Psalms 37:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For evildoers {H7489} shall be cut off {H3772}{H8735)}: but those that wait {H6960}{H8802)} upon the LORD {H3068}, they shall inherit {H3423}{H8799)} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For evildoers will be cut off, but those hoping in ADONAI will inherit the land.

Berean Standard Bible

For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

American Standard Version

For evil-doers shall be cut off; But those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:9 offers a profound assurance of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of the righteous, forming a core message within this wisdom psalm. It presents a stark contrast between the fleeting prosperity and inevitable demise of those who practice evil and the enduring blessing, security, and inheritance promised to those who faithfully rely on and patiently wait for the LORD. This verse serves as a powerful antidote to despair, encouraging steadfast trust in God's sovereign plan and His ultimate vindication of His faithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is an alphabetic acrostic psalm, attributed to David, designed to encourage believers who struggle with the apparent success and prosperity of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David repeatedly urges patience, trust, and righteousness, rather than vexation or envy over evildoers. Verse 9 succinctly summarizes this overarching theme, echoing earlier exhortations like "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" found in [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord"). The structure of the psalm, moving through the Hebrew alphabet, reinforces the comprehensive and certain nature of God's justice, providing a meditative framework for believers to internalize these truths. It assures the reader that God's justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is absolutely certain and will be fully realized. This verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal summary of the psalm's central argument: the ultimate destiny of the wicked is destruction, while the righteous inherit enduring blessing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a common tension in ancient Israelite society: the apparent contradiction between God's covenant promises of blessing for obedience and the observed reality of the wicked often prospering while the righteous suffered. This tension is explored in other wisdom literature like the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job - The Suffering of the Righteous") and [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Enigma of the Wicked's Prosperity"). The "earth" (Hebrew: *eretz*) in this context primarily refers to the land of Israel, which was given to Abraham's descendants as an inheritance and a place of covenant blessing and security. For the Israelites, possession of the land was intrinsically linked to God's favor and faithfulness, representing peace, prosperity, and the presence of God. The promise to "inherit the earth" therefore resonated deeply with their understanding of divine blessing and covenant fidelity, signifying a secure and prosperous life under God's rule, free from the threats of those who would disrupt God's order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Psalm 37 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting that God will inevitably intervene to "cut off" evildoers, ensuring that wickedness does not ultimately prevail. This speaks to God's sovereignty and His moral order for the world, assuring that His righteous character will be fully displayed. Secondly, it highlights **Patient Endurance and Trust**, emphasizing that true wisdom and blessedness come from actively "waiting upon the LORD." This is not passive idleness but an active, expectant reliance on God's character and timing, even amidst present difficulties. It calls for a steadfast faith that refuses to be swayed by the temporary successes of the ungodly. Finally, the theme of **Inheritance and Blessing** is central, with the promise that the righteous "shall inherit the earth." This promise, while rooted in the physical land of Israel, carries profound spiritual implications of ultimate peace, security, and blessed dominion under God's reign, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament promise of a new heavens and new earth (see [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). This theme is famously echoed in Jesus' Beatitudes, where the meek are promised to "inherit the earth" in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude on Inheriting the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evildoers (Hebrew, H7489 _râʻaʻ'_):** This root word describes those who are morally corrupt, doing evil, or causing harm. It signifies a disposition and practice of wickedness, leading to actions that are bad, harmful, or displeasing to God. In this context, it refers to individuals whose lives are characterized by unrighteousness and opposition to God's ways, whose prosperity is fleeting and whose end is destruction.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, H3772 _kârath'_):** This strong verb signifies to sever, destroy, or be eliminated. It implies a complete cessation of their influence, power, and presence in God's ultimate plan. It is often used in the Old Testament for covenant breaking, resulting in expulsion or death, indicating a definitive and irreversible judgment. It conveys the idea of being utterly removed from the sphere of God's blessing and protection, leading to ultimate ruin or extinction.
