King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:22 Mean?

Psalms 37:22 in the King James Version says “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.”

Psalms 37:22 · KJV

Context

20

But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. the fat: Heb. the preciousness

21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. ordered: or, established

24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Read Psalms 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (מְבֹרָכָיו יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, mevorakhav yirshu-arets)—the mevorakhim (blessed ones) receive the land promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, 17:8). Jesus radicalized this in the Beatitudes: "the meek shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). They that be cursed of him shall be cut off (מְקֻלָּלָיו יִכָּרֵתוּ, meqolalav yikaretu)—karet, being "cut off," meant covenant exclusion, divine judgment removing one from God's people and promises.

This verse reveals election theology: inheritance flows from divine blessing, not human merit. The land promise extends beyond Canaan to the renewed creation (Romans 4:13, Revelation 21:1-4). Those cursed are self-excluded through covenant rebellion, not arbitrary divine rejection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'earth' (erets) had layered meaning: the Promised Land of Canaan for Israel, and eschatologically, the renewed world. Post-exilic Jews meditated on this promise during Babylonian captivity when the land seemed lost, clinging to God's unchanging blessing despite judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding inheritance as divine gift rather than earned reward change your approach to spiritual life?
  2. What does it mean today to 'inherit the earth' as one of God's blessed people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כִּ֣י1 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְ֭בֹרָכָיו2 of 6

“For such as be blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יִ֣ירְשׁוּ3 of 6

“of him shall inherit”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אָ֑רֶץ4 of 6

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּ֝מְקֻלָּלָ֗יו5 of 6

“and they that be cursed”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

יִכָּרֵֽתוּ׃6 of 6

“of him shall be cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

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 37:22 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 37:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:331 Corinthians 16:22Psalms 37:9Galatians 3:13Psalms 32:1Psalms 37:28

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 37 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes