Psalms 37:13

KJV

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {H136} shall laugh {H7832} at him: for he seeth {H7200}{H8804)} that his day {H3117} is coming {H935}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but Adonai laughs at the wicked, knowing his day will come.

Berean Standard Bible

but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.

American Standard Version

The Lord will laugh at him; For he seeth that his day is coming.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:13 offers profound reassurance to the righteous by portraying God's sovereign perspective on the wicked. It reveals the Lord's derisive laughter at the schemes and temporary prosperity of evildoers, not out of amusement, but from a position of absolute knowledge and control, knowing with certainty that their appointed day of judgment and destruction is swiftly approaching. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that divine justice is inevitable, providing comfort and a call to patient trust for those who observe the apparent success of the ungodly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 37:13 is embedded within a wisdom psalm attributed to David, which functions as an extended exhortation to trust in the Lord and not to fret over the prosperity of the wicked. The psalm repeatedly contrasts the fleeting success of the ungodly with the enduring blessing and inheritance promised to the righteous. Verses preceding verse 13, such as [Psalms 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1 "Psalms 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers"), warn against envy and highlight the transient nature of the wicked's flourishing, likening them to grass that quickly withers. Following verse 13, the psalm continues to elaborate on the ultimate fate of the wicked (e.g., [Psalms 37:14-15](/psalms/37-14 "Psalms 37:14-15 - The Wicked's Sword Turns on Themselves")) and the security of the righteous, reinforcing the theme of divine justice and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period when the righteous observed the apparent success and oppression by the wicked, this psalm addresses a common human dilemma: why do the ungodly prosper while the faithful suffer? In ancient Israel, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and suffering as a sign of judgment. Psalms 37 challenges this simplistic view, urging a long-term perspective rooted in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. The cultural context would have included the constant tension between those who lived according to God's law and those who disregarded it, often with seemingly immediate worldly benefits for the latter. The psalm reassures the audience that God is not absent or indifferent but actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that ultimate justice will prevail, aligning with the broader prophetic tradition of a "Day of the Lord."
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 37 and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, portraying God as fully aware of and in control over the destinies of all, including the wicked. His "laughter" is not amusement but a powerful expression of His absolute certainty regarding their inevitable downfall, a theme echoed in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God Laughs at the Nations"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Inevitable Judgment** of the wicked, emphasizing that their "day is coming," a fixed and certain time of reckoning. This provides **Comfort and Vindication for the Righteous**, encouraging them to "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" ([Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalms 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")), knowing that God will ultimately expose and punish evil, ensuring that "the meek shall inherit the earth" ([Psalms 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalms 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laugh (Hebrew, _saḥaq'_):** This word, `שָׂחַק` (pronounced *saḥaq*), carries a range of meanings from joyful laughter to derisive scorn or mockery. In this context, as in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God Laughs at the Nations"), it denotes God's confident derision and contempt for the futile plans and boasts of the wicked. It is not an expression of lighthearted amusement, but rather a powerful demonstration of divine superiority, sovereignty, and the absolute certainty of the wicked's ultimate undoing. God's laughter signifies the utter foolishness and impotence of those who oppose Him, highlighting their schemes as utterly insignificant in the face of His omnipotence.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yom'_):** The Hebrew word `יוֹם` (pronounced *yom*) typically means "day," but in biblical idiom, especially when paired with a possessive pronoun like "his day," it often refers to a specific, appointed time or season. In this context, "his day" signifies a predetermined, inevitable moment of divine judgment, destruction, or reckoning for the wicked. It implies a fixed, unavoidable date on God's calendar, emphasizing the certainty and finality of their impending doom, regardless of their present apparent success or influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord shall laugh at him:"** This clause presents a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing human emotion (laughter) to God. However, as discussed in Key Word Analysis, this is not a laugh of amusement but of confident scorn and derision. It signifies God's complete awareness of the wicked's futile efforts and His absolute certainty regarding their ultimate downfall. It underscores His supreme authority and His unshakeable control over all circumstances, rendering the wicked's boasts and schemes utterly insignificant.
* **"for he seeth that his day is coming."** This explanatory clause provides the reason for God's "laughter." The Lord's derision is rooted in His perfect omniscience and foresight. He "sees" (Hebrew: `רָאָה`, *ra'ah*) not just the present actions of the wicked but also the predetermined, inevitable outcome of their rebellion – "his day," an appointed time of judgment and destruction. This certainty of divine retribution is what renders the wicked's temporary success laughable from God's eternal perspective, offering profound comfort and assurance to the righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:13 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where human characteristics are attributed to God, specifically His "laughter." This device helps the human reader grasp God's emotional response and sovereign perspective, making the divine accessible while simultaneously highlighting His transcendence. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** at play: while the wicked may boast in their temporary prosperity and believe themselves to be successful, God, from His eternal vantage point, finds their efforts laughable because He knows their inevitable, miserable end. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the wicked's perception of their reality and God's ultimate reality. The phrase "his day is coming" also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the certain, future judgment that awaits the ungodly, building anticipation and reinforcing the psalm's overarching theme of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's active engagement in the world, not as a distant observer, but as the sovereign judge who sees beyond immediate appearances to the ultimate reality. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is just and will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely. The "laughter" of the Lord is a theological statement of His absolute control, His perfect knowledge, and the utter futility of any rebellion against His will. This divine perspective provides a crucial anchor for believers struggling with the problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, assuring them that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is never denied and will be perfectly executed in His appointed time.

* [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God Laughs at the Nations")
* [Proverbs 1:26](/proverbs/1-26 "Wisdom Laughs at Calamity")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "The Day of the Lord is Near")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by injustice, where the wicked frequently seem to flourish and the righteous to suffer, Psalms 37:13 offers a profound and necessary shift in perspective. It calls us away from human envy and anxiety, redirecting our gaze to the divine throne. Knowing that God "laughs" at the wicked's fleeting triumphs because He sees their inevitable "day" coming allows believers to find peace amidst turmoil. This verse encourages us to cultivate a long-term, eternal perspective, trusting in God's perfect timing and unwavering justice, rather than being swayed by temporary circumstances. It reminds us that our hope is not in the immediate outcome of earthly events, but in the certain and ultimate triumph of God's righteous kingdom. This understanding frees us to live righteously, to "delight yourself in the Lord" ([Psalms 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalms 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")), and to patiently wait for His vindication, confident that His perfect plan will unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "laughter" in this verse change your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "rest in the Lord" when faced with the apparent prosperity of the wicked?**
* **How can the certainty of "his day is coming" strengthen your faith and encourage patient endurance in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why does God "laugh" at the wicked in this verse? Is it a cruel or mocking laugh?**

Answer: The "laughter" of the Lord in Psalms 37:13, as in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God Laughs at the Nations"), is not a laugh of cruel amusement or lighthearted mockery. Instead, it signifies God's confident derision and contempt for the futile plans and boasts of the wicked. It expresses His absolute sovereignty, His perfect knowledge, and the utter impotence of those who oppose Him. From God's eternal perspective, the wicked's schemes and temporary successes are so insignificant and doomed to failure that they are laughable. It's a declaration of divine certainty and control, assuring the righteous that God is fully aware and will ultimately bring about justice.

**What does "his day is coming" specifically refer to for the wicked?**

Answer: "His day is coming" is a common biblical idiom that refers to a specific, appointed time of reckoning, judgment, or destruction for the wicked. It's not a general concept but a certain, predetermined moment when God will intervene to bring their evil deeds to an end and administer justice. This concept is often linked to the broader biblical theme of the "Day of the Lord," which can refer to specific historical judgments or the ultimate eschatological judgment. For the wicked, it signifies the end of their temporary prosperity and the beginning of their deserved punishment, as seen in prophetic warnings like [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near").

**How does this verse offer comfort to the righteous who might be struggling with injustice?**

Answer: This verse offers profound comfort by shifting the righteous person's perspective from the fleeting present to God's eternal certainty. When the righteous see the wicked prosper, they might be tempted to fret or envy, feeling that God is absent or uncaring. However, Psalms 37:13 assures them that God is not only fully aware of every injustice but also has a fixed, inevitable "day" appointed for the wicked's downfall. This knowledge allows believers to "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" ([Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalms 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")), trusting that divine justice will ultimately prevail. It reminds them that God has the final word, and their vindication is certain, even if it is not immediate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "laughter" of the Lord at the wicked's futile plans foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness. While the wicked of all ages, including those who opposed Christ, believed they were succeeding, God, in Christ, knew their "day" was coming. The crucifixion, which appeared to be the triumph of evil, was in fact the very means by which Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Spiritual Powers")). The "day" of the wicked, their ultimate judgment, is intrinsically tied to the glorious return of Christ, when He will come as the righteous judge to execute justice and establish His eternal kingdom. Every act of rebellion against God, every boast of the ungodly, is ultimately a laughable and futile endeavor in the face of the resurrected and ascended Christ, who now sits at the right hand of the Father, waiting "until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet" ([Hebrews 1:13](/hebrews/1-13 "Hebrews 1:13 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the comfort offered in Psalms 37:13 is fully realized in the believer's confidence in Christ's final and absolute triumph over all evil ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - Christ's Return and Judgment")), assuring them that their inheritance in Him is secure and eternal.

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

Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Proverbs 1:26

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

1 Samuel 26:10

David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.

Daniel 5:26

This [is] the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

Ezekiel 21:25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

Ezekiel 21:29

Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of [them that are] slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity [shall have] an end.

Jeremiah 50:27

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.