Psalms 37:21
Psalms 37:21 in Multiple Translations
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.
The sinner takes money and does not give it back; but the upright man has mercy, and gives to others.
The wicked borrow, but don't repay; while those who do right give generously.
The wicked boroweth and payeth not againe. but the righteous is mercifull, and giueth.
The wicked is borrowing and repayeth not, And the righteous is gracious and giving.
The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously.
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.
They that render evil for good, have detracted me, because I followed goodness.
The wicked people borrow money, but they are not able to repay it; righteous/godly people, in contrast, have enough money that they can give generously to others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:21
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 37:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹוֶ֣ה
רָ֭שָׁע
וְ/לֹ֣א
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
וְ֝/צַדִּ֗יק
חוֹנֵ֥ן
וְ/נוֹתֵֽן
לֹוֶ֣ה
lâvâh
H3867
to join
V-Qal
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/צַדִּ֗יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
חוֹנֵ֥ן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal
וְ/נוֹתֵֽן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:21
לֹוֶ֣ה
lâvâh
H3867
"to join"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to borrow or lend, implying a sense of obligation, as seen in various Bible translations, including abide with or join self.
Definition: 1) to join, be joined 1a) (Qal) to join, be joined, attend 1b) (Niphal) to join oneself to, be joined unto
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: abide with, borrow(-er), cleave, join (self), lend(-er). See also: Genesis 29:34; Psalms 112:5; Psalms 37:21.
רָ֭שָׁע
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/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
וְ֝/צַדִּ֗יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
חוֹנֵ֥ן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/נוֹתֵֽן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
- Sermons on Psalms 37:21
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
19In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.
20But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.
21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.
22Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed. 23The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 13:16 | And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. |
| 2 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:7 | The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 5 | Luke 6:30 | Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:12 | The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 8:9 | For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 | Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others. And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! |
| 9 | Acts 20:35 | In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 15:9–11 | Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land. |
Psalms 37:21 Summary
This verse teaches us that the wicked often take from others without giving back, while the righteous are kind and generous. Being gracious and giving means showing love and kindness to those around us, just like God shows love and kindness to us. As seen in Luke 6:38, when we give to others, God promises to give back to us, and as taught in Matthew 6:2-4, our giving should be done with a humble and sincere heart. By choosing to be gracious and giving, we can reflect God's character and bring joy to those around us, as encouraged in Acts 20:35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'gracious and giving' as mentioned in Psalms 37:21?
Being gracious and giving means showing kindness and generosity to others, as seen in the life of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, and is a characteristic of the righteous who follow God's command to love their neighbors as themselves, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.
Is it wrong to borrow money according to Psalms 37:21?
The verse is not condemning borrowing itself, but rather the act of borrowing without intending to repay, which is considered wicked; in contrast, the righteous are expected to be honest and responsible in their financial dealings, as encouraged in Romans 13:8 and Proverbs 22:7.
How can I apply the principle of being 'gracious and giving' in my everyday life?
You can apply this principle by looking for opportunities to show kindness and generosity to those around you, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being a good neighbor, as exemplified in Acts 2:45 and Galatians 6:2.
What is the consequence of being wicked and not repaying debts according to Psalms 37:21?
The consequence of being wicked and not repaying debts is not explicitly stated in this verse, but according to other scriptures such as Psalms 37:20 and Proverbs 28:18, the wicked will ultimately face destruction and perish, while the righteous will be blessed and inherit the land, as promised in Psalms 37:22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and generosity to those around me this week?
- How can I ensure that I am being honest and responsible in my financial dealings, and what are the consequences if I am not?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my needs, as promised in Philippians 4:19, and how can I reflect His character by being gracious and giving to others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like the wicked, and how can I repent and turn to God for forgiveness and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again,.... While the wicked live, they are scandalous; they live by borrowing, which was always reckoned mean; see Deuteronomy 28:12; and what is worse, as they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; either through covetousness and injustice; or rather, because of that great penury into which God shall bring him; whilst the righteous is not only provided sufficiently for himself, but hath abundance and to spare for others. For he is here comparing the wicked and the righteous, not so much in their virtues or moral qualities, as in their outward conditions, which also appears from the following verse, which gives the reason of this.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.Ver. 21. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again] Either because he cannot, he is so unable; or because he cares not, he is so unconscionable, Non sunt reddendo. But in the midst of his wealth he is many times wanting; in the fulness of his sufficiency he is in straits; and to supply his necessities, sticketh long in the usurer’ s furnace, which leaveth him at last neither metal nor matter. But the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth] Of that which is his own, to which end he hath a great care to pay his debts. When Archbishop Cranmer discerned the storm which after fell upon him in Queen Mary’ s days, he took express order for the payment of all his debts, which, when it was done, a most joyful man was he. How hospitable he was and liberal, Tremellius testifieth in his epistle before his Comment on Hosea.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
Verse 21. The wicked borroweth] Is often reduced to penury, and is obliged to become debtor to those whom he before despised. And payeth not again] May refuse to do it, because he is a wicked man; or be unable to do it, because he is reduced to beggary. But the righteous showeth mercy] Because he has received mercy from God, therefore he shows mercy to men. And even to his enemies he showeth mercy, and giveth; his heart being disposed to it by the influence of Divine grace, and his hand being enabled to do it by the blessing of God's providence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:21
21–31. God’s care for the righteous.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again - This is probably intended here, not so much to describe the “character” as the “condition” of the wicked.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:21
21. Wicked borroweth and payeth not again—A description of abject poverty as a judgment of God. Deuteronomy 15:16; Deuteronomy 28:12; Deuteronomy 28:44.
Sermons on Psalms 37:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Prove Me Now - Part 6 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity, restitution, and the love of money in relation to one's soul and relationship with God. It tells a powerful story of a man who m |
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The Seven Deadly Sins by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against G |
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Being in Debt by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the issue of debt, emphasizing that being in debt is a sin against God and a violation of His commands. He explains that the only obligation we should owe |
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(Hebrews - Part 48): Seven Christian Virtues by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript describes various anecdotes and situations to illustrate the importance of having reasons for our actions. The speaker shares a story about a boy trying to se |
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David's New Car - Part 2 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in the Christian faith. He references 1 Corinthians 13, highlighting the idea that without love, our words and action |
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Why Church God's Purpose by Francis Chan | This sermon highlights the importance of community and missions, focusing on the impact of supporting and serving others selflessly. It shares stories of partnership with churches |