* **Wait (Hebrew, H6960 _qâvâh'_):** More than mere passive waiting, *qavah* implies an active, expectant hope, a binding of oneself to God, or a looking eagerly for. It suggests a steadfast reliance, a hopeful anticipation, and a patient endurance rooted in trust in God's character and promises. It is a posture of faith that perseveres through trials, confident in God's timing and intervention, demonstrating a deep commitment to the LORD (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent and eternal God.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, H3423 _yârash'_):** This verb means to occupy, possess, or seize, often by driving out previous tenants. In the context of divine promise, it refers to receiving a lasting possession or legacy, particularly the land. It signifies a secure and divinely sanctioned ownership, emphasizing that the righteous will not merely temporarily enjoy blessings but will have a permanent and established dwelling under God's favor, in contrast to the dispossession of the wicked.
* **Earth (Hebrew, H776 _ʼerets'_):** This term refers to the land, country, or the earth at large. While it can denote the physical land of Israel, in a broader theological sense, it signifies the sphere of God's dominion and blessing. For the righteous, inheriting the earth implies not just a physical dwelling but a secure, peaceful, and flourishing existence within God's ordered creation, enjoying His presence and provision in a lasting way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For evildoers shall be cut off":** This clause declares the certain, divinely ordained fate of those who habitually practice wickedness. "Evildoers" refers to individuals whose actions are consistently harmful, unjust, and contrary to God's will. The passive voice "shall be cut off" emphasizes that their demise is a divine decree, an inevitable consequence orchestrated by God's justice, not merely a human wish or a random occurrence. It assures the righteous that the apparent prosperity of the wicked is temporary and their ultimate end is destruction or removal from God's favor and the sphere of blessing.
* **"but those that wait upon the LORD":** This introduces a sharp contrast, highlighting the distinct path and destiny of the righteous. "Those that wait upon the LORD" describes individuals characterized by active faith, patient endurance, and hopeful expectation in God. Their trust is not in their own strength or worldly means, but solely in the LORD (Yahweh), the covenant-keeping God. This waiting implies a posture of humility, obedience, and steadfast reliance on His timing and provision, even when circumstances seem bleak, demonstrating a deep, personal relationship with the divine.
* **"they shall inherit the earth":** This is the promised blessing for the faithful, standing in stark opposition to the fate of the wicked. As discussed in the context, "the earth" (Hebrew: *eretz*) initially refers to the Promised Land, signifying security, peace, and prosperity under God's blessing. However, its theological scope extends beyond a literal plot of land to encompass a broader sense of blessed dominion, spiritual flourishing, and ultimate security within God's kingdom, both in this life and the life to come. This inheritance represents a lasting, secure, and divinely sanctioned possession, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting gains of the wicked and assuring the righteous of their permanent place in God's order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, creating a sharp contrast between "evildoers" and "those that wait upon the LORD," and their respective destinies: being "cut off" versus inheriting "the earth." This stark opposition highlights the moral and spiritual dichotomy central to the psalm's theme, emphasizing the clear distinction between two paths and their inevitable outcomes. **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, reinforces this contrast, presenting two opposing ideas in parallel structure to emphasize their difference and the consequences of each path. Furthermore, the phrase "inherit the earth" functions as a rich **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. While rooted in the literal land of Israel, it transcends this to symbolize ultimate security, peace, blessing, and a lasting place within God's ordered creation, representing the full scope of God's covenant promises to the faithful. The entire verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about divine justice and the ultimate outcome of righteous living versus wickedness, designed to be easily remembered and applied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:9 is a foundational statement on divine justice, eschatological hope, and the nature of true blessedness. It assures believers that God is not indifferent to injustice and that His moral order will ultimately prevail. The promise of inheriting the earth transcends mere material possession, pointing to a spiritual reality where the meek and faithful are truly secure and blessed under God's reign, finding their ultimate home and peace in His presence. This verse reinforces the biblical principle that while the wicked may flourish temporarily, their end is destruction, whereas the patient endurance of the righteous leads to an eternal and secure inheritance, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people. It challenges the human tendency to envy the wicked and instead calls for unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, affirming that God's ultimate plan for His creation is one of righteousness and peace, where His faithful children will thrive eternally.

