Psalms 37:7
What does Psalms 37:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:7 means
This verse reiterates the core theme of patience and trust in God while re-addressing the temptation to fret over wicked prosperity. To "rest in Jehovah" implies ceasing from anxious striving and finding peace in His sovereignty. "Wait patiently for him" highlights the need for endurance and a settled expectation that God will act in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem to favor the unrighteous. The verse directly names the source of temptation: observing individuals who succeed in their wicked schemes, reminding believers not to be disturbed by their temporary triumphs.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Rest 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Rest in the Lord, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Rest 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take your rest in the Lord, waiting quietly for him; do not be angry because of the man who does well in his evil ways, and gives effect to his bad designs.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be silent for Jehovah, and stay thyself for Him, Do not fret because of him Who is making prosperous his way, Because of a man doing wicked devices.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I walked sorrowful all the day long.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him that prospereth in his way, because of the man that bringeth mischievous devices to pass.
Context
After God's promise of vindication in verse 6, this verse returns to the initial warning against fretting, reinforcing it with a strong call for patient endurance and quiet trust in God. It re-focuses the reader on their internal state rather than external circumstances. This repeated emphasis on waiting patiently sets up the contrast with the ultimate fate of the wicked, which begins to be detailed more explicitly in the next few verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 40:1
I waited patiently for Jehovah; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
- Job 21:7
Wherefore do the wicked live, Become old, yea, wax mighty in power?
- Lamentations 3:25
Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
- Ecclesiastes 5:8
If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a province, marvel not at the matter: for one higher than the high regardeth; and there are higher than they.
- James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.
- Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.
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