For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "arms" of the wicked aren't just their physical limbs or weapons, but represent all the power, resources, and strength they wield for evil. When God breaks these "arms," He renders their entire capacity for doing harm utterly ineffective, highlighting the contrast with His steadfast support for the righteous.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a longer reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked contrasted with the struggles of the righteous. The psalmist urges patience and trust in God, assuring readers that this outward appearance is deceptive. The verse highlights this contrast by stating that while the wicked’s power will ultimately fail, God is the one who supports those who live rightly.
Ever wonder why those who seem to do so much harm often end up powerless? This verse offers a stark contrast.
The phrase 'arms of the wicked' is a powerful metaphor. It doesn't just refer to physical limbs, but to their capacity, their might, and their ability to carry out their harmful intentions.
The Source of Their Power
The wicked often rely on their own strength, resources, or influence – their 'arms.' They might be powerful in business, politics, or even in their personal relationships, using these to exert control and cause damage.
The Inevitable Break
Yet, this verse declares their strength will be 'broken.' This isn't a maybe; it's a declaration of divine intervention. Their power to do evil is ultimately temporary and will be rendered ineffective by God. It’s a reminder that no amount of worldly power can ultimately stand against the Almighty.
While the wicked face demolition, the righteous find an unyielding foundation. What makes this possible?
The second half of the verse presents a beautiful counterpoint: 'but the LORD upholds the righteous.' This is not about the righteous earning their stability, but about God's active engagement in their lives.
Divine Sustenance
'Upholds' suggests more than just passive existence; it implies active support, lifting up, and sustaining. God doesn't just let the righteous stand; He actively holds them.
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A Source of Strength
This divine support means that even when facing adversity, temptation, or the 'broken arms' of the wicked, the righteous can endure. Their strength doesn't come from within themselves, but from the One who sustains them. It speaks to God's faithfulness in preserving those who trust in Him, both in their present circumstances and for eternity.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and His relationship with His people. It signifies the self-existent God who fulfills His promises.
zeroa · Hebrew Noun
Frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to represent strength, power, or authority. To break the arms is to strip someone of their ability to inflict harm or exert control.
samak · Hebrew Verb
To support, sustain, or establish. In a theological sense, it refers to God’s active commitment to uphold, protect, and provide for His people, ensuring they do not fall.
This passage echoes the sentiment that God grants prosperity to the humble and lifts up those cast down, directly mirroring the contrast between the wicked being brought low and the righteous being upheld.
Psalm 10:15This verse directly parallels the breaking of the wicked's power ('arms'), stating that the Lord will cut off the wicked and remember the afflicted, reinforcing the psalm's core message.
Proverbs 3:5-6This passage encourages trusting in the Lord and leaning not on one's own understanding, which is the heart of what it means for God to 'uphold' the righteous, guiding their path.
Isaiah 41:10This powerful promise from Isaiah assures the fearful that God will strengthen and uphold them, providing a prophetic reinforcement of the divine support promised to the righteous in the psalm.
Luke 1:52This verse describes God bringing down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly, reflecting the same divine reversal of fortunes found in the contrast between the wicked and the righteous in Psalm 37:17.
calvinPsalms 37:16-19: "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked. [31] 17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but Jehovah upholdeth the righteous. 18. Jehovah knoweth the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be everlasting. 19. They shall not be ashamed in the season of adversity; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Better is the little of the right…
pulpitPsalms 37:17: "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."
Verse 17. - For the arms of the wicked shall be broken (scrap. Psalm 10:15). The wicked shall be disabled from doing more mischief. If not slain outright, they shall return from the combats that they have provoked with shattered weapons (ver. 15) and damaged persons. But the Lord up-holdeth the righteous. Their adversaries in the encounters.
The "arms" of the wicked aren't just their physical limbs or weapons, but represent all the power, resources, and strength they wield for evil. When God breaks these "arms," He renders their entire capacity for doing harm utterly ineffective, highlighting the contrast with His steadfast support for the righteous.
This psalm is a longer reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked contrasted with the struggles of the righteous. The psalmist urges patience and trust in God, assuring readers that this outward appearance is deceptive. The verse highlights this contrast by stating that while the wicked’s power will ultimately fail, God is the one who supports those who live rightly.
This psalm is a longer reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked contrasted with the struggles of the righteous. The psalmist urges patience and trust in God, assuring readers that this outward appearance is deceptive. The verse highlights this contrast by stating that while the wicked’s power will ultimately fail, God is the one who supports those who live rightly.
"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous." — The "arms" of the wicked aren't just their physical limbs or weapons, but represent all the power, resources, and strength they wield for evil. When God breaks these "arms," He renders their entire c…
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Last reviewed October 2026