Psalms 37:33

KJV

The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will not leave {H5800} him in his hand {H3027}, nor condemn {H7561}{H8686)} him when he is judged {H8199}{H8736)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI will not leave him in his power or let him be condemned when judged.

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:33 offers a profound and comforting assurance of divine protection and ultimate vindication for the righteous. In the face of opposition, persecution, or false accusation from the wicked, this verse declares that the sovereign Lord will neither abandon His faithful to the oppressive power of their adversaries nor permit them to be unjustly condemned when brought before any tribunal. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, perfect justice, and active intervention, promising that He will preserve, uphold, and ultimately justify those who trust in Him, ensuring their deliverance against all forms of human judgment and malicious intent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, crafted as an alphabetic acrostic, designed to instruct and encourage the righteous who often grapple with the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked. The psalm's overarching message contrasts the fleeting triumph of evildoers with the enduring blessing, inheritance, and ultimate vindication of those who faithfully trust in the LORD. Throughout the chapter, David repeatedly counsels believers not to fret, envy, or be agitated by the wicked, but instead to commit their ways to God, assuring them that divine justice will inevitably prevail. Verses 32-33 specifically form a couplet that highlights the wicked's malicious intent toward the righteous and God's decisive, protective response. The preceding verse, [Psalm 37:32](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watches the Righteous"), states, "The wicked watches the righteous and seeks to put him to death," setting the stage for God's immediate and powerful intervention promised in verse 33, thus emphasizing the active threat against the righteous and God's direct, unwavering defense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period when the righteous experienced oppression, witnessed widespread injustice, or observed the unpunished success of the wicked, Psalm 37 speaks to a perennial human dilemma. In ancient Israelite society, justice was typically administered through local courts, often by elders at the city gate, or by tribal leaders. False accusations, judicial corruption, and the abuse of power by the influential were real and pressing threats to the vulnerable. The psalm reflects a context where the righteous might feel exposed to the machinations of the powerful and unscrupulous. The promise of God's intervention was not merely an abstract theological concept but a deeply practical and vital source of solace in a world where earthly justice was frequently imperfect, delayed, or outright corrupted. It underscores the profound belief that even when human systems fail, divine justice will ultimately prevail, and God will act as the ultimate Advocate for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes central to Psalm 37 and the broader Psalter. Primarily, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, assuring believers that God actively safeguards His faithful from the power, schemes, and destructive intentions of the wicked, echoing the secure refuge depicted in passages like [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1-2 "Psalm 91:1-2 - God as Refuge and Fortress"). Secondly, it highlights the **Vindication of the Righteous**, affirming God's immutable role as the ultimate Judge and Defender who ensures their innocence is upheld against unjust condemnation, a theme powerfully articulated in the New Testament in [Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33-34 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies His Elect"). Finally, the verse profoundly underscores **God's Faithfulness and Justice**, reinforcing the psalm's central message that God’s perfect justice will ultimately prevail, and He will not allow the wicked to permanently triumph over the righteous, nor permit His children to be unjustly condemned. This aligns with the broader narrative of God's covenant loyalty and righteous character evident throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Covenant Law") and the prophetic literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leave (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root means "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse." In the context of "will not leave him in his hand," the negation of this verb powerfully signifies God's refusal to abandon, forsake, or surrender His righteous ones to the control, power, or malicious intent of their adversaries. It denotes active divine intervention to prevent such an outcome, ensuring the righteous are not left helpless or destitute in the face of their enemies.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word, this term literally refers to "a hand (the open one, indicating power, means, direction, etc.)." When used metaphorically, as it is here in the phrase "in his hand," it frequently represents power, authority, control, dominion, or custody. Therefore, "in his hand" refers to being under the complete power, influence, or destructive control of an enemy. The promise is that the LORD will not allow the righteous to be utterly dominated, destroyed, or permanently held captive by their foes.
* **Condemn (Hebrew, _râshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate; condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness)." It is a legal term, meaning "to declare guilty," "to pronounce wicked," or "to find fault with." The negation "nor condemn him" assures that when the righteous are brought before a tribunal—whether human or divine—God will not declare them guilty. Instead, He will uphold their righteousness and vindicate them against false accusations, unjust charges, or any verdict that would pronounce them wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will not leave him in his hand":** This initial clause serves as a powerful assurance of divine protection from the oppressive power of the wicked. Despite the wicked's malicious intentions and active attempts to seize, harm, or control the righteous (as implied by the preceding verse, [Psalm 37:32](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watches the Righteous")), God explicitly promises that He will not permit the righteous to fall completely or permanently into their adversaries' dominion. This is an active, protective intervention, preventing the wicked from fully executing their malicious intentions or from establishing lasting control over the faithful. It speaks directly to God's sovereignty over human evil and His unwavering commitment to His people's security.
* **"nor condemn him when he is judged":** This second clause addresses the crucial theme of vindication in the face of accusation or trial. The phrase "when he is judged" (Hebrew, _bəhišpəṭô_) refers to the righteous person being subjected to a legal process, scrutiny, or a verdict, whether by human courts, the court of public opinion, or even in a broader sense, by divine assessment. The promise "nor condemn him" means that God Himself will not declare the righteous guilty or allow an unjust verdict against them to stand. He will act as their ultimate Advocate and Judge, ensuring that their integrity is recognized and that they are acquitted or justified, even when human systems might fail, be corrupted, or be biased against them. This highlights God's role as the righteous Judge who upholds the innocent and ensures ultimate justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance and steadfast justice. **Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry, is prominently displayed in the two clauses of the verse: "The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged." This exhibits **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, moving from the idea of physical protection from an enemy's power to the deeper assurance of legal and moral vindication in judgment. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "in his hand," where "hand" stands for the power, control, or authority of the wicked. This vivid imagery creates a tangible sense of the threat faced by the righteous and underscores the comprehensive nature of God's protective intervention. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Divine Assurance** or **Promise**, a powerful rhetorical device designed to instill confidence, hope, and peace in the listener or reader, directly addressing their anxieties about injustice and vulnerability in a world where the wicked often seem to triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:33 is a profound declaration of God's active, personal involvement in the lives of His faithful, especially during times of adversity, persecution, and injustice. It underscores the foundational theological truth that God is not a distant, passive observer but an intimately engaged Protector and a perfectly righteous Judge. This verse powerfully affirms God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, ensuring that their ultimate destiny is not determined by the malicious machinations of the wicked or the inherent imperfections of human justice systems. It speaks directly to the divine attributes of faithfulness (_hesed_) and justice (_mishpat_), promising that those who walk in integrity will ultimately be upheld and vindicated by the Almighty. This promise provides immense comfort and stability, redirecting human trust from fallible human institutions or self-reliance to the sovereign power, unwavering character, and perfect justice of God.

