Psalms 37:22

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

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)}.

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

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

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

Psalms 37:22 is a powerful declaration of divine justice and a core theme within this wisdom psalm. It succinctly presents the contrasting destinies of those who are in covenant relationship with God and those who are not.

Context

Psalm 37 is a didactic (teaching) psalm written by David, designed to encourage the righteous who often see the wicked prospering. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the fleeting success of evildoers with the enduring blessing and ultimate vindication of those who trust in the Lord. This verse serves as a summary statement, explaining why the righteous will inherit the earth and the wicked will be cut off, grounding these outcomes in God's active blessing and cursing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: The verse unequivocally states that God is the ultimate arbiter of destiny. He actively blesses those who align with Him and curses those who oppose Him, ensuring that justice will prevail, even if not immediately apparent.
  • Inheritance of the Earth: For those "blessed of him," the promise is to inherit the earth. This phrase, prominent in the Old Testament, refers not merely to physical land but to a state of security, peace, and flourishing under God's favor. It implies a lasting legacy, a place of belonging, and ultimate well-being in God's kingdom.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Conversely, "they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." This signifies a complete separation from God's favor, leading to ruin, extinction, and exclusion from the divine promises. It speaks to the ultimate desolation of those who reject God's ways.
  • Sovereignty of God: The verse emphasizes God's supreme authority in determining the fate of humanity, reinforcing the psalm's overall message to trust in Him rather than fretting over temporary injustices.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Blessed" (Hebrew: baruch): This term signifies divine favor, empowerment, and prosperity bestowed by God. It implies a deep, reciprocal relationship where God's goodness flows to His people.
  • "Inherit the earth" (Hebrew: yarash eretz): While often referring to the land of Israel in a literal sense, in wisdom literature like Psalms, it broadens to encompass a secure and peaceful existence under God's reign. It speaks to the faithful receiving their full portion and lasting dominion.
  • "Cursed" (Hebrew: arar): This denotes a state of being under divine disfavor, leading to deprivation and judgment. It is the opposite of blessing, bringing about negative consequences.
  • "Cut off" (Hebrew: karath): This is a strong verb indicating severance, destruction, or extermination. In biblical context, it can mean being removed from the covenant community, losing one's lineage, or facing ultimate demise. It underscores the severity of divine judgment for the wicked.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and a clear warning. For believers, it is a reminder to persevere in righteousness, trusting that God's justice will ultimately prevail. Our ultimate inheritance is not based on fleeting earthly success but on God's enduring blessing. It calls us to live lives that reflect God's character, knowing that true prosperity and lasting peace come from being "blessed of Him." Conversely, it serves as a stark warning against choosing a path of wickedness, as it leads to being "cut off" from God's life-giving presence and promises. The faithful are invited to trust in the Lord and do good, knowing their future is secure in His hands.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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