Psalms 37:22

KJV

For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.

KJV (with Strong's)

For such as be blessed {H1288} of him shall inherit {H3423}{H8799)} the earth {H776}; and they that be cursed {H7043}{H8794)} of him shall be cut off {H3772}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For those blessed by [ADONAI] will inherit the land, but those cursed by him will be cut off.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.

American Standard Version

For such as are blessed of him shall inherit the land; And they that are cursed of him shall be cut off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:22 serves as a pivotal declaration within a wisdom psalm, succinctly articulating the contrasting destinies ordained by God for the righteous and the wicked. It asserts that those who receive divine blessing will ultimately inherit the earth, signifying enduring peace, security, and flourishing in God's favor, while those who incur divine curse will be utterly cut off, facing ultimate desolation and separation from God's life-giving presence. This verse encapsulates the psalm's overarching theme of divine justice, assuring believers that God actively governs the world and will justly reward faithfulness and punish wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 37 is a didactic psalm, an acrostic poem (though not perfectly preserved in all translations) attributed to David, designed to instruct and encourage the righteous who are often perplexed by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalm repeatedly contrasts the fleeting success of evildoers with the enduring blessing and ultimate vindication of those who trust in the Lord. Verse 22 functions as a foundational theological statement, explaining *why* the righteous will inherit the earth (as promised in verses like [Psalms 37:9](/psalms/37-9 "Psalm 37:9 - The Meek Inherit the Land") and [Psalms 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")) and *why* the wicked will perish. It grounds these outcomes directly in God's active blessing and cursing, reinforcing the psalm's call to "Trust in the Lord, and do good" ([Psalms 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord")). The immediate verses surrounding [Psalms 37:22](/psalms/37-22 "Psalm 37:22 - The Blessed and the Cursed") continue this theme, with [Psalms 37:21](/psalms/37-21 "Psalm 37:21 - The Wicked Borrow, the Righteous Give") highlighting the wicked's inability to repay and the righteous's generosity, and [Psalms 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Upholds the Righteous") affirming God's steadfast support for the upright.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written during a period when the Davidic monarchy was established, but likely still facing internal and external challenges, the psalm addresses a common human dilemma: the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. In ancient Israel, the concept of "inheriting the earth" (or "land") was deeply tied to the covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of the Land")). This inheritance was not merely geographical but encompassed security, peace, abundant provision, and a lasting legacy within the covenant community, signifying God's favor and presence. Conversely, being "cut off" (Hebrew: _karath_) carried severe implications, often meaning exclusion from the community, loss of family line, or even premature death, all seen as divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness. The cultural understanding of blessing and cursing was profoundly rooted in a worldview where God was actively involved in the affairs of humanity, dispensing favor or judgment based on adherence to His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Psalms 37 and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, **Divine Justice** is paramount; the verse unequivocally states that God is the ultimate arbiter of destiny, ensuring that justice will prevail, even if not immediately apparent to human eyes. Secondly, the **Inheritance of the Earth** is a central promise for those "blessed of him," extending beyond mere physical land to encompass a state of lasting security, peace, and flourishing under God's sovereign rule, implying an eternal legacy and ultimate well-being in God's kingdom. Thirdly, the **Consequences of Disobedience** are starkly presented; "they that be cursed of him shall be cut off" signifies a complete separation from God's favor, leading to ruin, extinction, and exclusion from the divine promises, underscoring the severity of divine judgment. Finally, the **Sovereignty of God** is emphasized, reinforcing the psalm's overall message to trust in God's ultimate authority and wisdom rather than fretting over temporary injustices or human perceptions of success.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārûḵ_):** This term, derived from the root _b-r-k_, signifies divine favor, empowerment, and prosperity bestowed by God. It implies a deep, reciprocal relationship where God's goodness, protection, and provision flow to His people. To be "blessed of him" means to be the recipient of God's active, life-affirming, and covenantal goodwill, leading to flourishing and well-being in every aspect of life.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, _yāraš_):** This verb denotes taking possession of something as an heir, often a legacy or an estate. While it frequently refers to the literal inheritance of the land of Israel, in wisdom literature and prophetic contexts, it expands to encompass a secure, lasting, and peaceful existence under God's reign. It speaks to the faithful receiving their full portion, a place of belonging, and ultimate dominion within God's established order.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kāraṯ_):** This is a strong, definitive verb indicating severance, destruction, or extermination. In biblical context, it can mean being removed from the covenant community, losing one's lineage, facing premature death, or experiencing ultimate demise and exclusion from God's presence and promises. It underscores the severity and finality of divine judgment for those who reject God's ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth;":** This clause presents the positive outcome for those who stand in a right relationship with God. "Blessed of him" emphasizes that this favor originates solely from God's sovereign will and grace. The promise to "inherit the earth" is a profound declaration of future security, peace, and prosperity, not merely in a physical sense but as a comprehensive state of flourishing under divine protection and provision. It speaks to a lasting legacy and a secure place within God's established order.
* **"and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.":** This clause presents the stark antithesis, the negative outcome for those who oppose God. "Cursed of him" signifies being under divine disfavor and judgment, incurring God's active displeasure due to their wickedness. To be "cut off" denotes a complete and irreversible separation from God's life-giving presence, leading to ruin, extinction, and exclusion from the blessings and promises enjoyed by the righteous. This is a severe and final judgment, underscoring the ultimate desolation of those who reject God's ways.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:22 is a masterful example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a common literary device in Hebrew poetry where two lines express opposing ideas, highlighting a contrast. Here, "blessed of him shall inherit the earth" is directly contrasted with "cursed of him shall be cut off," emphasizing the clear distinction between the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. This parallelism serves to reinforce the psalm's didactic purpose, making the consequences of one's alignment with God unmistakably clear. The phrases "inherit the earth" and "cut off" also function as **Metaphors** or **Metonymy**, representing comprehensive states of being—flourishing and security versus utter destruction and exclusion—rather than purely literal actions. The verse also implicitly uses **Divine Retribution**, portraying God as the active agent who dispenses both blessing and judgment, thereby upholding His justice and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:22 is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of divine justice and the covenant relationship between God and humanity. It affirms that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, sovereignly dispensing blessings to those who align with His will and judgment upon those who defy Him. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of the Kingdom of God, where the righteous ultimately find their secure and flourishing place, while the wicked are excluded. It echoes the promises of the Abrahamic covenant, where blessing and curse are foundational elements, and foreshadows the ultimate eschatological reality where God's justice will be fully realized. The "inheritance of the earth" is a recurring motif, signifying not just physical land but a comprehensive state of peace, security, and well-being within God's established order.

* [Proverbs 2:21-22](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21-22 - The Upright Will Inherit the Land")
* [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes: The Meek Inherit the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:22 offers profound encouragement and a stark warning, calling believers to a life of unwavering trust in God's perfect justice. In a world where the wicked often seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, this verse reminds us that our ultimate inheritance and security are not based on fleeting earthly success or human perceptions of fairness, but on God's enduring blessing and sovereign plan. It urges us to persevere in righteousness, to "delight yourself in the Lord" ([Psalms 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")), and to commit our way to Him, knowing that He will bring about our vindication and establish our lasting peace. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against choosing a path of wickedness, as it leads to being "cut off" from God's life-giving presence and promises, resulting in ultimate desolation. Our call is to live lives that reflect God's character, trusting that true prosperity and lasting peace come from being "blessed of Him."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "inheriting the earth" challenge my current understanding of success and security?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "fret" over the apparent prosperity of the wicked, and how can this verse reorient my perspective?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am living a life that is "blessed of Him," rather than one that risks being "cut off"?**

### FAQ
**What does "inherit the earth" mean in this context? Is it literal land?**

Answer: While "inherit the earth" (or "land") in the Old Testament often refers literally to the land of Israel as a covenant promise, in wisdom literature like Psalms 37, its meaning expands significantly. Here, it encompasses far more than just physical territory. It signifies a comprehensive state of security, peace, flourishing, and well-being under God's favor and sovereign rule. It implies a lasting legacy, a place of belonging, and ultimate prosperity within God's established order, symbolizing the full enjoyment of God's blessings, both temporal and eternal. This broader understanding is reinforced by Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"), where the meek are promised to inherit the earth, pointing to a spiritual and eschatological fulfillment.

**What does it mean to be "cut off" by God?**

Answer: To be "cut off" (Hebrew: _karath_) is a severe biblical expression denoting a complete and irreversible separation from God's favor and presence. It can manifest in various ways: exclusion from the covenant community, the termination of one's lineage, premature death, or ultimate spiritual demise and separation from God's life-giving source. In the context of Psalms 37, it signifies the ultimate desolation, ruin, and extinction of the wicked, contrasting sharply with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. It underscores the finality of divine judgment for those who persistently reject God's ways and remain outside His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that "blessed of him shall inherit the earth" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the ultimate heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secured the true and eternal inheritance for all who are "blessed of Him" by faith. He taught that "blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes: The Meek Inherit the Earth")), revealing that this inheritance is not achieved through earthly power or aggression, but through humble submission to God, a quality perfectly exemplified by Christ Himself. Furthermore, this inheritance points to the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), where believers, united with Christ, will dwell in perfect peace and righteousness, fully enjoying God's presence forever. Conversely, the warning that "they that be cursed of him shall be cut off" is also fulfilled in Christ, who bore the curse of sin on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) so that those who believe might escape eternal separation. For those who reject Him, however, the "cutting off" is a terrifying reality of eternal judgment and separation from the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Christ is the pivot point: through Him, blessing and inheritance are secured; apart from Him, the curse of being cut off remains.

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

Proverbs 3:33

The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Psalms 37:9

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Psalms 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalms 119:21

¶ Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, which do err from thy commandments.