Psalms 37:38
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
Main message
Psalm 37:38: Transgressors are destroyed together and the future of the wicked is cut off; final moral consequence belongs to God and does not authorize collective punishment or violence against present groups.
Meaning in context
Psalm 37:35–40 · The end of arrogance; refuge in the LORD — Verses 35–40 recall the impressive but passing power of the wicked and close with the future, salvation, help, deliverance, and refuge of the righteous in the LORD.
Transgressors are destroyed together and the future of the wicked is cut off; final moral consequence belongs to God and does not authorize collective punishment or violence against present groups.
Further teachings
The end of arrogance; refuge in the LORD
Transgressors are destroyed together and the future of the wicked is cut off; final moral consequence belongs to God and does not authorize collective punishment or violence against present groups.
Cross References: Psalm 37:38 — Psalm 37:35–40.
Applications in daily life
- 1
Psalm 37:38
Transgressors are destroyed together and the future of the wicked is cut off; final moral consequence belongs to God and does not authorize collective punishment or violence against present groups.
Final judgment belongs to God; the verse does not authorize collective punishment, vigilantism, holy war, or violence against out-groups.
Related Bible passages and resources
- Psalm 37 (full chapter)
Psalm 37 is an alphabetic wisdom psalm that teaches how to live when wrongdoers appear to flourish. It repeatedly turns the reader from envy, anger, and retaliation toward trust, doing good, patient waiting, generosity, and confidence that God sees the difference between violent injustice and faithful life. Its promises about land, provision, guidance, and deliverance belong to wisdom and covenant poetry and must not be turned into mechanical guarantees of wealth, property, health, or immediate safety. The ending places salvation and refuge in the LORD rather than in private vengeance or superiority over enemies.
- Psalm 37:37
Read the previous verse to preserve the movement.
- Psalm 37:39
Continue with the next verse to preserve the movement.
- Study the Book of Psalms
Keep this verse within Psalm 37’s wisdom contrast between temporary wrongdoing and a life of trust, justice, generosity, patience, and refuge in the LORD.
Common misreadings
Final judgment belongs to God; the verse does not authorize collective punishment, vigilantism, holy war, or violence against out-groups.
Transgressors are destroyed together and the future of the wicked is cut off; final moral consequence belongs to God and does not authorize collective punishment or violence against present groups.
How to Apply Psalms 37:38
Use Psalms 37:38 as a daily declaration. Speak it over your circumstances, inserting your name where relevant. Let its promise from Psalms anchor your perspective as you navigate decisions related to from Scripture, and share it with one person who might need it today.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 37 text used by the site.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: