King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:7 Mean?

Psalms 37:7 in the King James Version says “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 37:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Read Psalms 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Rest in the LORD' (Hebrew 'damam,' be still, silent, quiet) and 'wait patiently' emphasize active trust through passive waiting. The repetition of 'fret not' (from v. 1) with specific application—don't fret over the prosperous wicked—intensifies the command. The one who 'prospereth in his way' appears to validate wickedness through success, creating spiritual crisis. Yet God's people must cultivate stillness before God, refusing anxiety's agitation. This rest isn't passivity but confident trust that God governs outcomes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient culture, success was often interpreted as divine blessing. Seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffered challenged this theology, requiring deeper faith in God's ultimate justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'resting in the LORD' practically look like when others prosper through evil?
  2. How can you develop patient waiting without passive resignation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
דּ֤וֹם׀1 of 11

“Rest”

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

לַיהוָה֮2 of 11

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִתְח֪וֹלֵ֫ל3 of 11

“and wait patiently”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

ל֥וֹ4 of 11
H0
אַל5 of 11
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֭תְחַר6 of 11

“for him fret”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

בְּמַצְלִ֣יחַ7 of 11

“not thyself because of him who prospereth”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

דַּרְכּ֑וֹ8 of 11

“in his way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּ֝אִ֗ישׁ9 of 11

“because of the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֹשֶׂ֥ה10 of 11

“to pass”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְזִמּֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“wicked devices”

H4209

a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)

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 37:7 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 37:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:7-11Psalms 27:14Psalms 62:5Hebrews 10:36-37Lamentations 3:25-26Proverbs 20:22

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