But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

PSALMS 37:39KJV
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Psalms 37:39 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:39 mean?

Psalms 37:39 says that the rescue and safety of people who do what is right comes from the LORD, and that God is their source of strength when they face hard times. The verse highlights that God is the one who helps and protects those who live in a way that pleases Him.

This verse is part of a psalm written by David, speaking to people who are troubled by the success of the wicked and the struggles of the faithful. David reassures his listeners that, even when life is difficult, those who trust in God can rely on Him for help and deliverance. The focus is on God's role as a dependable protector for the righteous during times of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:39

  • "Salvation" (תְּשׁוּעָה, tĕshû‘āh) often means rescue or deliverance, not just spiritual salvation but also practical help in danger. Here, it emphasizes that real safety comes from God, not from human effort.
  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddîq) refers to people who live according to what is right and just, not perfect people, but those who seek to do what pleases God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, stressing a direct relationship and covenant with His people.
  • "Strength" (מָעוֹז, mā‘ôz) means a stronghold or place of safety, showing that God is like a fortress for those in trouble.
  • "Trouble" (צָרָה, tsārāh) describes times of distress or adversity, underlining that God’s help is especially present when life is hard.

Why Psalms 37:39 matters

  • Psalms 37:39 clarifies that help and protection for the righteous are not earned or found elsewhere, but are gifts from God Himself.
  • The verse reassures readers that God’s support is not just for spiritual needs but also for real-life struggles and dangers.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse shifts the focus from worrying about the wicked to trusting in God’s care for those who follow Him.

Where else these words appear

“salvation” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 1 Chronicles 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
  • Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

“strength” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

“trouble” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
  • Isaiah 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.