Psalms 37:15

KJV

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their sword {H2719} shall enter {H935} into their own heart {H3820}, and their bows {H7198} shall be broken {H7665}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

Berean Standard Bible

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

American Standard Version

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:15 stands as a profound declaration of divine justice, assuring the righteous that the malicious intentions and instruments of the wicked will inevitably be turned back upon themselves, leading to their self-inflicted downfall and incapacitation. This verse offers deep comfort to those who observe the temporary prosperity of evildoers, powerfully reinforcing the psalm's overarching message to trust in the Lord and patiently await His sovereign vindication, knowing that evil ultimately consumes itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a meticulously crafted didactic wisdom psalm, widely attributed to David, designed to instruct and encourage believers grappling with the perplexing reality of the wicked's apparent prosperity and the righteous's struggles. Structured as an acrostic (though not perfectly preserved in all translations), the psalm systematically contrasts the fleeting success of the ungodly with the enduring blessing and inheritance promised to those who trust in the Lord. Verses 12-14 vividly set the stage, depicting the wicked's aggressive and hostile posture: "The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him; the Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright." Psalms 37:15 directly responds to this imagery of aggression, declaring the futility and self-defeating nature of the wicked's intentions, thus fitting seamlessly into the psalm's larger argument for patient trust in God's ultimate and inevitable justice. It serves as a divine counter-punch, assuring the reader that God is sovereign over even the most malevolent schemes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of swords and bows in Psalms 37:15 directly reflects the pervasive weaponry and methods of warfare common in the ancient Near East. In a societal landscape where physical conflict and the constant threat of violence were daily realities, and where human systems of justice often seemed inadequate or corrupt, the psalm's emphasis on divine intervention and retribution would have resonated with particular significance. David, as both a shepherd and a king, was intimately familiar with the instruments of war and the dynamics of both internal strife and external threats, which undoubtedly informed his observations of the wicked's machinations. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of the "heart" (Hebrew: _lēḇ_) in ancient Israel extended far beyond its mere physical function. It was considered the very core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Therefore, a sword entering the "heart" signifies not just physical harm, but a profound, self-inflicted spiritual, psychological, and existential demise, highlighting the inherent self- destructiveness of sin.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 37:15 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God ensures that evil deeds boomerang upon their perpetrators. This concept is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, echoed in passages like [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit"), which states, "He makes a pit and digs it out, and falls into the hole that he has made," and [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall into It"), "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling." This verse also underscores the **Futility of Wicked Plans**, demonstrating that despite their apparent strength and cunning, the schemes of the ungodly are inherently self-destructive and ultimately destined to fail. Implicit in this judgment is the **Protection of the Righteous**, as the very weapons intended to harm God's people are rendered useless or turned against the aggressors. Finally, the verse reinforces the psalm's central call to **Patience and Trust in God's Sovereignty**, encouraging believers not to "fret" (as seen in [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")) but to wait for the Lord to act, knowing that His justice will unfailingly prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, חֶרֶב _ḥerev'_):** From H2717 (חָרַב, _ḥārav_), meaning "to be dry, desolate, waste." This term refers to a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), such as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement. In Psalms 37:15, "sword" symbolizes the wicked's aggressive intent, their chosen instrument of violence, and their means of inflicting harm or executing their malevolent judgment against the righteous. The powerful imagery of it entering "their own heart" signifies a dramatic and ironic reversal, where the very aggression they wield becomes the means of their own undoing.
* **Heart (Hebrew, לֵב _lēḇ_):** A common Hebrew word (H3820), often used interchangeably with לֵבָב (_lēḇāḇ_), which refers to the inner being of a person. It encompasses not only the physical organ but, more significantly, the totality of one's intellect, will, emotions, and moral center. For the sword to enter "their own heart" implies a deep, internal, and self-inflicted wound—a spiritual, psychological, and existential collapse resulting from their own evil machinations. It speaks to the inherent self-destructiveness of sin, where the wicked's own malice becomes their internal tormentor and destroyer.
* **Broken (Hebrew, שָׁבַר _shâbar'_):** A primitive root (H7665) meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), crush, destroy, hurt, quench." When applied to "bows," it signifies the complete incapacitation of their offensive capabilities. The breaking of the bow symbolizes the utter failure of their power, their plans, and their ability to carry out their malicious intentions. This is a declaration of divine intervention that renders the wicked's instruments of aggression useless, ensuring their inability to execute their destructive designs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their sword shall enter into their own heart":** This initial clause declares a profound act of divine poetic justice. The "sword" represents the wicked's aggressive, violent intentions and actions, specifically directed toward the righteous. However, by an act of divine decree, this very instrument of harm is turned back upon them, metaphorically penetrating their "own heart." This signifies that their malice, hatred, and evil will ultimately consume them from within, leading to their self-destruction. It is a powerful image illustrating sin's inherent self-defeating nature, where the very wickedness they conceive and execute becomes their undoing, causing internal torment and spiritual collapse.
* **"and their bows shall be broken":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, employing another common weapon of the era. The "bows" symbolize the wicked's means of attack, their power, and their capacity to inflict harm from a distance, representing their strategic planning and long-term malicious endeavors. The declaration that their bows "shall be broken" signifies a complete and utter dismantling of their offensive capabilities. This is a divine act that renders their strength useless, ensuring that their malicious plans cannot come to fruition. Together, both clauses paint a vivid and comprehensive picture of the wicked being disarmed, incapacitated, and ultimately destroyed by the very evil they sought to unleash upon others.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:15 is rich in **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and striking picture of the wicked's downfall through the use of common weaponry. The verse employs powerful **Symbolism**, where the "sword" and "bows" represent not merely physical weapons but the malicious intent, aggressive power, and destructive schemes of the ungodly. The core literary device at play is **Poetic Justice** or **Retributive Justice**, where the instruments of the wicked's intended harm are ironically turned back upon themselves. This creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, as their efforts to destroy others lead directly to their own destruction. The structure of the verse also demonstrates clear **Parallelism**, with the two clauses ("Their sword shall enter into their own heart" and "and their bows shall be broken") reinforcing the same central message of the wicked's incapacitation and self-destruction through different but complementary images of their disarmed state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, emphasizing that God is not mocked and that evil, though it may appear to triumph temporarily, ultimately carries the seeds of its own destruction. It underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that justice will prevail. The wicked's attempts to harm the righteous are met with a divine reversal, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all human endeavors, particularly those rooted in malice. This serves as a foundational assurance for believers that their trust in God is not in vain, and that His ultimate vindication of His people is certain, providing a powerful incentive for patient endurance and continued righteousness.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:15 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to flourish and the wicked appear to prosper. It calls us to resist the temptation to "fret" or be envious of the wicked's fleeting success, reminding us that their prosperity is illusory and their end is certain. Instead, we are encouraged to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's sovereign justice and His perfect timing. This verse assures us that we do not need to take vengeance into our own hands, for God Himself will dismantle the power of the wicked and turn their destructive intentions back upon them. It fosters patience, perseverance in righteousness, and a quiet confidence that the Lord will ultimately vindicate His people and bring all evil plans to naught. Our focus should remain on "delighting in the Lord" and "committing our way to Him," knowing that He acts on behalf of the upright and that His justice is an unshakeable foundation for our hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of divine retribution in this verse alleviate your anxiety when you witness injustice or the apparent success of evildoers in the world today?**
* **In what ways might the principle of "their sword entering their own heart" apply to the self-destructive nature of personal sin, bitterness, or malicious thoughts in our own lives?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "wait patiently for the Lord" and trust in His timing, rather than seeking immediate human solutions or retribution when wronged?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse a literal prophecy of physical harm for all wicked people?**

Answer: While divine judgment can indeed manifest in physical ways, the primary meaning of Psalms 37:15 is deeply metaphorical and symbolic, speaking to the ultimate futility and inherent self-destructive nature of evil plans and intentions. The vivid imagery of the sword entering the heart and bows being broken powerfully portrays the complete incapacitation and internal collapse of the wicked's power and malicious designs. It's a declaration that their schemes, designed to harm others, will ultimately turn back upon them, leading to their own downfall and rendering their means of attack useless. This principle assures the righteous that God's justice will prevail, whether through direct divine intervention, the natural consequences of sin, or the inherent self-destruction of evil. It encourages believers to trust in God's retribution and to live according to His commands, such as turning the other cheek ([Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek")) and leaving vengeance to the Lord ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm speaks of God's justice against the wicked, Christ embodies the perfect righteous one for whom this divine protection is fully realized, and through whom the power of evil is definitively broken. The "sword" of sin, death, and Satan, which seemed to triumph at the cross, was in fact turned back upon itself. In His crucifixion, the forces of darkness believed they had achieved their ultimate victory, but in reality, their "sword" entered their "own heart" as their power was decisively undone. Christ's death was not their triumph but their undoing, disarming the spiritual principalities and powers that held humanity captive, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") declares, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." His glorious resurrection definitively broke the "bows" of death and the devil, rendering their power utterly useless (cf. [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the One Who Has the Power of Death")). Thus, the ultimate assurance that the wicked's weapons will fail and their plans will be thwarted is found in the finished work of Christ, who has already secured the decisive victory over all evil, guaranteeing the final vindication and eternal security of all who are in Him.

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 7:14

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 35:8

Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

Hosea 1:5

And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

Jeremiah 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.