* [Psalm 9:9-10](/psalms/9-9-10 "Psalm 9:9-10 - God as a Refuge for the Oppressed")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When the Lord Delights in a Man's Ways")
* [Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33-34 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies His Elect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world frequently marked by profound injustice, where the wicked often appear to prosper and the righteous suffer, Psalms 37:33 offers a vital anchor for the soul and a steadfast compass for Christian living. It calls us to actively resist the pervasive temptation to fret, despair, or take matters into our own hands when facing false accusations, persecution, or the seemingly unhindered success of those who oppose God's ways. Instead, this verse encourages a deep, abiding, and active trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice. For believers navigating personal or societal injustices, it serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate vindication and security do not rest on our own efforts, the shifting tides of public opinion, or the often-flawed systems of this world, but on the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent power of God. It encourages patience, perseverance in righteousness, and a willingness to commit our ways fully to the Lord, knowing with certainty that He sees all, and in His perfect timing, He will deliver, protect, and ultimately vindicate His children, ensuring that no unjust condemnation will stand against them. This profound truth empowers us to live righteously without fear, resting securely in the assurance of divine oversight and advocacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's protection in Psalms 37:33 challenge my natural inclination to worry or take matters into my own hands when facing injustice or opposition?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust God more fully with my vindication, rather than seeking it through human means or my own efforts?**
* **Considering the two distinct clauses of the verse, how does God's promise to "not leave him in his hand" differ from "nor condemn him when he is judged," and what unique comfort do both aspects offer to the believer?**

