Psalms 37:5

KJV

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Commit {H1556} thy way {H1870} unto the LORD {H3068}; trust {H982}{H8798)} also in him; and he shall bring it to pass {H6213}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Commit your way to ADONAI; trust in him, and he will act.

Berean Standard Bible

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

American Standard Version

Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:5 is a profound call to radical faith, urging believers to fully transfer their life's journey, plans, and anxieties to the sovereign care of the LORD. It promises that when this complete surrender and confident reliance are genuinely offered, God Himself will actively intervene, direct, and bring to fruition His perfect will and purposes for their lives, ensuring ultimate peace and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 stands as a wisdom psalm, often categorized as a didactic or instructional piece, likely penned by David in his later years. It is an acrostic psalm (though less strict in its adherence than some others), structured to offer guidance on how the righteous should live and respond in a world where the wicked often appear to prosper and flourish. The psalm repeatedly contrasts the fleeting success and ultimate downfall of the ungodly with the enduring blessings, peace, and eventual vindication of those who patiently trust in God. Verses like [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret") and [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord") underscore the pervasive theme of not fretting or being envious but rather waiting on the Lord. [Psalms 37:5](/psalms/37-5 "Psalm 37:5 - Commit Your Way to the Lord") serves as a pivotal instruction within this larger discourse, providing the active step of faith that counters the temptation to despair or take matters into one's own hands. It is a core principle for living a life of trust amidst perceived injustices and uncertainties.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed within the ancient Israelite context, this psalm addresses a common human dilemma: why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? In a society where immediate divine retribution or blessing was often expected, the apparent success of evildoers could be deeply unsettling and challenge faith. The cultural setting involved a strong emphasis on covenant relationship with Yahweh, where faithfulness was expected to yield tangible blessings. However, daily life presented realities that often contradicted this expectation, leading to doubt or envy. The psalm, therefore, provides a theological framework for understanding God's long-term justice and providential care, urging the people to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's ultimate plan. It counsels against the common human tendency to rely on one's own strength or wisdom, instead advocating for a complete reliance on God's character and power, which was foundational to the Israelite understanding of their relationship with their covenant Lord.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prominent in Psalm 37 and throughout the wisdom literature.
* **Commitment and Surrender:** The phrase "Commit thy way unto the LORD" is a profound call to radical surrender. It signifies not merely asking for help but a complete transfer of the burden, direction, and outcome of one's life, decisions, and future plans entirely to God's sovereign care. This involves a deliberate act of letting go of personal control and acknowledging God's ultimate authority over all circumstances.
* **Active Trust and Reliance:** Following commitment, "trust also in him" emphasizes the necessity of active, unwavering faith. This is not passive resignation but a confident, expectant reliance on God's character, His infinite wisdom, and His omnipotent power. It implies a deep conviction that God is good, faithful, and supremely capable of handling what we cannot. This deep reliance is essential for true peace amidst life's uncertainties and is echoed in passages like [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him"), which urges believers to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
* **God's Faithfulness and Action:** The powerful promise, "and he shall bring [it] to pass," assures the believer of God's active, decisive intervention. When we commit and trust, God intervenes, directs, and fulfills His perfect will for our lives. This promise does not guarantee the fulfillment of our specific desires but rather the unfolding of His ultimate, good, and perfect plan. For those who cast their burdens upon Him, He will sustain them, as seen in [Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord"), which declares, "Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commit (Hebrew, _gālal_):** This verb literally means "to roll upon" or "to roll away." It evokes vivid imagery, such as rolling a heavy stone (like from a well's mouth or a tomb entrance) from oneself onto someone else. In this context, it signifies a complete transfer of a burden, a responsibility, or one's entire life's journey onto the Lord. It implies a decisive act of relinquishment and delegation, moving the weight from one's own shoulders to God's. It's not a partial surrender but a full, intentional transfer of one's "way"—one's path, plans, and destiny.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bâṭaḥ_):** This word conveys a deep sense of leaning on, feeling secure, or having confidence in someone. It implies a firm, unwavering reliance that stems from a conviction of the trustworthiness and faithfulness of the object of trust. It's more than intellectual assent; it's a settled confidence that allows one to rest securely, knowing that the one trusted is both able and willing to act on their behalf. This trust is active, not passive, involving a continuous orientation of the heart towards God.
