Psalms 37:10

KJV

For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].

KJV (with Strong's)

For yet a little while {H4592}, and the wicked {H7563} shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider {H995} his place {H4725}, and it shall not be.

Complete Jewish Bible

Soon the wicked will be no more; you will look for his place, and he won't be there.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

American Standard Version

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:10 offers a profound assurance of divine justice, declaring that the apparent prosperity and presence of the wicked are fleeting and temporary. It promises that within a short span, the unrighteous will vanish, so completely that even a diligent search for their former influence or position will yield nothing. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement for the righteous to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign control, rather than to fret over present injustices, reinforcing the certainty of God's ultimate judgment and the vindication of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, designed to instruct and comfort the righteous who are often perplexed and disheartened by the prosperity of the wicked. It is an acrostic psalm (though not perfectly preserved in all versions), which suggests an orderly and comprehensive teaching on divine justice. The psalm repeatedly contrasts the transient success of the unrighteous with the enduring blessing and ultimate inheritance of those who trust in the Lord. This particular verse, [Psalms 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "Psalms 37:10 - The Wicked Shall Not Be"), directly continues the theme introduced in [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalms 37:1 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers"), which admonishes believers not to "fret because of evildoers" or "be envious against the workers of iniquity." It builds upon the preceding verses that promise the wicked will "soon be cut down like the grass" and "wither as the green herb" ([Psalms 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalms 37:2 - The Wicked Wither")). The immediate subsequent verse, [Psalms 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalms 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"), then offers a stark contrast, promising that "the meek shall inherit the earth."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during a time when the righteous often faced oppression or observed the ungodly flourishing, this psalm addresses a timeless human dilemma. In ancient Israel, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and suffering as a sign of judgment. This perspective could lead to spiritual confusion and doubt when the wicked appeared to prosper. The psalm challenges this simplistic view, asserting that true blessing and enduring inheritance come from faithfulness to God, not from immediate worldly success. The cultural understanding of "place" (מָקוֹם, _maqom_) often extended beyond mere physical location to include one's standing, influence, and security within the community. Thus, the wicked's "place" not being found implies a complete loss of their social, political, or economic power and presence.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 37](/psalms/37 "Psalms 37 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked") is rich with themes central to biblical wisdom literature. **Divine Justice and Timing** is paramount, as the phrase "yet a little while" underscores God's perfect, though often unhurried, timing in executing judgment. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the patience of God in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient") to the ultimate judgment described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Another key theme is the **Transience of Wicked Prosperity**, contrasting sharply with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. While the wicked may appear to thrive, their success is likened to grass that quickly withers ([Psalms 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalms 37:2 - The Wicked Wither")). Finally, the psalm emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Control**, assuring believers that God sees, knows, and will act to ensure justice prevails, providing a foundation for **Patience and Perseverance** for those who trust in Him, as seen in the call to "delight thyself also in the Lord" ([Psalms 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalms 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **not be (Hebrew, _'ayin'_):** This word signifies "nothingness," "non-existence," or "annihilation" in a contextual sense. It does not necessarily imply literal obliteration of being, but rather a complete disappearance from their former state of prominence, power, or influence. The wicked will be sought, but they will not be found in their established position or location, indicating a total removal of their perceived stability and authority.
* **diligently consider (Hebrew, _bin'_):** This verb means "to discern," "to perceive," "to understand thoroughly," or "to consider with insight." It implies a careful, intentional, and thorough examination or search. The psalmist suggests that one will actively look for the wicked's "place"—their position, their stronghold, their very presence—and despite this diligent search, it will be utterly empty. This emphasizes the certainty and completeness of their disappearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For yet a little while,"**: This opening phrase highlights the brevity of the wicked's apparent success and the imminence of God's action. It serves as a call for patience and trust in God's perfect timing, which may not align with human expectations but is always precise and just. It assures the righteous that their wait will not be in vain or unduly prolonged.
* **"and the wicked [shall] not [be]:"**: This declares the ultimate fate of the wicked: their complete disappearance or non-existence in their current state of power and influence. The phrase "shall not be" (from _'ayin'_) conveys a sense of absolute cessation of their flourishing, their presence, or their ability to cause harm. They will cease to exist in the manner they once did.
* **"yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place,"**: This clause invites the observer to actively search for the wicked. "His place" refers to their position, their stronghold, their domain, or their very presence. The word "diligently consider" (from _bin'_) implies a careful, discerning search, suggesting that one will look intently and thoroughly for any trace of their former power or existence.
* **"and it [shall] not [be]."**: This reiterates and emphatically confirms the previous statement. Despite the careful search, the wicked's "place" will be utterly vacant. This repetition serves to underscore the certainty and completeness of their removal, leaving no doubt that their influence and presence will have vanished without a trace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is a primary device, implicitly setting the temporary, fleeting existence of the wicked against the enduring inheritance promised to the righteous throughout the psalm. The phrase "yet a little while" creates a sense of **Urgency and Imminence**, while simultaneously highlighting the brevity of the wicked's reign. **Repetition** of "shall not be" (or "it is not") at the beginning and end of the second half of the verse acts as an emphatic declaration, reinforcing the absolute certainty and completeness of the wicked's disappearance. Furthermore, the vivid **Imagery** of "diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]" invites the reader to visualize an empty space where the wicked once stood, powerfully conveying their utter removal and lack of lasting legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:10 is a foundational statement on divine justice, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of humanity and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. It challenges the human tendency to despair or envy when the ungodly seem to prosper, redirecting focus to God's perfect timing and certain judgment. The verse reassures believers that the apparent triumph of evil is always temporary, and that God will infallibly bring about the vindication of the righteous and the removal of the wicked from their positions of influence. This truth provides a theological basis for patient endurance and a confident trust in God's providential care, knowing that He will ultimately set all things right according to His divine plan.

* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Shall Not Be Unpunished")
* [Job 20:5-8](/job/20-5 "Job 20:5-8 - The Triumph of the Wicked is Short")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord Burns Like an Oven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:10 serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety and discouragement in a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to flourish. It calls believers to cultivate a deep-seated patience and an unwavering trust in God's divine timeline, rather than to fret or take matters into their own hands. In moments of frustration or envy, this verse reminds us that the perceived stability and influence of the ungodly are but a vapor, destined to vanish completely. Our energy and focus should not be consumed by comparing ourselves to the wicked or by seeking immediate retribution, but rather by delighting in the Lord, committing our way to Him, and resting in the assurance that He will bring about His perfect justice. This truth liberates us to live righteously, knowing that our ultimate vindication and inheritance are secure in God's hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the wicked's disappearance impact your perspective on current injustices or the apparent success of those who oppose God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle with impatience regarding God's timing, and how can this verse encourage you to wait on Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "delight yourself in the Lord" and "commit your way to Him" (as encouraged in Psalms 37) rather than fretting over the wicked?**

### FAQ
**Does "shall not be" imply annihilation of the wicked?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _'ayin'_ (אַיִן) can denote "nothingness" or "non-existence," in the context of Psalms 37:10, it primarily signifies a complete disappearance from their former state of prominence, power, or influence. It means they will no longer be found in their place of perceived security or authority. This doesn't necessarily mean literal annihilation of their being, but rather a definitive end to their earthly reign and influence, consistent with other biblical passages that speak of the wicked being "cut off" ([Psalms 37:9](/psalms/37-9 "Psalms 37:9 - Evildoers Shall Be Cut Off")) or facing eternal judgment ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment")). The emphasis is on the certainty and completeness of their removal from their position of power and the landscape of the living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "little while" of the wicked's dominion points to the finite nature of sin's reign, which was decisively broken by Christ's death and resurrection. Though evil continues to manifest in the world, its ultimate defeat is secured through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The wicked's "place" not being found foreshadows the final judgment where all who reject Christ will be cast away, their influence and presence utterly removed from God's eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself speaks of a future time when He will separate the righteous from the wicked, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire ([Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - The Coming of the Messiah")). The promise that the wicked "shall not be" is ultimately realized in the new heavens and new earth, where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Through Christ, the righteous inherit an eternal kingdom where evil has no place, and God's justice reigns supreme forevermore ([Revelation 11:15](/rev/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 24:24

They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all [other], and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Psalms 103:16

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Psalms 107:42

The righteous shall see [it], and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

Psalms 107:43

Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.