Psalms 37:2

KJV

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they shall soon {H4120} be cut down {H5243} like the grass {H2682}, and wither {H5034}{H8799)} as the green {H3418} herb {H1877}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for soon they will wither like grass and fade like the green in the fields.

Berean Standard Bible

For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.

American Standard Version

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:2 offers a profound theological insight into the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity, serving as a foundational reason for the righteous not to fret or envy. Through vivid agricultural metaphors, the verse asserts that those who practice iniquity, though they may appear to flourish for a time, will inevitably and swiftly be brought to an end, their apparent success withering away like transient vegetation under the sun. This declaration provides comfort and reassurance, reaffirming God's ultimate justice and the certainty of His sovereign judgment over all humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, designed to instruct and encourage the righteous in the face of the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked. It opens with an admonition in [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers") not to "fret thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity." Verse 2 immediately provides the divine rationale for this counsel, explaining *why* such fretting and envy are misguided: the flourishing of the wicked is exceedingly temporary. The subsequent verses, such as [Psalms 37:3-4](/psalms/37-3 "Psalms 37:3-4 - Trust and Delight in the Lord"), then pivot to positive commands for the righteous, urging them to "trust in the Lord, and do good" and "delight thyself also in the Lord," contrasting their enduring inheritance with the wicked's swift demise. The psalm continues to develop this antithesis, assuring the righteous of God's provision and ultimate vindication, while repeatedly emphasizing the certain and final destruction of the ungodly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Psalms 37:2—grass and green herb being "cut down" and "wither[ing]"—would have resonated deeply with an ancient Israelite audience living in an agrarian society. In the semi-arid climate of the Levant, vegetation, particularly grass and wild herbs, would sprout quickly and flourish vibrantly during the brief rainy seasons, only to rapidly dry up, wither, and die under the intense summer sun or be cut down for fodder. This cyclical observation of nature served as a powerful and easily understood metaphor for the brevity and fragility of human life and, specifically, the transient nature of worldly success that lacks divine blessing. The psalm also reflects the perennial challenge faced by the faithful in any age: reconciling God's justice with the observable reality of the wicked seemingly prospering while the righteous suffer. It speaks into a societal context where justice was often sought through human means, but here, the psalmist redirects the focus to divine, ultimate justice.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 37:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**. While God's justice may appear delayed, the verse assures its certainty and swiftness, demonstrating that God is actively involved in governing the affairs of humanity and will ultimately hold the wicked accountable. Secondly, it highlights the stark **Contrast Between Transience and Permanence**. The fleeting, superficial prosperity of the wicked is juxtaposed against the enduring inheritance and blessing promised to those who trust in the Lord, a theme reiterated throughout the psalm, particularly in verses like [Psalms 37:18](/psalms/37-18 "Psalm 37:18 - The Lord Knows the Days of the Upright"). Finally, the verse undergirds the call for **Patience and Trust in God's Sovereignty**. By revealing the inevitable end of the wicked, it encourages the righteous to wait on the Lord's timing and not to be swayed by the temporary appearances of worldly success or to take matters of justice into their own hands, reinforcing the core message of [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"cut down" (Hebrew, כָּרַת, _karath'_):** This verb is strong and carries significant weight. While it literally means "to cut" or "to cut off," it often implies a decisive, violent severance or destruction. It is used in contexts ranging from cutting wood to cutting a covenant (where it signifies a binding, decisive act) to cutting off a people or a life. Here, it suggests an active, intentional, and complete removal, not merely a natural fading. It implies divine agency in bringing about the end of the wicked, underscoring the certainty and decisiveness of their judgment.
* **"grass" (Hebrew, חָצִיר, _chatziyr'_):** A common biblical symbol for human frailty, brevity of life, and the transient nature of earthly existence. As seen in [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Word of God Endures Forever") and [Psalm 90:5-6](/psalms/90-5 "Psalm 90:5-6 - Human Life as Grass"), grass sprouts quickly but is easily withered by the sun or cut down. Its use here emphasizes the superficiality and impermanence of the wicked's flourishing, which, despite its initial vibrancy, has no lasting root or substance.
* **"wither" (Hebrew, נָבֵל, _nabhel'_):** This verb means to fade, fall away, decay, or become a corpse. It describes a process of losing vitality, freshness, and beauty, leading to ultimate decay and death. Applied to the "green herb," it vividly portrays the complete loss of life and substance, highlighting the inevitable and irreversible decline of the wicked's apparent success. It's not just a temporary setback but a fundamental and final deterioration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass":** This clause provides the immediate justification for the counsel given in [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers"). The "they" refers to the "evildoers" and "workers of iniquity." The phrase "shall soon be cut down" emphasizes the swiftness and certainty of their demise. The comparison "like the grass" powerfully illustrates the ephemeral nature of their existence and success. Just as grass is easily mown down by a reaper, so too will the wicked be decisively and summarily removed from their position of apparent power or prosperity by divine judgment. This is not a slow, natural decline, but a sudden, decisive act.
* **"and wither as the green herb":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the imagery of the first. "Wither" speaks to the loss of vitality and decay, while "green herb" (Hebrew, יֶרֶק, _yereq'_) specifically denotes fresh, vibrant, lush vegetation. The contrast between the initial "green" and the subsequent "wither" underscores the striking and inevitable end of the wicked's flourishing. Their prosperity, no matter how seemingly robust or attractive, is ultimately devoid of true life and will inevitably shrivel and perish, leaving no lasting trace. This imagery emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrases "like the grass" and "as the green herb." These direct comparisons vividly illustrate the transient and fragile nature of the wicked's prosperity, making an abstract theological truth tangible and relatable. Building on this, the verse utilizes rich **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where "grass" and "green herb" serve as potent symbols for human frailty, the brevity of life, and the superficiality of earthly success. This natural imagery is deeply embedded in biblical thought, reinforcing the universal applicability of the message. Furthermore, the verse employs **Antithetical Parallelism** (though not perfectly balanced, it functions similarly) by presenting two distinct but complementary images ("cut down like the grass" and "wither as the green herb") that both convey the same overarching idea of swift destruction. This repetition with variation emphasizes the certainty and totality of the wicked's end. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play, setting the fleeting existence of the wicked against the enduring nature of God and His promises to the righteous, which is a central theme throughout Psalm 37.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:2 is a profound statement on God's active and certain justice, reminding believers that the apparent flourishing of the wicked is merely a temporary illusion. It underscores the biblical truth that while God is patient, His ultimate judgment is inevitable and decisive. This verse serves as a theological anchor for the righteous, encouraging them to maintain their faith and integrity rather than succumbing to envy or despair when confronted with injustice. It affirms God's sovereignty over history and destiny, assuring that all will ultimately be held accountable, and that true, lasting prosperity is found not in worldly success but in a right relationship with the Lord.

* [Psalm 90:5-6](/psalms/90-5 "Psalm 90:5-6 - Human Life as Grass")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10 "James 1:10-11 - The Rich Man Fades Like a Flower")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often celebrates superficial success and where injustice can seem to prevail, Psalms 37:2 offers a crucial corrective and a profound source of spiritual stability. It calls believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, reminding us that true value and lasting security are not found in fleeting earthly achievements or the temporary gains of the unrighteous. Instead of fretting or being consumed by envy, we are invited to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice. This verse encourages us to patiently endure, to focus on cultivating righteousness, and to invest our lives in what truly endures—our relationship with God and His eternal kingdom. It empowers us to release the burden of seeking immediate retribution and to rest in the assurance that God sees all, knows all, and will ultimately set all things right, bringing forth His justice in His own way and time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the temporary nature of worldly success impact your daily pursuits and priorities?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to envy the prosperity of others, and how can this verse reorient your perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater patience and trust in God's justice, even when it seems delayed?**

### FAQ
**Why does God allow the wicked to prosper at all, even temporarily?**

Answer: God's allowing temporary prosperity for the wicked is a complex theological point that highlights several aspects of His character and plan. Firstly, it demonstrates His immense patience and long-suffering, offering opportunity for repentance, as seen in passages like [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient"). Secondly, it can serve as a test for the righteous, refining their faith and teaching them to trust in God alone, rather than in outward circumstances. Thirdly, it underscores the certainty of ultimate judgment; when the wicked are finally "cut down," it is a clear demonstration of God's perfect justice, leaving no doubt that He is sovereign and righteous, as [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment") suggests. Their temporary flourishing only makes their ultimate downfall more striking and serves as a stark warning.

**Does "cut down" imply immediate physical death, or something else?**

Answer: While "cut down" can certainly include physical death, in the context of Psalms 37:2, it more broadly refers to a swift and decisive end to their flourishing, their influence, their perceived success, and ultimately their spiritual and eternal well-being. It signifies a comprehensive removal from their position of apparent power or advantage, a complete cessation of their prosperity. This can manifest in various ways, including loss of wealth, reputation, influence, or indeed, life itself. The imagery of grass and herbs emphasizes the *finality* and *inevitability* of their demise, regardless of its specific form or timing. It's a divine act of judgment that brings their season of apparent thriving to an abrupt and irreversible end.

**How does this verse relate to the Christian concept of grace?**

Answer: Psalms 37:2, by vividly portraying the inevitable "cutting down" of the wicked, implicitly highlights the profound necessity and wonder of God's grace. The verse underscores the severity of sin and the just consequences that all humanity, by nature, deserves. Without God's redemptive intervention, all would face this "cutting down." The Christian concept of grace, revealed most fully in Jesus Christ, offers an escape from this deserved judgment. It is through God's unmerited favor, extended through Christ's sacrifice, that individuals can be reconciled to God and receive eternal life, thereby escaping the fate of those "cut down like the grass." This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the glory and mercy of the gospel of grace shine even brighter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of the wicked being "cut down like the grass," it also implicitly points to the true, enduring life found only in God. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was indeed "cut down" in the most literal sense, crucified and laid in a tomb, appearing to be utterly vanquished by the forces of wickedness. Yet, His resurrection on the third day powerfully demonstrated that He is the true "green herb" that never withers, the embodiment of eternal life and divine permanence. His kingdom is not of this world, and therefore, it is not subject to the fleeting nature of earthly power or prosperity, as He Himself declared in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"). Through His victory over sin and death, Christ offers an enduring inheritance to all who believe, a stark contrast to the temporary flourishing and inevitable demise of the wicked described in the psalm. Believers, united with Christ, are no longer subject to the "cutting down" that awaits those outside of Him, but rather share in His eternal life and His unshakeable kingdom, as promised in [Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above"). Furthermore, Christ's future return will bring the final, decisive judgment upon all unrighteousness, fully realizing the promise of the wicked's swift and certain end, as foretold in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return and Judgment"), thereby establishing His eternal reign where true justice prevails.

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

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Psalms 92:7

¶ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:

Psalms 90:5

Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are [as] a sleep: in the morning [they are] like grass [which] groweth up.

Psalms 90:6

In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

Job 14:2

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.