Psalms 37:33

What does Psalms 37:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 37:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 37:33 means

This verse offers powerful reassurance regarding God's protective intervention against the wicked's schemes and against unjust condemnation. In response to the wicked's murderous intent (verse 32), God promises, "Jehovah will not leave him in his hand." This signifies a decisive divine intervention, preventing the righteous from falling prey to the wicked's destructive grip. Furthermore, "Nor condemn him when he is judged" assures that even if the righteous face human courts or accusations, God will vindicate them, ensuring they are not wrongly found guilty. This highlights God's role as both deliverer and ultimate righteous judge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The Lord will not give him into their hands, or be against him when he is judged.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Jehovah doth not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him in his being judged.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

Context

In direct response to the wicked's active surveillance and intent to slay the righteous described in verse 32, this verse delivers God's immediate and powerful promise of protection. It assures that God will not abandon the righteous to their enemies nor allow them to be unjustly condemned. This divine promise of rescue then leads to a renewed call for patient waiting and faithfulness, linking obedience to the ultimate inheritance of the land.

v.32The wicked watcheth the righteous, And seeketh to slay him.

v.33This passage

v.34Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, And he will exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 31:7

    I will be glad and rejoice in thy lovingkindness; For thou hast seen my affliction: Thou hast known my soul in adversities;

  • Psalms 124:6

    Blessed be Jehovah, Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

  • Psalms 109:31

    For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from them that judge his soul.

  • 1 Samuel 23:26

    And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

  • 2 Timothy 4:17

    But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • Romans 8:33

    Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth;

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