* **Bring [it] to pass (Hebrew, _‘āśāh_):** The verb _‘āśāh_ means "to do," "to make," or "to accomplish." In this context, it carries the force of God's active involvement and successful completion of what He purposes. It signifies that God will not merely observe but will powerfully and effectively execute His divine will and plan in response to the believer's commitment and trust. It speaks to God's omnipotence and His faithfulness to His promises, assuring that He will indeed act and bring about the desired outcome, which is always aligned with His perfect will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Commit thy way unto the LORD;":** This is an imperative command, a direct instruction to the believer. "Thy way" refers to one's entire life's course, including one's plans, decisions, struggles, future, and destiny. The command to "commit" (roll upon) signifies a deliberate, active, and complete transfer of these burdens and responsibilities from oneself to God. It is an act of relinquishing self-reliance and placing everything into the hands of the divine, acknowledging His sovereignty and capacity.
* **"trust also in him;":** This clause provides the necessary complement to the first. While "commit" speaks to the act of transferring, "trust" speaks to the ongoing attitude of the heart. It's an active, continuous reliance and confident expectation in God's character, wisdom, and power. It implies a belief that God is good and capable of handling what has been committed to Him, and that He will act in the best interest of the one who trusts. This trust is the foundation for peace and patience.
* **"and he shall bring [it] to pass.":** This is the divine promise, the assured outcome of the preceding commands. The "it" refers to God's perfect will and purposes for the committed and trusting individual. It's a guarantee that God will actively intervene, direct circumstances, and accomplish His good and sovereign plan. This does not necessarily mean fulfilling every personal desire, but rather that God will orchestrate events to achieve His ultimate, wise, and benevolent ends, ensuring the vindication and blessing of the righteous in His timing and way.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:5 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Imagery**, specifically the vivid picture evoked by the Hebrew word for "commit" (_gālal_), which literally means "to roll." This creates the tangible image of a person physically rolling a heavy burden, a stone, or their entire life's path onto the strong shoulders of the LORD. This imagery powerfully communicates the act of relinquishment and the transfer of responsibility. The verse also uses **Imperative Mood** ("Commit," "trust"), which serves as a direct command, underscoring the volitional and active nature of faith required from the believer. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("trust also in him") expands upon and completes the thought of the first ("Commit thy way unto the LORD"). While not strictly synonymous, "trust" is the necessary attitude that accompanies the act of "committing," building a more comprehensive instruction. Finally, the verse functions as a **Promise or Assurance**, where the final clause ("and he shall bring [it] to pass") provides a definitive and comforting declaration of God's guaranteed action in response to human obedience and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:5 profoundly speaks to the core theological truths of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of biblical faith. It posits that true peace and security are found not in human striving or control, but in the complete surrender of one's life to an all-wise and all-powerful God. This commitment is not a passive resignation but an active, confident reliance on God's providential care and His unwavering faithfulness. The verse underscores that God is not a distant deity but an active participant in the lives of His people, working out His purposes even amidst the complexities and injustices of the world. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls believers to live by faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and His perfect timing, rather than succumbing to anxiety or envy. This divine promise encourages believers to release their anxieties, knowing that God will orchestrate circumstances according to His good and sovereign will.

