Psalms 37:38
What does Psalms 37:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:38 means
In a direct and stark contrast to the "happy end" promised to the righteous man of peace, this verse unequivocally declares the ultimate destruction of transgressors. "As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together" signifies a total and collective ruin for those who willfully violate God's law. There is no escape or partial judgment; their end is complete. The phrase "The end of the wicked shall be cut off" powerfully reiterates a recurring theme in the psalm, emphasizing the ultimate termination of their existence, influence, and any legacy they might have hoped to build. It's a final, decisive statement of their annihilation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together: The end of the wicked shall be cut off.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together: The end of the wicked shall be cut off.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But as for the sinners, they will be cut off together; the end of the wrongdoers is destruction.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And transgressors were destroyed together, The latter end of the wicked was cut off.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Context
Immediately following the comforting promise of a "happy end" for the man of peace in verse 37, this verse delivers the severe counter-statement: the complete destruction of transgressors. It powerfully reinforces the stark dichotomy of destinies presented throughout the psalm, leaving no doubt about the wicked's ultimate fate. This definitive conclusion about the wicked then prepares the way for the psalm's closing verses, which offer a final, comprehensive statement of God's salvation for the righteous.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8
rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
- Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.
- Matthew 13:49
So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,
- Psalms 1:4
The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
- Psalms 9:17
The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, Even all the nations that forget God.
- Matthew 13:30
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.
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