This instruction to trust and do good naturally flows into further exhortations about delighting and committing to the Lord in the verses that follow, building a framework for faithful living.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man that trusteth in Jehovah, and whose trust Jehovah is.
- Hebrews 6:10
for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.
- Genesis 26:2
And Jehovah appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
- Psalms 4:5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in Jehovah.
- Psalms 33:19
To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.
- Deuteronomy 30:20
to love Jehovah thy God, to obey his voice, and to cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
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