Psalms 37:40
What does Psalms 37:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:40 means
This concluding verse summarizes and expands upon God's active involvement in the lives of the righteous, emphasizing His comprehensive help and deliverance. "And Jehovah helpeth them, and rescueth them" describes His ongoing, practical assistance and snatching them from danger. "He rescueth them from the wicked, and saveth them" specifically names the source of threat and the nature of His action, highlighting His protection against human malice. The ultimate reason for this divine intervention is profound: "Because they have taken refuge in him." Their choice to trust and rely on God as their safe haven is the foundational condition for His faithful and powerful salvation, bringing the psalm to a devotional close.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jehovah helpeth them, and rescueth them: He rescueth them from the wicked, and saveth them, Because they have taken refuge in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jehovah helpeth them, and rescueth them: He rescueth them from the wicked, and saveth them, Because they have taken refuge in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the Lord will be their help, and keep them safe: he will take them out of the hands of the evil-doers, and be their saviour, because they had faith in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jehovah doth help them and deliver them, He delivereth them from the wicked, And saveth them, Because they trusted in Him!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jehovah will help them and deliver them: he will deliver them from the wicked, and save them; for they trust in him.
Context
This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Psalm 37, building directly upon the declaration that salvation is from the Lord in verse 39. It elaborates on the practical aspects of God's help and rescue, specifically from the wicked, and climactically reveals the underlying reason for such divine intervention: the righteous choosing to take refuge in Him. This verse consolidates the psalm's entire message, ending on a note of assurance rooted in God's faithfulness to those who trust Him.
v.39But the salvation of the righteous is of Jehovah: He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
v.40This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 3:28
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
- Isaiah 46:4
and even to old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver.
- 1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
- Isaiah 31:5
As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.
- 1 John 2:13
I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father.
- Psalms 17:13
Arise, O Jehovah, Confront him, cast him down: Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword;
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