* [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Commit Your Works to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with self-help mantras and the pressure to control every aspect of our lives, Psalms 37:5 offers a liberating counter-cultural truth. It invites us to step off the treadmill of anxiety and self-reliance, and instead, to re-center our lives on the unshakable faithfulness of God. To "commit thy way unto the LORD" means to consciously release our grip on our career paths, financial worries, relationship struggles, health concerns, and future uncertainties, placing them deliberately into His capable hands. It's an act of worship, acknowledging His supreme wisdom and power over our limited understanding. Following this commitment, "trust also in him" calls for an active, ongoing confidence that God is not only able but also willing to work all things for our good and His glory. This doesn't negate personal effort or wise planning, but it reframes them within a framework of divine sovereignty. We are called to labor diligently, plan wisely, and pray fervently, but then to rest in the assurance that God will ultimately direct our steps and bring about His perfect will, often in ways far beyond our imagination. This verse is a powerful antidote to worry, guiding us towards a life of peace rooted in divine dependency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "ways" or areas of your life are you currently struggling to commit fully to the LORD?**
* **How does your daily life reflect an active "trust" in God, even when circumstances are uncertain or difficult?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "let go" and allow God to "bring it to pass" in His timing and His way?**
* **How might embracing this verse transform your approach to decision-making and problem-solving?**

### FAQ
**Does "bring it to pass" mean God will fulfill all my personal desires and plans?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the way we might initially conceive. The phrase "bring it to pass" (Hebrew: _‘āśāh_) indicates God's active and effective accomplishment of His will. While God delights in blessing His children, His promise here is to bring about His perfect, wise, and good plan for your life when you commit your way to Him and trust Him. This often aligns with our deepest, God-given desires, but it may also involve redirecting our paths or refining our desires to conform to His higher purposes. It’s a promise of divine orchestration for ultimate good, not a guarantee of every personal wish. It speaks to God's faithfulness in completing what He purposes, which is always for our true flourishing and His glory.

**What is the practical difference between "commit" and "trust" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and interdependent, "commit" (Hebrew: _gālal_, to roll upon) refers to the initial, decisive act of transferring your burdens, plans, and entire life's journey onto the Lord. It's the volitional act of relinquishment, like rolling a heavy stone off yourself and onto someone else. "Trust" (Hebrew: _bâṭaḥ_, to lean on, feel secure) refers to the ongoing, continuous attitude of confident reliance and security that follows the act of commitment. It's the settled conviction of heart that God, upon whom you have rolled your burden, is entirely trustworthy, capable, and faithful to handle it. You commit once, but you continue to trust. The former is the action, the latter is the abiding posture of faith.

**How does this verse relate to personal effort and responsibility? Should I just do nothing and wait for God to act?**

Answer: This verse does not advocate for passivity or irresponsibility. Instead, it calls for a faith-filled engagement with life. Committing your way to the Lord means inviting Him into your efforts, plans, and decisions. It implies seeking His guidance, aligning your will with His, and working diligently as if everything depends on you, while trusting completely as if everything depends on Him. It's about releasing the *outcome* and the *burden* of control, not the *effort*. For example, [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart") instructs us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." This shows that our effort and acknowledgment are part of the process, but God's direction is the ultimate key.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who perfectly "committed His way unto the LORD" and "trusted also in Him." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated complete reliance on the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross. His prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), epitomizes the very essence of committing one's way to God. He perfectly fulfilled the command to roll His life and destiny onto the Father, trusting implicitly in God's plan for redemption. And because of His perfect commitment and trust, the Father "brought it to pass"—the ultimate salvation of humanity was accomplished through His sacrifice and resurrection. For believers, Psalms 37:5 is not merely a piece of ancient wisdom but an invitation to follow in the footsteps of Christ, casting all our anxieties upon Him ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")) and finding our rest in the one who bore our burdens. When we commit our way to the Lord Jesus, trusting in His finished work, He becomes the very "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")), and through Him, God truly brings His perfect will to pass in our lives, leading us to eternal life and abundant living. Our ultimate trust is placed in 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")), and through Him, we find the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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 16:3

¶ Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

James 4:15

For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.