And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

PSALMS 37:40KJV
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Psalms 37:40 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:40 mean?

Psalms 37:40 says that the LORD will help and rescue those who trust in Him, saving them from wicked people. The verse promises that God’s protection is given specifically because people put their trust in Him.

This verse comes near the end of a psalm written by David, speaking to people who are troubled by the success of the wicked. David reassures his listeners that God is actively involved in helping those who rely on Him, especially when they face harm from evil people. The focus is on God’s faithful response to trust, not on human effort or strength.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:40

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship and God’s faithfulness to His people.
  • help (עָזַר, azar): This word means to give aid or support, highlighting that God is not distant but steps in to assist those who trust Him.
  • deliver (פָּלַט, palat): Used twice in this verse, this word means to rescue or bring to safety, stressing God’s active role in pulling people out of danger, especially from the wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha‘).
  • trust (חָסָה, chasah): This word means to seek refuge or take shelter, painting a picture of people turning to God for safety like someone fleeing to a strong fortress.

Why Psalms 37:40 matters

  • Psalms 37:40 clarifies that God’s help is not automatic for everyone, but is closely tied to trusting Him, which is a personal and ongoing act.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s deliverance is not just spiritual but includes real-world rescue from harm caused by wicked people.
  • This verse ties together the main theme of Psalm 37, which contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with the lasting security of those who trust in God.

Where else these words appear

“deliver” Hebrew H6403 · used in 23 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
  • Psalms 18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
  • Psalms 71:2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“help” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.