King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:38 Mean?

Psalms 37:38 in the King James Version says “But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.”

Psalms 37:38 · KJV

Context

36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: 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

But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Read Psalms 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together (וּפֹשְׁעִים נִשְׁמְדוּ יַחְדָּו, u-fosh'im nishmadu yachdav)—Posh'im are rebels, willful transgressors; shamad means utterly destroyed. Yachdav (together) suggests comprehensive judgment. The end of the wicked shall be cut off (אַחֲרִית רְשָׁעִים נִכְרָתָה, acharit resha'im nikhratah)—Karat means cut off—covenant language for divine curse (Genesis 17:14).

This provides dark counterpoint to verse 37. The same word acharit (end) leads to opposite destinations: peace versus cutting off. The passive voice emphasizes divine agency—God acts as Judge. Revelation 20:11-15 depicts this final cutting off at the Great White Throne.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Flood (Genesis 6-8), Sodom (Genesis 19), Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), and Babylonian conquest demonstrated God's willingness to "cut off" persistent rebels. The wilderness generation died together (Numbers 14:29-35). History repeatedly validates this warning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does certainty of final judgment shape your view of current injustices going unpunished?
  2. What distinguishes God's patience with sinners from tolerance of ongoing rebellion against him?
  3. How should Christians communicate this difficult truth with both honesty and compassion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּֽ֭פֹשְׁעִים1 of 6

“But the transgressors”

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

נִשְׁמְד֣וּ2 of 6

“shall be destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

יַחְדָּ֑ו3 of 6

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

אַחֲרִ֖ית4 of 6

“the end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

רְשָׁעִ֣ים5 of 6

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

נִכְרָֽתָה׃6 of 6

“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 37:38 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 37:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 14:32Psalms 52:52 Thessalonians 1:8-9Psalms 1:4-6Matthew 13:49-50Psalms 9:17

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