Psalms 37:15

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 37:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.
Psalms 37:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 37

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will meditate in thy precepts, etc.] In his own mind; revolve them in his thoughts; consider well the nature, excellency, usefulness, and importance of them, and the obligations he lay under to observe them. The Targum is, “I will speak of thy precepts;” in conversation to others, and recommend them to them; so the Arabic version: and have respect unto thy ways; or “look” f1645 unto them; take heed unto them, and walk in them, and not wander from them; make them the rule of walk and conversation; as travellers look well to their ways, that they do not miss them, and go into wrong ways; they observe the directions that have been given them, and keep unto them; and so good men refer to the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their sword shall enter into their own heart - Their purposes will recoil on themselves; or they will themselves suffer what they had devised for others. See the same sentiment expressed in Psalms 7:15-16; Psalms 9:15; compare Esther 7:10. And their bows shall be broken - They will be defeated in their plans. God will cut them off, and not suffer them to execute their designs. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“sword: Psa 7:14, Psa 7:15, Psa 35:8; Sa1 31:4; Sa2 17:23; Est 7:9, Est 7:10; Isa 37:38; Mic 5:6; Mat 27:4, Mat 27:5 bows: Psa 46:9, Psa 76:3-6; Jer 51:56; Hos 1:5, Hos 2:18 Psalms 37:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification