The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that salvation isn't just a future event for the righteous, but a present reality: God is their "stronghold," actively providing shelter and strength right now in the midst of hardship. This highlights that divine help isn't something distant, but a tangible refuge available in the very moments of struggle.
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be cut off, the psalmist shifts focus to the unwavering security of those who trust in the Lord, assuring them that their deliverance and protection come directly from God, especially during difficult times. This leads into the final verses where the psalmist reiterates that God will save and preserve those who trust in Him.
When life throws its worst at you, where does your help come from? This verse points to a divine source, not a human one.
The Source of Our Salvation
This verse makes it crystal clear: "The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD." This isn't just a helpful suggestion; it's a foundational truth. It means our rescue, our deliverance, our ultimate well-being doesn't originate from our own efforts or goodness. It springs entirely from God's character and His decision to act on our behalf.
Life's storms can feel overwhelming. But this verse offers a picture of God as our ultimate defense.
Our Secure Refuge
The second part of the verse reveals how God provides salvation: "he is their stronghold in the time of trouble." The word translated here as 'stronghold' conjures images of a fortified city, a place of ultimate safety and defense. It’s more than just a temporary shelter; it’s an unshakeable refuge.
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Understand the original words
teshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Involves rescue, deliverance, and victory provided by God, encompassing both physical preservation and the ultimate spiritual well-being of the believer.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A covenant name for God, the self-existent "I AM," who is faithful to His promises and enters into a personal, redeeming relationship with His people.
ma'oz · Hebrew Noun
A place of protection or a mountain fortress; it metaphorically describes God as the secure, impenetrable refuge for His people in times of danger.
This passage echoes the theme of divine protection during difficult times, stating that God's presence with His people ensures their safety when they pass through difficult circumstances.
2 Samuel 22:3This verse is a powerful parallel, describing God as a rock, fortress, deliverer, and shield, directly aligning with the idea of God being the righteous person's stronghold and salvation.
Nahum 1:7This verse directly states that the LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and that He knows those who take refuge in Him, reinforcing the message of Psalm 37:39.
1 Corinthians 10:13While not using the same imagery, this passage speaks to God's faithfulness in providing a way out of temptation and trouble, which is the practical outworking of His being a stronghold for the righteous.
poolePsalms 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; and therefore it shall certainly come to them.
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 emphasizes that salvation isn't just a future event for the righteous, but a present reality: God is their "stronghold," actively providing shelter and strength right now in the midst of hardship. This highlights that divine help isn't something distant, but a tangible refuge available in the very moments of struggle.
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be cut off, the psalmist shifts focus to the unwavering security of those who trust in the Lord, assuring them that their deliverance and protection come directly from God, especially during difficult times. This leads into the final verses where the psalmist reiterates that God will save and preserve those who trust in Him.
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be cut off, the psalmist shifts focus to the unwavering security of those who trust in the Lord, assuring them that their deliverance and protection come directly from God, especially during difficult times. This leads into the final verses where the psalmist reiterates that God will save and preserve those who trust in Him.
"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble." — The verse emphasizes that salvation isn't just a future event for the righteous, but a present reality: God is their "stronghold," actively providing shelter and strength right now in the midst o…
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Last reviewed October 2026