Psalms 37:22 Meaning Explained

Psalms 37:22

for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse highlights a direct divine accounting: those favored by God will experience lasting security ("inherit the land"), while those under His condemnation will simply vanish ("be cut off"). This isn't about human judgment or the fortunes of war, but the ultimate, divinely ordained outcome based on blessing or curse.

What Psalms 37:22 means

This psalm is grappling with a persistent problem: why do wicked people often seem to prosper while godly people suffer? The psalmist offers a contrasting view of their ultimate fates, asserting that those who are blessed by God will endure and inherit, while those cursed by Him will be wiped out. This perspective builds on earlier parts of the psalm that describe the transience of the wicked's success and the lasting security of the righteous.

The Blessing and the Curse: God's Ultimate Verdict

Ever wondered why some people seem to have it all while others struggle, even when their actions seem similar? This verse points to a divine perspective that goes beyond earthly appearances.

A Divine Decree

Psalm 37:22 presents a clear contrast based on God's verdict: inheritance versus being cut off. This isn't just about immediate circumstances but about a fundamental outcome determined by whether one is 'blessed' or 'cursed' by the Lord.

Inheriting the Land: This signifies more than just owning property. In the Old Testament context, inheriting the land meant security, prosperity, and a place within God's covenant promises. It was a sign of God's favor and presence.
Being Cut Off: This speaks of ultimate destruction, removal from the community of God's people, and facing judgment. It signifies a complete lack of God's favor and presence.

This verse emphasizes that God's blessing and curse are not arbitrary but are the divine pronouncements that shape ultimate destiny.

True Inheritance vs. Fleeting Possessions

What does it truly mean to 'inherit the earth'? Is it about wealth, status, or something far more profound and lasting?

More Than Material Gain

The concept of 'inheriting the earth' in this psalm goes beyond mere earthly possessions or temporary prosperity. It speaks to a deep, abiding security and a place within God's ordered creation.

The Wicked's Lack: The wicked, though they may seem prosperous, are ultimately 'cut off.' Their gains are fleeting and do not provide true security or lasting inheritance. They are like smoke, consuming away (as noted by Calvin).
The Blessed's Security: Those blessed by the Lord, however, 'inherit the land.' This represents a settled, secure, and God-ordained existence. It's about being in right relationship with God and experiencing His provision and protection, which brings true contentment and stability.

Understand the original words

Original language

blessedבָּרַךְ

barak · Hebrew Verb (Participle)

Refers to the favor and empowerment of God bestowed upon individuals, often associated with covenantal loyalty and the fulfillment of divine promises.

the LORDיהוה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The personal name of God, revealing His self-existence and relationship with His people.

the landאֶרֶץ

erets · Hebrew Noun

The promised land of Canaan, symbolizing God's presence, blessing, and the secure resting place of His people under His kingdom reign.

cursedאָרַר

arar · Hebrew Verb (Participle)

To be under divine judgment, separated from the presence and favor of God; the opposite of being blessed.

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during the monarchy, perhaps around the 10th century BC, though some psalms are dated later.
Author: Traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest it could be a composite work or written by others during the post-exilic period.
Location: Likely written from Jerusalem, as it is a collection of temple or personal prayers.
Genre: Poetry (specifically, wisdom literature), characterized by parallelism and acrostic structure in some sections.

Key themes

01Divine blessing and inheritance
02Divine curse and cutting off
03Contrast of fates
04Sovereign possession of land

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 15:23

This passage, like Psalm 37:22, contrasts those who are blessed by God with those who are cursed, emphasizing the inheritance of the land for the former and the latter being 'cut off'.

Proverbs 2:21-22

This proverb echoes the sentiment of Psalm 37:22 by stating that the upright will inhabit the land, while the treacherous and wicked will be cut off from it.

Matthew 5:5

Jesus echoes the promise of inheriting the land in the Beatitudes, linking meekness with the assurance of possessing the earth, a concept that resonates with Psalm 37:22's theme of inheritance for the blessed.

Galatians 3:13-14

This passage speaks of being redeemed from the curse of the law, which aligns with the concept of being 'cursed' in Psalm 37:22 and points towards a blessing received through Christ that allows inheritance.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 37:20-22: "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away."

For the wicked shalt perish, and the enemies of Jehovah shall be consumed as the preciousness [35] of lambs; they shalt be consumed into smoke. [36] 21. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; but the righteous is merciful, and giveth. 22. For those who are blessed by him shall inherit the earth; and those who are cursed of him…

calvin

Psalms 37:22: "For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off."

Shall inherit the earth - ארץ arets the land, as before. See Psalm 37:11 . Shall be cut off - A wicked Jew shall meet with the same fate as a wicked Babylonian; and a wicked Christian shall fare no better.
clarke

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