Psalms 37:17

KJV

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the arms {H2220} of the wicked {H7563} shall be broken {H7665}: but the LORD {H3068} upholdeth {H5564}{H8802)} the righteous {H6662}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but ADONAI upholds the righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

American Standard Version

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:17 succinctly contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the divine provision for the righteous. It declares that the power and schemes of those who oppose God will inevitably be broken and rendered ineffective, while the Lord himself actively sustains and supports those who walk in His ways. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, offering comfort and assurance amidst the apparent prosperity of evildoers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, an acrostic poem (though not perfectly preserved in all translations) that offers practical guidance and theological comfort to the righteous who often observe the wicked prospering. It belongs to the genre of didactic psalms, instructing believers on how to live faithfully in a world where justice is not always immediately apparent. The psalm opens with the repeated exhortation, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret"), setting the tone for a sustained argument against envy and discouragement. Throughout its verses, it contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with their eventual downfall, and the enduring blessing and security of the righteous. Verse 17 specifically reinforces this overarching theme by providing a concise, antithetical statement that encapsulates the psalm's core message of divine justice and steadfast support.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a time when the faithful experienced oppression or witnessed the prosperity of those who disregarded God's law, Psalm 37 reflects a common human dilemma. In ancient Israelite society, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and suffering or lack as a sign of disfavor. This created a tension for the righteous who often struggled while the wicked seemed to flourish. The psalm addresses this theological problem, affirming that outward appearances are deceptive and that God's justice operates on a different timeline and scale than human perception. It speaks to a community grappling with the implications of covenant faithfulness in a world that often seemed to reward unrighteousness, encouraging them to maintain their trust in the Lord rather than resorting to self-help or despair.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 37 and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's ultimate and inevitable judgment against unrighteousness. The "broken arms" signify the complete incapacitation of the wicked's power and their inability to execute their harmful schemes, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Unwavering Support for the Righteous**, portraying the Lord as an active, faithful, and sustaining presence in the lives of those who walk in His ways. This divine "upholding" ensures their stability, protection, and ultimate well-being, even amidst trials, aligning with assurances found in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). Finally, the verse underscores the profound **Contrast of Destinies** between the wicked and the righteous, a recurring motif throughout the psalm (e.g., [Psalm 37:9-11](/psalms/37-9 "Psalm 37:9-11 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")), vividly portraying a future where the wicked face a loss of power and eventual downfall, while the righteous are guaranteed divine sustenance and security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arms (Hebrew, _zəro'a'_):** While literally meaning 'arm,' this Hebrew term metaphorically represents strength, power, might, and the means by which one acts or executes plans. In this context, "the arms of the wicked" refers to their perceived power, their ability to oppress, their schemes, and their capacity to inflict harm or achieve their unrighteous goals. The breaking of these arms signifies not merely a physical injury but a complete and utter incapacitation of their effective power and influence, rendering their evil intentions futile.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _šābar'_):** This verb means to break, shatter, or crush. When applied to "arms" (as a metaphor for power), it conveys a decisive and irreversible destruction of the wicked's strength and ability. It implies a divine intervention that completely dismantles their capacity to oppress or succeed in their evil endeavors, highlighting the futility of their efforts against God's ultimate sovereignty.
* **Upholdeth (Hebrew, _sāmaḵ'_):** This word conveys the sense of leaning upon, supporting, sustaining, or bolstering. It describes a strong, reliable, and active divine support. It's not a passive observation but an active, continuous act of God ensuring the stability, security, and well-being of the righteous, preventing them from falling or being overcome by adversity. This speaks to God's faithful and sustaining presence in the lives of those who trust in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken":** This clause serves as a declaration of divine judgment and the inevitable demise of the wicked's power. "Arms" here is a potent metaphor for their strength, influence, resources, and capacity to act. The phrase "shall be broken" signifies a complete and decisive incapacitation. It implies that their schemes, their oppression, and their apparent success are temporary and will ultimately be dismantled by God's sovereign hand. This is a promise of divine retribution, assuring the righteous that the perceived might of evildoers is fleeting and will be rendered useless.
* **"but the LORD upholdeth the righteous":** This second clause stands in stark contrast to the first, highlighting God's active and unwavering support for those who live in accordance with His will. The conjunction "but" emphasizes the antithetical nature of the two destinies. "The LORD" (Yahweh) underscores the personal, covenantal God as the source of this support. "Upholdeth" signifies a continuous, active, and reliable sustaining presence. It means God provides stability, strength, protection, and assurance to the righteous, ensuring they do not stumble or fall, even when facing adversity or the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This is a testament to God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting ideas or statements to highlight their differences. Here, the "broken arms of the wicked" are sharply contrasted with the "LORD upholdeth the righteous," emphasizing the divergent outcomes for these two groups. This creates a powerful sense of divine justice, where one group faces incapacitation and the other receives divine sustenance. **Metaphor** is also evident in "the arms of the wicked," where "arms" stand for power, strength, and the means of action, rather than literal limbs. The "breaking" of these arms is likewise metaphorical, signifying the destruction of their influence and capacity for evil. This vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and impactful. Finally, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, where the second line presents a contrasting thought to the first, reinforcing the central theme of God's just and ordered universe. The structure itself underscores the certainty of these opposing destinies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:17 is a profound statement on divine justice and the nature of God's relationship with humanity, particularly in the face of apparent injustice. It assures believers that God is not indifferent to the deeds of the wicked nor to the struggles of the righteous. The breaking of the wicked's power is an act of God's sovereignty, demonstrating that no human strength or evil scheme can ultimately prevail against His will. Conversely, God's upholding of the righteous underscores His covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in the lives of His people, providing stability and security. This verse thus speaks to the core theological truth that God is both a righteous judge who brings down the proud and a faithful Father who sustains His children, inviting trust and patience rather than envy or despair.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [1 Samuel 2:9](/1_samuel/2-9 "1 Samuel 2:9 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:17 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to faith for believers navigating a world often characterized by injustice. It confronts the natural human tendency to fret or envy when the wicked seem to prosper, reminding us that their success is illusory and temporary, built on a foundation that God will inevitably dismantle. Our security and well-being are not found in our own strength, worldly achievements, or the absence of trials, but in the active, sustaining presence of the LORD. This verse calls us to cultivate patience, trust, and perseverance in doing good, knowing that God's justice operates on His perfect timeline. It reassures us that living righteously, according to God's commands, is not a path to hardship but to divine favor and protection, ensuring that even when we stumble, God's hand is there to uphold us. Therefore, our focus should remain steadfastly on God and His eternal promises, rather than on the fleeting fortunes of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your perspective when you observe injustice or the prosperity of those who disregard God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in the Lord's "upholding" power rather than your own strength or resources?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "fret not" and instead cultivate patience and reliance on God's timing for justice?**

