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Psalms 37:13

Psalms 37:13 in Multiple Translations

but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

The Lord will laugh at him; For he seeth that his day is coming.

He will be laughed at by the Lord, who sees that his day is coming.

But the Lord laughs at them, for he sees their coming day of judgment.

But the Lord shall laugh him to scorne: for he seeth, that his day is comming.

The Lord doth laugh at him, For He hath seen that his day cometh.

The Lord will laugh at him, for he sees that his day is coming.

The LORD will laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

And they that sought my soul used violence. And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day long.

But Yahweh laughs at them because he knows that some day [MTY] he will judge and punish the wicked people.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 37:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֲדֹנָ֥/י יִשְׂחַק ל֑/וֹ כִּֽי רָ֝אָ֗ה כִּֽי יָבֹ֥א יוֹמֽ/וֹ
אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
יִשְׂחַק sâchaq H7832 to laugh V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֑/וֹ Prep | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
רָ֝אָ֗ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יוֹמֽ/וֹ yôwm H3117 day N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:13

אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יִשְׂחַק sâchaq H7832 "to laugh" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
ל֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָ֝אָ֗ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יוֹמֽ/וֹ yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — Psalms 37:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 2:4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
2 Proverbs 1:26 in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you,
3 1 Samuel 26:10 David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.
4 Daniel 5:26 And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
5 Ezekiel 21:29 while they offer false visions for you and lying divinations about you— to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.
6 Ezekiel 21:25 And you, O profane and wicked prince of Israel, the day has come for your final punishment.’
7 Jeremiah 50:27 Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment.
8 Job 18:20 Those in the west are appalled at his fate, while those in the east tremble in horror.

Psalms 37:13 Summary

This verse means that even though it may seem like the wicked are getting away with their evil plans, God is not unaware or unconcerned. He sees everything and is waiting for the perfect time to bring about justice, as seen in Psalms 37:11 and Romans 12:19. We can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about what is right, even if it doesn't seem that way right now. By trusting in God's justice, we can have peace and confidence, just like the meek in Psalms 37:11, who will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the Lord laughs in Psalms 37:13?

The Lord's laughter in this verse signifies His scorn and derision towards the wicked, knowing that their evil plans will ultimately come to nothing, as seen in Proverbs 1:26 and Psalms 2:4.

Is God being cruel when He laughs at the wicked?

No, God's laughter is not an expression of cruelty, but rather a demonstration of His sovereignty and justice, as stated in Psalms 11:4-7, where He is a righteous Judge who will punish the wicked.

What is the 'day' that is coming for the wicked in Psalms 37:13?

The 'day' referred to in this verse is likely the day of God's judgment, when the wicked will face the consequences of their actions, as described in Revelation 20:11-15 and Matthew 25:31-46.

How can I trust in God's justice when I see wickedness prevailing?

We can trust in God's justice because He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and righteous, as seen in Genesis 18:25 and Romans 3:5-6, and He will ultimately bring about justice, even if it doesn't seem that way in our current circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I have seen the wicked prospering in my life, and how can I trust in God's justice despite these circumstances?
  2. How can I, like the meek in Psalms 37:11, inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity, even in the face of wickedness?
  3. What are some evil plans or schemes that I have seen in my life or in the world, and how can I pray for God to bring them to nothing?
  4. How can I reflect the character of God, who laughs at the wicked, in my own life, and what does this mean for my interactions with those who oppose me or God?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him,.... Have him and his plots in derision, confound his schemes, and disappoint him of his designs, bring him into calamity, and laugh at it; see Psalms 2:4; for he seeth

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The Lord shall laugh at him - rather. 'The Lord laughs at him' (Psalms 2:4).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:13

Shall laugh at him, i.e. shall despise and deride all their hopes and endeavours against the good, as most vain and foolish. His day; either, 1. God’ s day, which is a usual phrase, as 13:9. Or, 2. His own day, as ,29. Both signify the same thing, the day appointed by God for his punishment or destruction, as .

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:13

Psalms 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.Ver. 13. The Lord will laugh at him] See Psalms 2:4. The righteous also shall have a time to laugh at him, Psalms 52:6, and meanwhile comforteth himself with this, that God laughed at him, and that therefore himself had no great cause to cry, since ridendo irritos reddit, by laughing at them he blasted all their designs, and that with disgrace; men love not to be laughed at. For he seeth that his day is coming] His dismal day, his death’ s day (which will also be his doomsday), that day wherein God hath determined to slay them with their own sword, and to save the righteous; as it is in the two next verses. But especially that last and great day of the world, wherein Dicetur reprobis, Ite, Venite probis. He will say to the reprobate, go, and come to the righteous.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:13

(13) Shall laugh.—Comp. Psalms 2:4, Note; his day, i.e., the day of trouble or retribution for the wicked, as we see from Psalms 137:7; Job 18:20, etc.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:13

Verse 13. He seeth that his day is coming.] The utter desolation of your oppressors is at hand. All this may be said of every wicked man.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:13

13. Doth laugh (Psalms 2:4 note) … for he hath seen. The punishment of the wicked has been foreseen and foreordained from the first. his day] The appointed day of retribution and ruin. Cp. Psalms 137:7; Obadiah 1:12; 1 Samuel 26:10; Job 18:20.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him - See the notes at Psalms 2:4. That is, he will regard all his attempts as vain - as not worthy of serious thought or care. The language is that which we use when there is no fear or apprehension felt.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:13

13. The Lord shall laugh—See on Psalms 2:4. His day is coming— The day which God has appointed for his just retribution.

Sermons on Psalms 37:13

SermonDescription
Ed Miller Song of Solomon - the Second Stage by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher discusses the love story depicted in the Song of Songs, which he believes reflects both earthly and heavenly love. He highlights five revelations that
Peter Maiden The Sovereignty of God (10.9.1986) by Peter Maiden In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the local church's support, not just financially, but also through prayer. The sermon focuses on Psalm 2 and highlights th
Warren Wiersbe When God Laughs by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe emphasizes God's laughter in Psalm 2, highlighting how it stems from judgment towards those who rebel against His authority. Despite the world's turmoil and rebellio
George Fox Epistle 236 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of li
A.W. Tozer (Reformation Within Protestantism): Radical Reformation Is Imperative by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that he initially thought he could easily give these messages without much preparation. However, he realizes that he is working
William Blackburn Five Sins Against the Holy Spirit by William Blackburn In this sermon, preacher Joe Henry Hankins shares a true story about an 18-year-old boy who attended a Sunday night service at First Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. The bo
Fred Whitmore Does It Matter if You Refuse Christ by Fred Whitmore In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to God's invitation. He compares God's invitation to a wedding invitation, where a response is expected. The pr

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