But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse contrasts two destinies: destruction for transgressors and being "cut off" for the wicked. This phrase, "cut off," can refer not only to the wicked person's own life but also, in ancient thought, to the annihilation of their posterity, signifying the complete end of their lineage. It highlights a profound sense of finality for those who reject God's ways.
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is contrasting the fate of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. Following a description of the upright man's peaceful end, the psalm then declares the complete destruction of those who rebel against God. This stark contrast is meant to encourage perseverance in faith, even when outward appearances might suggest otherwise.
Have you ever seen someone prosper despite doing wrong and wondered if there's any real justice? This psalm speaks directly to that.
The verse declares unequivocally that "transgressors shall be altogether destroyed" and "the future of the wicked shall be cut off." This isn't a maybe; it's a certainty.
No Exceptions
The word "together" or "altogether" emphasizes that there's no escaping this fate for those who persist in wickedness. It's not about a few bad apples, but a complete and final end for those who live in rebellion against God.
The End of Their Story
When it says their "future shall be cut off," it speaks to more than just their current prosperity. It means their legacy, their hope, and their very existence in God's plan will be terminated. Their story ends in ruin, starkly contrasting with the eternal hope of the righteous.
Sometimes it feels like evil wins, doesn't it? This verse reminds us to look beyond the immediate.
The psalm acknowledges that the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, which can be a source of frustration for believers. However, the core message here is about the ultimate outcome, not the temporary appearances.
The Long View
Calvin rightly points out that we shouldn't judge based on initial appearances. We need to "extend our view... to a great distance" to see the true end of both the righteous and the wicked. The psalm encourages patience, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and the final results will reveal His justice.
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A Different Destiny
While transgressors face destruction, the righteous, though perhaps tested, have a future secured by God. This isn't about worldly success, but about an eternal peace and salvation that comes from the Lord.
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 describing the ultimate downfall of the wicked, contrasting their temporary prosperity with their final, complete destruction.
Proverbs 11:3This proverb directly parallels the verse's theme, stating that the integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous leads to ruin, reflecting the destruction of the wicked.
Matthew 13:40-42Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds illustrates the future separation of the wicked from the righteous, highlighting their eventual destruction and removal from God's kingdom, much like the 'cutting off' mentioned in the psalm.
2 Peter 3:7This New Testament passage speaks of the destruction of the ungodly by fire on the day of judgment, reinforcing the idea of a definitive and final end for those who oppose God, as suggested by Psalm 37:38.
Galatians 6:7-8This verse explains the principle of reaping what one sows. It connects the actions of living in the flesh (wickedness) to destruction, while sowing to the Spirit (righteousness) leads to eternal life, providing a spiritual explanation for the fate described 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 two destinies: destruction for transgressors and being "cut off" for the wicked. This phrase, "cut off," can refer not only to the wicked person's own life but also, in ancient thought, to the annihilation of their posterity, signifying the complete end of their lineage. It highlights a profound sense of finality for those who reject God's ways.
This psalm is contrasting the fate of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. Following a description of the upright man's peaceful end, the psalm then declares the complete destruction of those who rebel against God. This stark contrast is meant to encourage perseverance in faith, even when outward appearances might suggest otherwise.
This psalm is contrasting the fate of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. Following a description of the upright man's peaceful end, the psalm then declares the complete destruction of those who rebel against God. This stark contrast is meant to encourage perseverance in faith, even when outward appearances might suggest otherwise.
"But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off." — The verse contrasts two destinies: destruction for transgressors and being "cut off" for the wicked. This phrase, "cut off," can refer not only to the wicked person's own life but also, in ancient th…
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Last reviewed October 2026