Psalms 37:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Though he fall {H5307}, he shall not be utterly cast down {H2904}{H8714)}: for the LORD {H3068} upholdeth {H5564}{H8802)} him with his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He may stumble, but he won't fall headlong, for ADONAI holds him by the hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.

American Standard Version

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:24 offers profound reassurance to the righteous, declaring God's unwavering support and active preservation even in moments of stumble or struggle. It powerfully asserts that despite any fall, setback, or moral lapse, a person devoted to the Lord will not be utterly defeated or permanently abandoned, because God Himself provides sustaining strength and ensures their ultimate recovery and stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, designed to instruct the faithful on how to live righteously and maintain trust in God amidst the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the fleeting triumph of the ungodly with the enduring blessings, inheritance of the land, and ultimate security promised to those who [trust in the Lord](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord and Do Good") and [commit their way to Him](/psalms/37-5 "Psalm 37:5 - Commit Your Way to the Lord"). This particular verse, [Psalms 37:24](/psalms/37-24 "Psalms 37:24 - God Upholds the Righteous"), fits seamlessly within this overarching theme, highlighting God's active preservation of His faithful ones and assuring them that even their failures or adversities will not lead to permanent ruin or complete abandonment. It reinforces the psalm's message that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain, and His care for His people is constant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during a period when the righteous often observed the wicked flourishing, Psalm 37 speaks to a common human struggle with the problem of evil and divine justice. In ancient Israel, a "fall" could signify not only a physical stumble but also a social, economic, or moral downfall, leading to shame and destitution. The concept of God "upholding" or "lifting up" was a powerful image of divine intervention, protection, and restoration, crucial in a society where personal and communal well-being was deeply intertwined with divine favor. The "hand" of God is a pervasive anthropomorphism in the Old Testament, representing His power, authority, personal involvement, and protective care, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "Deuteronomy 33:27 - The Eternal God Is Your Refuge") where His everlasting arms are underneath.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major theological themes within Psalm 37 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Preservation**, emphasizing God's active and personal role in preventing the righteous from complete downfall, ensuring their ultimate recovery rather than avoiding all difficulties. Secondly, it highlights the **Resilience of the Righteous**, acknowledging that even those who walk with God may "fall"—whether through sin, error, or severe trials—but their faith and God's faithfulness guarantee they will not be "utterly cast down," implying a capacity for spiritual resilience and restoration. This theme resonates with [Proverbs 24:16](/proverbs/24-16 "Proverbs 24:16 - The Righteous Fall Seven Times and Rise Again"), which states that "a righteous man falls seven times and rises again." Lastly, the powerful imagery of **God's Upholding Hand** vividly portrays divine strength, intimate care, and unwavering involvement, signifying that God's omnipotent power is actively engaged in supporting and sustaining His children through every circumstance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fall (Hebrew, _māʿad'_):** This verb means "to totter," "to waver," "to slip," or "to stumble." It suggests a temporary loss of balance or a momentary lapse, rather than a complete, irrecoverable collapse. In the context of human experience, it can refer to moral failings, spiritual backsliding, or even severe adversities that cause one to falter. The use of this word acknowledges the reality of human imperfection and the challenges inherent in life, even for those committed to God.
* **Utterly Cast Down (Hebrew, _māʿaṭ'_):** This phrase comes from a root meaning "to diminish," "to be few," or "to be overthrown/removed." When combined with "not," it conveys the idea of not being completely vanquished, permanently incapacitated, or utterly destroyed. The promise is not that the righteous will never fall, but that their fall will not result in total ruin or abandonment by God. It implies a divine limit to the extent of their suffering or failure.
* **Upholdeth (Hebrew, _tāmak'_):** This verb signifies "to grasp," "to hold firmly," "to support," or "to sustain." It conveys a steady, unwavering grip, indicating active and continuous support. Combined with "his hand," it paints a vivid picture of God's personal, powerful, and tender intervention, actively preventing the righteous from being overwhelmed and ensuring their stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though he fall,"**: This opening clause acknowledges the universal human experience of stumbling, making mistakes, or encountering significant difficulties. For the righteous, "falling" can encompass moral lapses, spiritual backsliding, or even the severe trials and adversities of life that threaten to overwhelm. It sets a realistic premise, recognizing that even those devoted to God are not immune to failure or hardship.
* **"he shall not be utterly cast down:"**: This is the core promise and divine assurance. Despite the acknowledged "fall," the righteous person will not be permanently defeated, completely abandoned, or irrevocably ruined. God places a limit on the extent of their misfortune or the consequences of their failings, ensuring that their stumble does not lead to ultimate destruction or spiritual demise.
* **"for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand."**: This final clause provides the foundational reason for the preceding promise. The security and resilience of the righteous are not based on their own strength, perfection, or ability to avoid falling, but entirely on the active, personal, and powerful intervention of the Lord. The imagery of God's "hand" signifies His omnipotent power, His protective care, and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people, actively sustaining them and preventing their ultimate downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting "though he fall" with "he shall not be utterly cast down," highlighting the divine counteraction to human vulnerability. This creates a powerful tension and resolution. **Anthropomorphism** is used through the phrase "the LORD upholdeth him with his hand," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to make His active involvement and personal care more relatable and vivid. This imagery is not meant to be literal but to convey God's tangible power and intimate support. The verse also functions as a **Divine Promise** or **Assurance**, offering comfort and certainty to the righteous through a declarative statement about God's unfailing character and action. The concise structure and direct language contribute to its memorable and impactful nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:24 powerfully articulates a fundamental truth about God's faithfulness and His covenant relationship with His people. It underscores that divine preservation is not contingent upon human perfection, but upon God's unwavering character and His commitment to those who trust in Him. This verse speaks to the nature of grace, where God's upholding hand is extended not because we are flawless, but because He is merciful and sovereign over our lives. It assures believers that even when they stumble or face overwhelming challenges, God's steadfast love will prevent ultimate ruin, demonstrating His active role in their sanctification and perseverance. This truth fosters humility, as it acknowledges our propensity to fall, and simultaneously cultivates profound hope and confidence in God's unfailing support.

