King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:28 Mean?

Psalms 37:28 in the King James Version says “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shal... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalms 37:28 · KJV


Context

26

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ever: Heb. all the day

27

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD loveth judgment (כִּי יְהוָה אֹהֵב מִשְׁפָּט, ki YHWH ohev mishpat)—God's ahavah (love) for mishpat (justice/judgment/rights) grounds all moral order. He isn't indifferent to right and wrong but passionately loves justice. And forsaketh not his saints (וְלֹא־יַעֲזֹב אֶת־חֲסִידָיו, v'lo-ya'azov et-chasidav)—chasidim (holy/godly ones, from chesed, steadfast love) are never azav (forsaken). They are preserved for ever (לְעוֹלָם נִשְׁמָרוּ, le'olam nishmaru)—shamar (kept/guarded/watched over) promises eternal security. But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off (וְזֶרַע רְשָׁעִים נִכְרָת, v'zera resha'im nikhrat)—karet again: covenant exclusion, generational judgment.

This verse anchors eternal security in God's character: He loves justice, therefore cannot forsake the righteous (who embody His justice) nor preserve the wicked (who violate it). Romans 8:38-39 expounds this: nothing can separate us from God's love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written against Israel's experience of exile (punishment for covenant-breaking) yet confidence in God's preservation of a remnant. The chasidim were the faithful few who maintained Torah devotion during apostasy, trusting God's promise to preserve despite national judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's love for justice comfort or challenge you—does it assure you of His faithfulness or convict you of areas lacking His righteousness?
  2. What does it mean that God 'preserves' His saints forever—how does eternal security relate to present perseverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

יְהוָ֨ה׀2 of 13

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֹ֘הֵ֤ב3 of 13

loveth

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

מִשְׁפָּ֗ט4 of 13

judgment

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְלֹא5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲזֹ֣ב6 of 13

and forsaketh

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת7 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲ֭סִידָיו8 of 13

not his saints

H2623

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

לְעוֹלָ֣ם9 of 13

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

נִשְׁמָ֑רוּ10 of 13

they are preserved

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וְזֶ֖רַע11 of 13

but the seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

רְשָׁעִ֣ים12 of 13

of the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

נִכְרָֽת׃13 of 13

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 37:28 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 37:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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