King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:6 Mean?

Psalms 37:6 in the King James Version says “And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Psalms 37:6 · KJV


Context

4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Commit: Heb. Roll thy way upon

6

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Rest in: Heb. Be silent to

8

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God will 'bring forth' (Hebrew 'yatsa,' cause to go out, produce) righteousness like dawn breaking—what was hidden in darkness becomes visible in light. The comparison to 'noonday' suggests not gradual vindication but blazing clarity where judgment is unmistakable. This addresses the hiddenness of righteousness in unjust times; though presently obscured, divine vindication will make righteousness shine undeniably. Romans 2:5 warns of 'the day when God shall judge,' when all hidden things become manifest (1 Corinthians 4:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Light imagery was powerful in pre-electric societies where sunrise and noon represented maximum visibility. David uses this to promise that currently hidden righteousness will become as obvious as blazing sunlight.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain integrity when your righteousness goes unnoticed or challenged?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing God will eventually bring your righteousness to light?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְהוֹצִ֣יא1 of 5

And he shall bring forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

כָא֣וֹר2 of 5

as the light

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

צִדְקֶ֑ךָ3 of 5

thy righteousness

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וּ֝מִשְׁפָּטֶ֗ךָ4 of 5

and thy judgment

H4941

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

כַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם׃5 of 5

as the noonday

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon


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 37:6 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 37:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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