Psalms 37:38
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, but the word for "end" concerning the wicked can also mean their posterity. This means their lineage, their descendants, will be cut off, not just their individual lives, highlighting a complete obliteration of their legacy.
This Psalm has been contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked throughout. Having just affirmed that the upright man's future is peace, the Psalmist now directly addresses the fate of those who defy God. This verse serves as a stark counterpoint, emphasizing that their end is not peace, but complete destruction and a severed future.
The verse speaks of transgressors being 'altogether destroyed.' What does this stark language really mean for those who reject God's way?
The psalm uses powerful language to emphasize the complete and final end of the wicked. It's not simply about being separated from God's presence, but a total annihilation of their existence and influence.
The Bible often presents stark contrasts. What is the ultimate destiny of the wicked contrasted with here?
This verse, situated within Psalm 37, is designed to be understood in direct opposition to the fate of the righteous. While the wicked face utter destruction, the righteous find enduring peace and security.
Understand the original words
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
Individuals who intentionally cross or rebel against the boundaries of God's revealed law or covenant, choosing to act in defiance of divine authority.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are morally evil or guilty, specifically those who live in opposition to God's ways and standards, ultimately facing divine judgment.
This passage echoes Psalm 37:38 by stating that the integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them, highlighting the ultimate downfall awaiting those who deviate from righteousness.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus contrasts the broad gate and easy path leading to destruction with the narrow gate and difficult path leading to life, mirroring the psalm's theme of distinct and opposite ends for the wicked and the righteous.
Luke 16:19-31The parable of the rich man and Lazarus vividly illustrates the stark contrast in eternal destinies, showing the rich man's suffering after a life of wickedness and the righteous Lazarus's comfort, reinforcing the finality of the wicked's end.
Romans 6:23This verse directly states that the wages of sin is death, while the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, aligning with the psalm's message that transgressors face destruction while the righteous find their ultimate salvation and preservation.
2 Thessalonians 1:9Here, the Apostle Paul describes the punishment awaiting the wicked: destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, a powerful parallel to the 'cutting off' and 'destruction' spoken of in Psalm 37:38.
poolePsalms 37:38: "But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off."
Together; or, alike , one as well as another; all, without any exception or respect of persons. The end of the wicked shall be cut off, i. e. he shall be cut off at last, or in the end. His prosperity shall end in destruction. Or, the posterity (as this word signifies, Psalm 109:13 Jeremiah 31:17 Ezekiel 23:25 Daniel 11:4 ) of the wicked , &c.
calvinPsalms 37:37-40: "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."
- Observe the perfect man, and consider the just for the end of that man is peace. 38. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39. The salvation of the righteous is from Jehovah: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40. Jehovah shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked: he shall preserve them, because they…
The verse contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, but the word for "end" concerning the wicked can also mean their posterity. This means their lineage, their descendants, will be cut off, not just their individual lives, highlighting a complete obliteration of their legacy.
This Psalm has been contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked throughout. Having just affirmed that the upright man's future is peace, the Psalmist now directly addresses the fate of those who defy God. This verse serves as a stark counterpoint, emphasizing that their end is not peace, but complete destruction and a severed future.
This Psalm has been contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked throughout. Having just affirmed that the upright man's future is peace, the Psalmist now directly addresses the fate of those who defy God. This verse serves as a stark counterpoint, emphasizing that their end is not peace, but complete destruction and a severed future.
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"But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off." — The verse contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, but the word for "end" concerning the wicked can also mean their posterity. This means their lineage, their descendan…