* [Proverbs 24:16](/proverbs/24-16 "Proverbs 24:16 - The Righteous Fall Seven Times and Rise Again")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:24 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for the Christian life. It liberates us from the crushing burden of striving for perfection, reminding us that our security and standing before God are not dependent on our faultlessness, but on His steadfast grace and power. In a world where failure often leads to despair, this verse assures us that even our stumbles—whether moral, spiritual, or circumstantial—are not the end of our story. It calls us to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength, rather than our own, fostering humility when we succeed and providing hope when we fail. This truth encourages us to persevere through trials, to repent when we sin, and to always look to the Lord as our ultimate source of stability and restoration, knowing that His hand is always ready to lift us up.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my natural inclination to despair or feel utterly defeated after a personal failure or setback?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in God's "upholding hand" rather than my own strength or efforts?**
* **How can the assurance of this verse empower me to extend grace and understanding to others who are stumbling or struggling?**

### FAQ
**Does "fall" in this verse refer only to sin, or does it include other types of hardship?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "fall" (מָעַד, _ma'ad_) is broad enough to encompass both moral failings (sin) and general hardships or adversities that cause one to stumble or totter. While it certainly includes instances of sin where the righteous person deviates from God's path, it also applies to the inevitable trials, difficulties, and setbacks that are part of the human experience. The emphasis of the verse is on God's unwavering response to any form of "falling," assuring that He will prevent ultimate ruin regardless of the cause. This comprehensive understanding provides deep comfort, as it addresses both our personal shortcomings and the external pressures of life, reinforcing God's commitment to His people, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous one, who, though tempted in every way, [did not sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands Our Weakness"). Yet, in His identification with humanity, He "fell" under the weight of the world's sin, enduring the cross and death. However, He was [not utterly cast down](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up"), for God's hand powerfully upheld Him, raising Him from the dead on the third day, demonstrating ultimate victory over sin and death. For believers, Christ is the ultimate "upholding hand." Through His atoning work, He secures our standing, ensuring that though we, as His followers, may stumble and fall into sin or face severe trials, we will not be utterly cast down. His intercession [at the right hand of God](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us") continually upholds us, and His Spirit empowers us to rise again. The promise that [nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love") is the New Covenant echo of this psalm, guaranteeing that the divine hand which holds us is the very hand of the risen Lord, [who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God Is Able to Keep You from Stumbling").

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 24:16

For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Psalms 145:14

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

Psalms 94:18

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.