King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:14 Mean?

Psalms 37:14 in the King James Version says “The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. such: Heb. the upright of way”

Psalms 37:14 · KJV

Context

12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. plotteth: or, practiseth

13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. such: Heb. the upright of way

15

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Read Psalms 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The weapons—sword and bow—represent both close combat and distance attack, indicating comprehensive assault. The targets—'poor and needy' and 'upright'—are vulnerable and righteous, those most deserving protection yet most often victimized. 'Cast down' and 'slay' reveal murderous intent. This verse exposes the wicked's cowardice: rather than confronting equals, they attack the defenseless. Yet verse 15 will reverse this, showing divine justice ensures the oppressor's weapons become instruments of self-destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Swords and bows were primary ancient weapons. The poor and needy lacked resources for defense, making them easy targets for exploitation and violence by the powerful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you called to defend the 'poor and needy' against those who would exploit them?
  2. When has your uprightness made you a target for the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
חֶ֤רֶב׀1 of 11

“the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

פָּֽתְח֣וּ2 of 11

“have drawn out”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

רְשָׁעִים֮3 of 11

“The wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְדָרְכ֪וּ4 of 11

“and have bent”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם5 of 11

“their bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

לְ֭הַפִּיל6 of 11

“to cast down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עָנִ֣י7 of 11

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְי֑וֹן8 of 11

“and needy”

H34

destitute

לִ֝טְב֗וֹחַ9 of 11

“and to slay”

H2873

to slaughter (animals or men)

יִשְׁרֵי10 of 11

“such as be of upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

דָֽרֶךְ׃11 of 11

“conversation”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 37:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 37:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 29:27Psalms 11:21 John 3:12Proverbs 29:10Acts 12:111 Samuel 24:17

Test Your Knowledge

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