Psalms 37:34
What does Psalms 37:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:34 means
This verse serves as a climactic exhortation, synthesizing the psalm's commands for the righteous with its ultimate promises. "Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way" reiterates the foundational calls for patient endurance and unwavering obedience to God's path. It's a call to steadfast faith rather than anxious striving. The promises are grand: "And he will exalt thee to inherit the land," once again linking faithfulness to the secure, abundant, and lasting blessing. The added assurance, "When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it," promises a clear, undeniable demonstration of God's justice, confirming the psalm's central theme that the wicked's downfall will be witnessed by those who trust Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wait 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wait 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be waiting for the Lord, and keep his way; and you will be lifted up, and have the land for your heritage: when the evil-doers are cut off, you will see it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Look unto Jehovah, and keep His way, And He doth exalt thee to possess the land, In the wicked being cut off--thou seest!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, and he will exalt thee to possess the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].
Context
Following God's promise of protection and vindication for the righteous in verse 33, this verse serves as a crucial summary and renewed call to action. It consolidates the major themes of waiting and obedience, linking them directly to the ultimate promises of exaltation and inheritance. This comprehensive exhortation then transitions seamlessly into David's final, striking personal observation about the rapid disappearance of the wicked.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 37:7
Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
- Psalms 91:8
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked.
- 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
- Psalms 37:3
Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
- 1 Peter 1:7
that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:
- Psalms 37:9
For evil-doers shall be cut off; But those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 37
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 37.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Endurance
Scripture teaches that endurance, or patient steadfastness, is a vital Christian virtue enabling believers to persevere through trials and maintain faith.
Topic
Bible Verses About Envy
Envy is a powerful emotion, often leading to discontent and harmful actions. The Bible warns against its dangers and encourages a godly perspective.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Worried About Money
When the bills outpace the paycheck — verses for a steadier kind of provision.
Verses for
Bible Verses for After Losing Your Job
Verses for the day after the layoff — identity, provision, and what's next.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.