King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:40 Mean?

Psalms 37:40 in the King James Version says “And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 37:40 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them (וְיַעְזְרֵם יְהוָה וִיפַלְּטֵם, ve-ya'zerem YHWH vi-yfalletem)—Azar means aid; palat means deliver, rescue. Because they trust in him (כִּי־חָסוּ בוֹ, ki-chasu vo)—Chasu means take refuge in, trust in.

Four Hebrew verbs (help, deliver, deliver again, save) emphasize comprehensive divine action. The final phrase reveals the key: because they trust in him. Not because they're sinless, but because they flee to him for refuge. This is the psalm's thesis—trust in YHWH produces stability, vindication, and peace. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this; Hebrews 10:39 applies it to Christian perseverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This summarizes Israel's exodus narrative, David's life story, and the early church's persecution experience. Each deliverance strengthened subsequent trust. The Maccabean period, Roman persecution, and centuries of martyrdom witnessed this promise: God delivers those who take refuge in him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse distinguish between trusting God and trusting in your own righteousness?
  2. In what current situation do you need to actively "take refuge" in God rather than human solutions?
  3. How does understanding deliverance as both temporal and eternal help you persevere through difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַֽיַּעְזְרֵ֥ם1 of 9

“shall help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 9

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם3 of 9

“them and deliver”

H6403

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם4 of 9

“them and deliver”

H6403

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

מֵ֭רְשָׁעִים5 of 9

“them from the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְיוֹשִׁיעֵ֑ם6 of 9

“and save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

כִּי7 of 9
H3588

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

חָ֥סוּ8 of 9

“them because they trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בֽוֹ׃9 of 9
H0

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 37:40 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 37:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 31:51 Chronicles 5:20Daniel 3:17Daniel 6:23Isaiah 46:4Daniel 3:28

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