Psalms 37:14
Psalms 37:14 in Multiple Translations
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way.
The evil-doers have taken out their swords, their bows are bent; for crushing the poor, and to put to death those who are upright in their ways.
The wicked draw their swords, and bend their bows to destroy the poor and needy, to kill those who live right.
The wicked haue drawen their sworde, and haue bent their bowe, to cast downe the poore and needie, and to slay such as be of vpright conuersation.
A sword have the wicked opened, And they have trodden their bow, To cause to fall the poor and needy, To slaughter the upright of the way.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright on the path.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as are of upright deportment.
But I, as a deaf man, heard not: and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
Wicked people pull out their swords/daggers and they put strings on their bows, ready to kill people who are poor [DOU] and to slaughter those who live righteously.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:14
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 37:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶ֤רֶב
פָּֽתְח֣וּ
רְשָׁעִים֮
וְ/דָרְכ֪וּ
קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥/ם
לְ֭/הַפִּיל
עָנִ֣י
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
לִ֝/טְב֗וֹחַ
יִשְׁרֵי
דָֽרֶךְ
חֶ֤רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
פָּֽתְח֣וּ
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רְשָׁעִים֮
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וְ/דָרְכ֪וּ
dârak
H1869
to tread
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥/ם
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs | Suff
לְ֭/הַפִּיל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
לִ֝/טְב֗וֹחַ
ṭâbach
H2873
to slaughter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יִשְׁרֵי
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
דָֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:14
חֶ֤רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
פָּֽתְח֣וּ
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
רְשָׁעִים֮
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/דָרְכ֪וּ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥/ם
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
לְ֭/הַפִּיל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
לִ֝/טְב֗וֹחַ
ṭâbach
H2873
"to slaughter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.
יִשְׁרֵי
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
דָֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
- Sermons on Psalms 37:14
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
12The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,
13but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
14The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
15But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. 16Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:27 | An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked. |
| 2 | Psalms 11:2 | For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. |
| 3 | 1 John 3:12 | Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:10 | Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. |
| 5 | Acts 7:52 | Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— |
| 6 | Psalms 64:2–6 | Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. |
| 7 | Psalms 35:10 | All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 24:17 | and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:11 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
| 10 | Acts 12:11 | Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” |
Psalms 37:14 Summary
Psalms 37:14 tells us that the wicked are trying to hurt those who are poor and needy, and who are living according to God's ways. But even though it may seem like the wicked are winning, we know that God is in control and will ultimately bring justice (as seen in Proverbs 21:15). We can trust in God's sovereignty and love, just like what Psalms 23:4 reminds us, 'even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'. We can also live upright lives by following God's commands and loving those around us, as taught in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the wicked target the poor and needy in Psalms 37:14?
The wicked often target those who are vulnerable, as seen in Psalms 37:14, because they think they can easily take advantage of them, but as Proverbs 21:15 reminds us, the Lord will ultimately bring justice to those who are oppressed.
What does it mean to have 'upright ways' in Psalms 37:14?
Having upright ways means living according to God's standards and commands, as seen in Psalms 37:14, which is in line with what Micah 6:8 teaches us, to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
Will the wicked ultimately succeed in their plans against the righteous?
No, as Psalms 37:15 shows, the wicked will ultimately be defeated and their plans will backfire, just like what Isaiah 54:17 says, 'no weapon forged against you will prevail'.
How should the righteous respond to the wicked who are trying to harm them?
The righteous should trust in the Lord and not take matters into their own hands, as seen in Psalms 37:3-6, which teaches us to trust in the Lord, do good, and dwell in the land, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show love and kindness to those who are poor and needy around me, just like what Psalms 37:14 describes?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice when I see the wicked prospering and the righteous suffering?
- What are some 'upright ways' that I can practice in my daily life, and how can I stay faithful to God's commands?
- How can I be a source of hope and encouragement to those around me who are facing persecution or hardship?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword,.... That is, out of the scabbard; they drew upon the righteous, in order to sheath it in them; or they sharpened the sword, as Aben Ezra observes some interpret
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
They are furnished with all sorts of arms, and are ready to give the deadly blow. Such as be of upright conversation; such against whom they have no quarrel for any injury they have done them, but only for their integrity and righteousness, or because they are better than themselves, and will not comply with their wicked counsels and courses.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
Psalms 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.Ver. 14. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow] That they may assault the righteous, both cominus, nearer hand, and eminus, at a distance; for which purpose they come against him (like a walking armoury) with sword, bow, and other instruments of death; as resolved to kill and slay. "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter," Romans 8:36.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
Verse 14. The wicked have drawn out the sword] There is an irreconcilable enmity in the souls of sinners against the godly; and there is much evidence that the idolatrous Babylonians whetted their tongue like a sword, and shot out their arrows, even bitter words, to malign the poor captives, and to insult them in every possible way.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:14
12–20. Disappointment and destruction are the destiny of the wicked.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword - That is, they have prepared themselves with a full purpose to destroy the righteous.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:14
14. Drawn out the sword… bent their bow—Two acts preparatory to immediate destruction; but in Psalms 37:15 the lex talionis—the law of universal justice—is seen to recoil these death weapons upon themselves.
Sermons on Psalms 37:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus | Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 4:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how Cain's sin of offering an unacceptable sacrifice to God led to him be |
|
Sin Crouching at the Door by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the urgent need to address the issue of sin as a barrier to revival, emphasizing the importance of mastering sin through Christ. It explores the story of Ca |
|
An Enemy in the Neighborhood by Warren Wiersbe | This sermon delves into the parable of the chairs in Matthew chapter 13, highlighting the dual sowers at work in the world - Jesus sowing good seed and Satan sowing counterfeits. I |
|
The Truth Will Set You Free by John Piper | This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus as the ultimate liberator, highlighting how various evasive measures like ethnicity, religion, and moral su |
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Stewardship - Part 3 by David Adams | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the legacy that Adam left to his sons, which was the instruction to approach unto God. He explains that this legacy was a result of Adam's fai |
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The More Excellent Sacrifice by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the contrasting lives of Abel and Cain, emphasizing Abel's faith and obedience in offering a sacrifice that pleased God, while Cain's self-will, pride, and un |