for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "inheritance" and "cutting off" aren't just about what happens in this life, but also about a deeper spiritual reality. The "land" here represents more than just physical territory; it signifies God's favor and belonging within His covenant, a promise that extends beyond earthly circumstances.
for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes from Psalm 37, a psalm of instruction from David. It addresses the common struggle of seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, urging patience and trust in God's timing. The psalm contrasts the ultimate fate of both groups, assuring that God’s blessing leads to inheritance and security, while His curse results in destruction.
Have you ever felt like the 'blessed' and the 'cursed' were just abstract ideas? This verse grounds them in God's direct action.
Psalm 37:22 presents a stark dichotomy based on God's favor or displeasure. It's not about luck or arbitrary fate, but about the direct consequences of being aligned with or opposed to God.
The Divine Blessing
Those who are 'blessed by the LORD' are those who are in relationship with Him, living according to His ways. This blessing isn't just a pat on the head; it leads to an inheritance. Historically, 'inheriting the land' in the Old Testament often meant a secure, prosperous life within the promised land, a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness. It speaks to stability, provision, and belonging.
The Divine Curse
Conversely, those 'cursed by him' are those who actively oppose or disregard Him. This curse isn't a wish for misfortune, but the natural, inevitable outcome of living outside of God's favor. 'Cut off' signifies being removed, not just from life, but from the community, from security, and ultimately, from God's presence. It's the opposite of inheritance – it's utter loss and finality.
The 'land' here might sound old-fashioned, but its spiritual meaning still resonates powerfully today.
While 'inheriting the land' has a literal historical context in ancient Israel, its significance in Psalm 37 extends beyond mere real estate. It represents a life of security, abundance, and belonging that flows directly from God's favor.
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A Secure Future
For the Israelites, inheriting the land was a sign of God's covenant promise – a place to live in peace and prosperity, free from oppression. It was a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness. The righteous, being blessed by God, can expect a stable existence, a sense of home and security, not dependent on fleeting worldly gains.
Abundant Provision
'Inheriting' also implies a lasting provision. Those blessed by God are not left wanting. This doesn't mean they'll be wealthy beyond measure, but that God will provide what is necessary for life and godliness, enabling them to be generous to others, as Calvin noted. It's a sufficiency rooted in God's abundant grace, not in hoarded wealth.
Belonging and Presence
Ultimately, 'inheriting the land' points to a deeper inheritance: dwelling in God's presence, both now and forever. It's about being part of God's people, His kingdom, where true security and lasting joy are found.
The phrase 'cut off' sounds severe. What does it truly signify in the context of God's justice?
The stark counterpoint to inheriting the land is being 'cut off.' This isn't just about facing hardship or even death; it's about a complete and final separation.
Separation from Life
At its most basic level, 'cut off' means being removed from the land of the living. This could manifest as premature death, not just for the individual but often impacting their lineage and legacy, as commentators noted. It signifies a life unfulfilled and abruptly ended.
Separation from God's People
Beyond the physical, being cut off implies a severing from the community of faith, from the blessings and protection God provides to His people. It's a loss of belonging and of the corporate anointing that comes from being part of God's covenant community.
Final Separation
In its ultimate sense, 'cut off' points to eternal separation from God. It's the final consequence of rejecting God's blessing and living under His curse. As Gill suggests, this separation leads to everlasting perishing. It's the complete opposite of inheriting God's kingdom and presence.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
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.
arar · Hebrew Verb (Participle)
To be under divine judgment, separated from the presence and favor of God; the opposite of being blessed.
karath · Hebrew Verb
To be destroyed, removed, or separated from the covenant community and the life of God's people.
This passage speaks of God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham, directly linking blessing from God to an inheritance and a positive future, much like Psalm 37:22.
Deuteronomy 28:1-14This chapter lays out the blessings for obedience, which include inheriting the land and prosperity, paralleling the 'inherit the land' aspect for those blessed by the Lord in Psalm 37:22.
Deuteronomy 28:15-68Conversely, this passage details the curses for disobedience, including being 'cut off' and losing the land, which mirrors the fate of those cursed by the Lord in Psalm 37:22.
Galatians 3:13-14Paul connects the curse of the law to Christ taking it upon himself, so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, highlighting the ultimate reversal of curses and the impartation of blessings.
Matthew 25:34-40Jesus speaks of the Father's blessing for the righteous, granting them an inheritance of the kingdom, and contrasts this with the fate of the wicked, echoing the theme of inheritance for the blessed and separation for the cursed.
calvinPsalms 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…
clarkePsalms 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.
The "inheritance" and "cutting off" aren't just about what happens in this life, but also about a deeper spiritual reality. The "land" here represents more than just physical territory; it signifies God's favor and belonging within His covenant, a promise that extends beyond earthly circumstances.
This passage comes from Psalm 37, a psalm of instruction from David. It addresses the common struggle of seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, urging patience and trust in God's timing. The psalm contrasts the ultimate fate of both groups, assuring that God’s blessing leads to inheritance and security, while His curse results in destruction.
This passage comes from Psalm 37, a psalm of instruction from David. It addresses the common struggle of seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, urging patience and trust in God's timing. The psalm contrasts the ultimate fate of both groups, assuring that God’s blessing leads to inheritance and security, while His curse results in destruction.
"for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off." — The "inheritance" and "cutting off" aren't just about what happens in this life, but also about a deeper spiritual reality. The "land" here represents more than just physical territory; it signifies…
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Last reviewed October 2026