### FAQ

**Why does it seem like the wicked often prosper in this life, contrary to what this verse says?**

Answer: This is a common and ancient question, addressed extensively in wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Psalms 37:17, like much of the Bible, operates on the principle of ultimate divine justice, which may not always be immediately apparent in our temporal experience. The "breaking of the arms" refers to the eventual, inevitable incapacitation of the wicked's power and their ultimate downfall, which can occur in various ways—through natural consequences, divine intervention, or in the eschatological judgment. The prosperity of the wicked is often fleeting or superficial, lacking true peace and security. The verse encourages a long-term, faith-filled perspective, trusting that God's justice will prevail, even if it doesn't align with our immediate expectations or timeline.

**What does it mean for the LORD to "uphold" the righteous? Is it always protection from harm?**

Answer: To "uphold" (Hebrew _sāmaḵ_) signifies active, continuous support, sustenance, and stability. It means God provides the strength, resources, and presence needed for the righteous to endure and persevere. This doesn't necessarily mean absolute protection from all harm or suffering in this life. Righteous individuals may still face trials, persecution, or hardship (as seen in the lives of prophets and apostles). However, "upholding" ensures that they are not utterly destroyed, that their faith does not fail, and that they are ultimately sustained through difficulties, leading to their eternal well-being and vindication. It speaks to God's spiritual and existential support, ensuring their ultimate security in Him, regardless of their immediate circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "arms of the wicked" represent the power of sin, death, and the devil, which held humanity captive. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ decisively "broke" these arms, disarming the spiritual powers and authorities that sought to oppress humanity. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") declares that He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him." The apparent triumph of evil on the cross was, in fact, the very means by which its power was shattered. Conversely, Jesus Christ is the quintessential "Righteous One" whom the Father perfectly "upheld." Though He suffered immensely, the Father raised Him from the dead, vindicating His righteousness and establishing Him as Lord. This upholding is extended to all who believe in Him; through Christ, we are declared righteous (cf. [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")) and are now upheld by the same divine power that raised Christ from the dead (cf. [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power for Us Who Believe")). Thus, the promise of the wicked's downfall and the righteous's divine support is not merely a moral principle but a redemptive reality secured by Christ, offering believers an unshakable foundation 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

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 63:8

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Psalms 145:14

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Psalms 119:116

¶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Psalms 119:117

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.