For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "wait for the LORD" isn't just passive patience; it implies actively trusting and relying on God, even when things look bleak. It's a deliberate choice to anchor your hope in Him, not in the fleeting prosperity of the wicked.
For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist is contrasting the temporary success of wicked people with the ultimate security of those who trust in God. He's urging the reader not to be agitated by the ungodly's apparent prosperity, because their flourishing is fleeting and their end will be destruction. In contrast, those who patiently wait for the Lord will receive a lasting inheritance.
Ever watch the 'bad guys' seem to win, leaving you scratching your head? This verse addresses that head-on.
The phrase 'cut off' doesn't just mean they'll eventually die. It speaks to a definitive removal, a complete severance from life and prosperity.
A Bitter End
When the Psalmist says the evildoers 'shall be cut off,' he's not mincing words. This isn't a gentle fading away; it's a forceful, decisive end. Think of it like a branch being pruned permanently from a tree, or a weed being ripped from the ground, roots and all.
Beyond the Grave
While this certainly points to death, it often implies more – a removal from God's presence and a loss of all they thought they possessed. Their prosperity, their schemes, their very existence in the land (or 'earth' as it's often translated) will be brought to an abrupt and miserable end. It's a stark reminder that their fleeting success is not the final word.
What does it mean to 'wait for the LORD,' and why is it linked to inheriting the earth?
This isn't about passive waiting, but active trust and patient endurance.
More Than Just Land
While 'inherit the land' can literally refer to the Promised Land for ancient Israel (a place of security and blessing), it holds deeper meaning.
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The Heart of Waiting
To 'wait for the LORD' means to commit yourself to Him, to trust His timing, and to live in humble submission to His will, even when things are difficult or confusing. It's an active hope that sustains us through trials, knowing our ultimate inheritance is secure.
Understand the original words
ra'a · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who reject God’s authority and engage in morally reprehensible behavior, acting in opposition to His revealed will. They are contrasted throughout the wisdom literature with those who fear the Lord.
karat · Hebrew Verb
The act of being removed, destroyed, or terminated from life or covenantal blessing. It often implies a divine judgment or separation from the community of the righteous.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
In a theological context, this refers to the promise of the blessings of God’s kingdom and His presence, ultimately pointing toward the eternal rest and restoration provided for God's faithful people.
rasha · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Individuals who are ethically or spiritually corrupt, characterized by their rejection of God's ways and their subsequent instability and coming judgment.
This Psalm was likely composed during or shortly after the Babylonian exile. The promise that 'those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land' would have offered profound hope to a people dispossessed of their homeland, assuring them that their suffering was temporary and divine justice would prevail.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
Under King David, the united kingdom of Israel achieved significant military and political stability, establishing Jerusalem as its capital. This era represented a high point of national unity and perceived divine favor.
c. 975 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following the death of Solomon, the united kingdom split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division led to prolonged conflict and internal instability.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Invasions Begin
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began its incursions into the region, directly impacting both Israel and Judah through military campaigns, political pressure, and the deportation of populations.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, fell to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the ten northern tribes and the end of the northern kingdom.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeated the Egyptian forces and began deporting Judean elites, including young nobles like Daniel, to Babylon. This marked the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the population to Babylon. This event shattered the Israelite nation and its perceived divine covenant.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, and shortly thereafter issued a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
This passage echoes the promise of inheriting the earth by stating, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,' linking meekness and perseverance with a future inheritance.
Romans 8:18It connects present suffering with future glory, suggesting that our current troubles are not comparable to the inheritance we will receive, aligning with the idea that the 'inheritance' for those who wait on the Lord is far greater than present circumstances.
Galatians 6:9This verse directly encourages perseverance in doing good, warning against growing weary, which directly relates to the 'waiting' mentioned in Psalms, promising a future reward if we don't give up.
1 Peter 3:9It urges believers not to repay evil with evil but to bless, tying the concept of 'waiting on the Lord' to a gentle, unretaliatory spirit and promising a blessing as a result.
2 Peter 3:13This passage speaks of a future 'new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,' which provides a prophetic fulfillment for the ultimate 'inheritance of the earth' promised to the faithful.
calvinPsalms 37:7-11: "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
- Be silent to Jehovah, and wait for him; fret not because of the man who prospereth in his way, against the man who commits wickedness. [23] 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself so as to do evil, 9. For the wicked shall be cut off; but those that wait upon Jehovah shall inherit the earth. 10. Yet…
clarkePsalms 37:9: "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth."
They shall inherit the earth - The word ארץ arets, throughout this Psalm, should be translated land, not earth; for it is most probable that it refers to the land of Judea; and in this verse there is a promise of their return thither.
The phrase "wait for the LORD" isn't just passive patience; it implies actively trusting and relying on God, even when things look bleak. It's a deliberate choice to anchor your hope in Him, not in the fleeting prosperity of the wicked.
The Psalmist is contrasting the temporary success of wicked people with the ultimate security of those who trust in God. He's urging the reader not to be agitated by the ungodly's apparent prosperity, because their flourishing is fleeting and their end will be destruction. In contrast, those who patiently wait for the Lord will receive a lasting inheritance.
The Psalmist is contrasting the temporary success of wicked people with the ultimate security of those who trust in God. He's urging the reader not to be agitated by the ungodly's apparent prosperity, because their flourishing is fleeting and their end will be destruction. In contrast, those who patiently wait for the Lord will receive a lasting inheritance.
"For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there." — The phrase "wait for the LORD" isn't just passive patience; it implies actively trusting and relying on God, even when things look bleak. It's a deliberate choice to anchor your hope in Him, not in t…
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Last reviewed October 2026