### FAQ

**Does "judged" in this verse refer to human judgment or divine judgment?**

Answer: The term "judged" (Hebrew, _shaphat_) in Psalms 37:33 primarily refers to human judgment or legal proceedings. The consistent context of Psalm 37 often depicts the righteous being persecuted, plotted against, or falsely accused by the wicked (e.g., [Psalm 37:12](/psalms/37-12 "Psalm 37:12 - The Wicked Plots Against the Righteous")). Therefore, the verse assures that when the righteous are brought to trial, scrutiny, or public assessment by human adversaries, God will not allow them to be unjustly condemned. While God is indeed the ultimate Judge of all, the immediate concern here is the earthly struggle for justice and the Lord's intervention on behalf of His faithful in the face of human opposition and flawed legal systems.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "fretting" mentioned earlier in Psalm 37?**

Answer: Psalms 37:33 directly provides the theological foundation for the repeated admonition against "fretting" that is central to the entire psalm, particularly in [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers") and [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently"). The psalmist repeatedly warns believers against becoming anxious, envious, or agitated by the apparent prosperity of the wicked or their seeming success in harming the righteous. Verse 33 offers the profound reason *not* to fret: because God Himself will actively protect His people from the wicked's power ("will not leave him in his hand") and ensure their ultimate vindication in judgment ("nor condemn him when he is judged"). This divine assurance removes the very cause for anxiety and worry, encouraging a posture of trust, patience, and steadfast righteousness instead of fear or envy.

**Does this verse mean that righteous people will never suffer or be found guilty by human courts?**

Answer: No, this verse does not guarantee that righteous people will never experience suffering, persecution, or adverse human judgments. History and Scripture are replete with examples of righteous individuals who suffered unjustly, were falsely accused, or even condemned to death (e.g., Joseph, Jeremiah, Daniel, and ultimately, Jesus Himself). The promise in Psalms 37:33 is not about immunity from all earthly trials, suffering, or legal setbacks, but about God's ultimate protective oversight and His refusal to allow His righteous ones to be *permanently* or *ultimately* defeated, abandoned, or *unjustly condemned by Him*. It speaks to God's ultimate vindication and the unwavering assurance that even if human systems fail, God's perfect justice will prevail, and He will not abandon His own to the final triumph of evil. It is a promise of ultimate security and divine advocacy, not an exemption from all earthly tribulation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:33 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the verse promises God's protection and vindication for the righteous, it is in Christ that humanity's true righteousness is perfectly embodied and fully secured. Jesus, the uniquely righteous one, was indeed "left in the hand" of wicked men, condemned by human courts, and suffered an agonizing, unjust death on the cross. Yet, precisely through this ultimate act of apparent abandonment and condemnation, God's promise was paradoxically fulfilled in a redemptive way. God did not "leave him in his hand" ultimately, for He powerfully raised Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His supreme power over sin, death, and the grave, and gloriously vindicating Him as Lord and Christ, as proclaimed in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead") and [Acts 3:15](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - The Author of Life"). Furthermore, for all who are "in Christ," this verse's promise becomes a personal and eternal reality. Through faith, believers are clothed in Christ's perfect righteousness, and therefore, when they stand before the ultimate divine judgment, God will "not condemn him when he is judged" because Christ has already borne their condemnation on the cross. As [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") triumphantly declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ensure that the Father will never abandon His adopted children to the power of evil or allow them to be condemned, for their vindication is eternally secured in their union with the risen Lord, who "is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us" ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession for Believers")).

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

Psalms 109:31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth.

Romans 8:34

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Psalms 31:7

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;