Psalms 37:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:17 mean?

Psalms 37:17 says that the strength or power of those who do wrong will be destroyed, but God will support and sustain those who live rightly. The verse draws a sharp contrast between the fate of the wicked and the security of the righteous, showing that God actively cares for those who follow Him.

King David is speaking in Psalms 37, addressing people who are troubled by the apparent success of the wicked. The verse reassures listeners that, even if wrongdoers seem strong now, their power will not last. Meanwhile, those who are righteous can trust that God is the one who keeps them steady and safe.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:17

• "arms" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroaʿ): This word often means physical arms, but here it stands for strength or power. The image is of the wicked losing their ability to act or defend themselves.
• "broken" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break or shatter. It emphasizes that the wicked's strength will not just weaken but be completely undone.
• "upholdeth" (סָמַךְ, samakh): This word means to support, lean on, or sustain. It gives the sense that God is the one holding up the righteous, not leaving them to stand on their own.

Why Psalms 37:17 matters

• Psalms 37:17 clarifies that apparent strength or success among wrongdoers is temporary and unreliable, while the support God gives the righteous is lasting.
• The verse highlights a key theme in Psalms 37: God’s justice may not be immediate, but it is certain; the wicked lose their power, and the righteous are upheld.
• This verse helps readers understand that God’s care is not passive—He is actively involved in sustaining those who live according to what is right.