Psalms 37:27 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:27 mean?

Psalms 37:27 urges the reader to turn away from wrongdoing and instead practice what is good, with the promise that doing so leads to lasting security or well-being. The verse presents a clear choice between evil and good, linking a life of goodness with a stable, enduring future.

This verse comes from a psalm attributed to David, where he is speaking to those who want to live wisely in a world where evil sometimes seems to prosper. The instruction is practical: avoid harmful actions, actively do what is right, and you will "dwell for evermore," which often means enjoying a secure and peaceful life under God's care. The verse fits into the larger theme of the psalm, which contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:27

• "Depart" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn aside or move away from something. Here, it emphasizes an active choice to leave behind harmful or wrong behavior, not just avoiding it passively.
• "Evil" (רַע, ra‘): This word covers all kinds of badness—moral wrong, harm, or trouble. The instruction is broad, telling the reader to avoid any kind of wrongdoing.
• "Do" (עָשָׂה, asah) and "good" (טוֹב, tov): Together, these words stress not just avoiding evil but also taking positive action to benefit others or live rightly.
• "Dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan) and "evermore" (עוֹלָם, olam): "Dwell" suggests settling down securely, and "evermore" often means a long, indefinite time. The promise is about lasting stability, not just a brief reward.

Why Psalms 37:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that righteousness is not just about avoiding bad actions but also about actively doing good, which is a key theme throughout Psalms 37.
• The promise to "dwell for evermore" connects personal choices to long-term well-being, countering the idea that only the wicked prosper in the short run.
• In the context of the psalm, this verse reassures readers that God values and rewards those who consistently choose what is right, even when evil seems widespread.