* [Proverbs 2:21-22](/proverbs/2-21-22 "Proverbs 2:21-22 - The Upright Will Inhabit the Land")
* [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - The Righteous Inherit the Land Forever")
* [Revelation 21:7](/revelation/21-7 "Revelation 21:7 - The Inheritors of All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by apparent injustice, where the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, Psalms 37:9 serves as a profound anchor for the soul. It calls believers to resist the temptation to fret or envy, instead cultivating a deep, active trust in God's sovereign timing and His unwavering commitment to justice. This "waiting upon the LORD" is not passive resignation but an active, expectant faith that continues to walk in righteousness, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His kingdom. The promise of inheriting the earth encourages us to shift our focus from fleeting earthly gains to the enduring spiritual and eternal blessings found in a relationship with God. It reminds us that true security, peace, and fulfillment are not found in worldly success or power, but in humble reliance on the Creator, who holds the ultimate destiny of all in His hands. This perspective empowers us to live with patience, hope, and integrity, confident that our steadfast faith will be richly rewarded, and God's justice will ultimately prevail, providing a firm foundation for navigating life's challenges with spiritual resilience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations in your life tempt you to "fret" or envy the apparent success of those who do not follow God?**
* **How does your understanding of "waiting upon the LORD" align with or challenge your typical approach to patience and trust in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience or anticipate "inheriting the earth" in a spiritual sense, beyond a literal plot of land?**
* **How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice strengthen your resolve to live righteously, even when it seems costly?**

### FAQ

**Does "inherit the earth" in Psalms 37:9 refer to a literal piece of land, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While the phrase "inherit the earth" (Hebrew: *eretz*) certainly had a literal dimension for ancient Israel, referring to the Promised Land as a place of covenant blessing and security, its meaning in Psalms 37:9 extends beyond a mere physical plot of land. Theologically, it encompasses a broader sense of blessed dominion, peace, security, and spiritual flourishing under God's rule. It signifies a lasting, stable, and divinely sanctioned existence, in contrast to the fleeting prosperity of the wicked. In the New Testament, this promise is spiritualized and expanded, referring to the ultimate inheritance of the meek in God's eternal kingdom, a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (see [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude on Inheriting the Earth") and [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). So, it's both literal in its original context and profoundly spiritual in its ultimate fulfillment, pointing to the comprehensive blessedness of God's people.

**How does "waiting upon the LORD" differ from passive inaction or resignation?**

Answer: "Waiting upon the LORD" (Hebrew: *qavah*) is far from passive inaction. It implies an active, expectant hope and a steadfast reliance on God's character and promises. It involves a deliberate posture of faith that continues to trust, obey, and hope in God's timing and intervention, even when circumstances are challenging or when God's justice seems delayed. It's about binding oneself to God, maintaining spiritual vigilance, and continuing to walk in righteousness while anticipating His perfect work. This active waiting is contrasted with fretting, envying, or taking matters into one's own hands, as seen throughout [Psalms 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - Trust in the Lord"). It's a dynamic trust that perseveres, knowing God is at work behind the scenes, shaping events according to His perfect will and for the ultimate good of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "one who waits upon the LORD," perfectly embodying the meekness, patience, and trust that the psalm commends. Unlike the wicked who are "cut off," Jesus, though innocent, was "cut off" from the land of the living through His crucifixion (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He Was Cut Off")), but this was not His end. His perfect obedience and patient endurance led to His resurrection and exaltation, demonstrating God's ultimate vindication. Through Him, the promise to "inherit the earth" takes on its fullest meaning. Jesus Himself declares, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude on Inheriting the Earth"), identifying Himself as the meek King and His followers as those who, by virtue of their union with Him, share in His inheritance. Believers, through faith in Christ, become co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), not merely of a physical land, but of the new heavens and new earth, where God's righteous reign is fully established ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the promise of Psalms 37:9 is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who, like Christ, patiently wait upon the Lord, finding their ultimate security and dominion in His eternal kingdom.

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

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Psalms 25:13

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

Isaiah 57:13

¶ When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take [them]: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

Psalms 37:29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Proverbs 2:21

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

Psalms 37:11

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