What does Psalm 37:38 mean?
ESV: But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
NIV: But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked.
NASB: But wrongdoers will altogether be destroyed; The future of the wicked will be eliminated.
CSB: But transgressors will all be eliminated; the future of the wicked will be destroyed.
NLT: But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
KJV: But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
NKJV: But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Verse Commentary:
Again, David tells us the wicked will be destroyed and cut off. The "transgressors" are those who rebel against God's authority. Satan was the first rebel against God's rule. He purposed to overthrow God and rule in His place. Satan said in his heart, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). But the Most High answered: "But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit" (Isaiah 14:15). Ultimately, the Devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
All human beings have also rebelled against God. Like sheep, we have all gone astray and turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6). The only way to avoid eternal judgment is to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16–18, 36). To be "cut off" (Psalm 37:38) is to forfeit eternal life and the blessings God bestows on the righteous. Some Bible teachers believe the future of the wicked, mentioned in this verse, extends to the descendants of the wicked who continue in the sins of prior generations (Exodus 34:6–7).
Verse Context:
Psalm 37:32–40 describes the actions of the wicked and the judgment they face at the hands of the Lord. It also relates what the righteous person ought to do and what the Lord will do for him. The wicked have a dreadful future, whereas the future of the righteous is one of exaltation, peace, and deliverance.
Chapter Summary:
In this psalm, David contrasts the way God protects and saves His people, contrasted with the ruin which awaits the wicked. Much of this seems to be based on David's own experiences (Psalm 37:25, 35). As with many other passages in Psalms and Proverbs, this passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity.
Chapter Context:
Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David's assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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