Psalms 37:17

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 37:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous.
Psalms 37:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 37

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, etc.] Which character is mentioned, not by way of plea or argument for favour, but as expressive of modesty, sense of duty, and obligation to it. He pleads not his services by way of merit; but prays that God would deal bountifully with him, in a way of grace and mercy: or “render good” unto him, as the Targum; bestow it on him as a free gift. The Lord deals bountifully with men, when he gives himself unto them as their portion and inheritance; his Son, and all things along with him; his Spirit, and the graces of it; and every daily needful supply of grace; [that] I may live, and keep thy word; life natural is the bounty of God; he grants life and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even the members of the body needed to hold weapons are destroyed.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the arms of the wicked shall be broken - See the notes at Psalms 10:15. The “arm” is the instrument by which we accomplish a purpose; and the meaning here is, that that will be broken on which the wicked rely, or, in other words, that their plans will fail, and that they will be disappointed - as a man is rendered helpless whose arms are broken. Compare the notes at Job 38:15. But the Lord upholdeth the righteous - The Lord will sustain and strengthen him. While the plans of the wicked will be defeated, while they themselves will be overthrown, and fail to accomplish their purposes of wickedness, the Lord will uphold the righteous, and enable them fully to carry out their plans. Their…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“arms: Psa 10:15; Job 38:15; Eze 30:21-25 Lord: Psa 37:24, Psa 41:12, Psa 51:12, Psa 63:8, Psa 119:116, Psa 119:117, Psa 145:14; Isa 41:10, Isa 42:1; Jde 1:24 Psalms 37:18”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification