Psalms 37:36 — Word Study
WLCוַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר וְהִנֵּ֣ה אֵינֶ֑נּוּ וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ וְלֹ֣א נִמְצָֽא׃
BSAyet he passed awayʻâbar▸ [suddenly, without warning, came to an end, was gone] and was no moreʼayin [nothing, nonexistent] though I searchedbâqash▸ [diligently, with effort, looked carefully, sought] he could notlôʼ be foundmâtsâʼ■ [was not discovered, nowhere to be seen]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר | and he passed away | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| וְהִנֵּ֣ה | and there! | Conjunction, particle |
| אֵינֶ֑נּוּ | there not [was] he | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ | and I sought him | Verb piel sequential imperfect first person common singular, suffix |
| וְלֹ֣א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| נִמְצָֽא׃ | he was found | Verb, Niphal, perfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. |
| KJV | Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. |
| ASV | But one passed by, and, lo, he was not: Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. |
| YLT | And he passeth away, and lo, he is not, And I seek him, and he is not found! |
| WEB | But he passed away, and behold, he was not. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found. |
| BBE | But he came to an end, and there was no sign of him; I made a search for him and he was not there. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, particularly regarding the wicked's passing.
The verse is structured with a main clause followed by supporting phrases that elaborate on the main action and its implications.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָבַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 37:36
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Fate of the Wickedgenerated
Psalm 37:36 reflects on the transient nature of the wicked, who may appear strong and prosperous but ultimately fade away. The psalmist contrasts their fleeting existence with the enduring fate of the righteous, encouraging the reader to consider the long-term consequences of one's life choices. This theme of the wicked's disappearance is echoed in the surrounding verses, emphasizing the importance of living a blameless life in contrast to the fate of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 37:37.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 37:10 | Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:9–10 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ |
| 3 | Job 20:5–29 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
| 4 | Isaiah 10:16–19 | Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame. |
| 5 | Acts 12:22–23 | And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עָבַר, Vai.ya.'a.vorgenerated
The verb עָבַר (abar) means to pass over or transition, indicating a sudden or unexpected departure. It conveys the idea of something coming to an end or being gone, highlighting the impermanence of the wicked's existence.
This verb is used in a sequential imperfect form, suggesting an action that occurs in a narrative context. The choice of this verb emphasizes the abruptness of the wicked's passing, reinforcing the theme of their fleeting nature.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of multiple clauses, with the main action driven by the verb יַּֽעֲבֹר, he passed away. The structure emphasizes the contrast between the wicked's temporary existence and their ultimate disappearance.
The clauses are interlinked: the first describes the passing of the wicked, the second emphasizes their absence, and the final clause reflects the speaker's search for them, which concludes with their non-existence.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew verb עָבַר is rendered as παρῆλθον (parēlthon), which carries a similar meaning of passing or going away. This choice maintains the sense of sudden departure.
The Greek word ἰδοὺ (idou) is used for הִנֵּה, emphasizing the act of drawing attention to the absence of the wicked.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 37:36 describes how the wicked may seem to prosper but ultimately pass away and are no longer found. The psalmist emphasizes that despite searching for them, they cannot be discovered, highlighting their fleeting existence.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that their apparent prosperity is temporary, and they ultimately vanish from existence, leaving no trace.
The search illustrates the psalmist's observation of their initial presence and the subsequent realization of their absence, reinforcing the theme of their fleeting nature.
This verse underscores the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous, encouraging readers to focus on the long-term outcomes of their lives.
We learn that worldly success is not lasting, and it is essential to pursue a righteous life that endures beyond this temporary existence.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I remind myself of the fleeting nature of worldly success?
- What steps can I take to focus on living a righteous life?
- In what ways can I support others in seeking a life that endures?
- How does understanding the fate of the wicked influence my choices today?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the nature of the wicked's existence and their ultimate fate, as seen in the quotations provided.
"I passed by, and, lo, he was not! I sought him, and his place could nowhere be found!" [Psalms 37:36].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
One passes out of this world in two ways, either when it is left through a person’s superior way of life, or when it is forsaken in the end by the dead.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:36 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleYet he passed away,.... At once, on a sudden; either his riches and honour, which, in one hour, came to nought, by one providence or another; or he himself by death; in the midst of all his
Read John Gill on Psalms 37 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryYet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. He passed ... was not. One could scarcely believe one's eyes, that such a flourishing sinner could so quickly and so utterly perish.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 37 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe was gone in an instant, like a tree blasted and blown down, or cut off and rooted out, and carried away in a moment. There was no monument nor remainder of him left.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 37 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 37:36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.Ver. 36. Yet he passed away, &c.] The Greek and Latin have it, I passed by. See Psalms 37:10. How soon and utterly withered and wasted the fig tree Christ cursed! so forcible is his curse.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 37 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(36) Yet he passed away.—This should be, And there went one by, &c. LXX. and Vulg. have, “And I passed by.” (Comp. Prayer Book version.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 37 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 36. Yet he passed away] Both Nebuchadnezzar and his wicked successor, Belshazzar; and on the destruction of the latter, when God had weighed him in the balance, and found him wanting, numbered his days, and consigned him to death, his kingdom was delivered to the Medes and Persians; and thus the Babylonian empire was destroyed.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 37 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges36. Yet he passed away] R.V. But one passed by. Better, with LXX, Vulg., Syr., Jer.; And I passed by.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 37 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleYet he passed away - Compare the notes at Job 20:5. The allusion here, of course, is to the man, and not to the tree, though the grammatical construction might refer to either.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.
But he passed away, and behold, he was not. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.
yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.
But then one passes by, and suddenly they have disappeared! I looked for them, but they could not be found.
Tyndale line
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
But one passed by, and, lo, he was not: Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
But one passed by, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Yet he passed away, and lo, he was not: yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Yet he passed away, and loe, he was gone, and I sought him, but he could not be founde.
Strictly literal
but he passed away, and behold, he was not; and I sought him, but he was not found.
And he passeth away, and lo, he is not, And I seek him, and he is not found!
And he passes away, and behold, he is not, || And I seek him, and he is not found!
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was no more: and I sought him, but he could not be found.
But when I passed by again, he was not there. I looked for him, but he could not be found.
Simplified
But when I passed that way the next time, they were gone. I searched for them but couldn't find them.
But he came to an end, and there was no sign of him; I made a search for him and he was not there.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Psalms 37:36 reads, "וַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר וְהִנֵּ֣ה אֵינֶ֑נּוּ וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ וְלֹ֣א נִמְצָֽא׃" which translates to, "yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found." The Septuagint aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, as all six words correspond in meaning, although the word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. There are no significant differences between these two witnesses regarding this verse, indicating a strong textual agreement.
וַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר וְהִנֵּ֣ה אֵינֶ֑נּוּ וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ וְלֹ֣א נִמְצָֽא׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 37:36
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word עָבַר (abar) is a versatile verb meaning to pass over, through, or by, and it encompasses a range of actions including crossing, traversing, and alienating. It can also imply causing something to pass or be transferred, as well as emotional states like anger in its Hithpael form. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, though they do not provide specific verse references.
עָבַר 648 vb. pass over, through, by, pass on
Qal
pass over
Pass beyond
Pass through, traverse
pass along by
pass by
sweep by, of scourge
be past, over, of time
pass along (from hand to hand)
Pass on, go on
Pass away
Niph. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
Pi.
his bull impregnateth
cause one to cross river
cause something to pass over
make over to
devote children to (לְ) heathen god
pass along (from hand to hand)
cause to pass through
let pass through
cause to pass by
let pass by
cause arrow to pass beyond
cause to pass under rod, for counting
cause to pass away, take away
Hiph.
cause to pass over, bring over
he made to pass across with chains of gold
base
[עָבַר] vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
base
H5674a עָבַר pass over, through, by, pass on .. pass over
. Pass beyond
. Pass through, traverse
. . pass along by
. pass by
. sweep by, of scourge
. be past, over, of time
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. Pass on, go on
. Pass away
. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
. . his bull impregnateth . cause one to cross river
. cause something to pass over
. make over to
. devote children to (לְ) heathen god
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. . cause to pass through
. let pass through
. . cause to pass by
. let pass by
. cause arrow to pass beyond
. cause to pass under rod, for counting
. cause to pass away, take away
. . cause to pass over, bring over
. he made to pass across with chains of gold
H5674b עָבַר vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
5674 `abar aw-bar'
a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any
transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive,
intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
copulation):--alienate, alter, X at all, beyond, bring (over,
through), carry over, (over-)come (on, over), conduct (over),
convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail,
gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way,
in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle,
overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over)
pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over,
through), (cause to, make) + proclaim(-amation), perish,
provoke to anger, put away, rage, + raiser of taxes, remove,
send over, set apart, + shave, cause to (make) sound, X
speedily, X sweet smelling, take (away), (make to)
transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-)faring man, be
wrath.
עָבַר (a.var) — to pass.
1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over
1a2) to pass beyond
1a3) to pass through, traverse
1a3a) passers-through (participle)
1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)
1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by
1a4a) passer-by (participle)
1a4b) to be past, be over
1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance
1a6) to pass away
1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory)
1a6b) to vanish
1a6c) to perish, cease to exist
1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)
1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands
1b) (Niphal) to be crossed
1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross
1d) (Hiphil)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.
הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!
base
H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!
2009 hinneh hin-nay'
prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
see HEBREW for 02005
הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.
behold, lo, see, if
HC/Tj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tj
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
Part | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.
בָּקַשׁ (baqash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or search out, often in the context of worship or prayer. It encompasses a range of actions including asking, desiring, and requiring. The verb can appear in different forms, such as Piel and Pual, indicating various nuances of seeking or being sought.
[בָּקַשׁ] 224 vb. seek
Pi.
seek to find
seek to secure
seek the face
desire, demand
require, exact
exact equivalent or penalty for
(late) ask, request
Pu. be sought
base
H1245 בָּקַשׁ seek
1245 baqash baw-kash'
a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically
in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after:--ask,
beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure,
(make) request, require, seek (for).
בָּקַשׁ (ba.qash) — to seek.
1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to seek to find
1a2) to seek to secure
1a3) to seek the face
1a4) to desire, demand
1a5) to require, exact
1a6) to ask, request
1b) (Pual) to be sought
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff — Verb piel sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffixHc/Vpw1cs/Sp3ms
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
מָצָא (matsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to find or attain. It encompasses a range of actions, including discovering something lost, encountering someone, or coming upon a situation. The word can also imply being present or sufficient. Lexicons note various forms and uses, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, which indicate different nuances of finding and encountering.
מָצָא 452 vb. attain to, find
Qal
find
find out
= come upon, light upon
noteworthy phrases
Niph. pass. of Qal, be found
Hiph.
cause to find, attain
cause to light upon, come upon, come
cause to encounter
present unto
base
H4672 מָצָא attain to, find
4672 matsa' maw-tsaw'
a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or
exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire;
figuratively, to occur, meet or be present:--+ be able,
befall, being, catch, X certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to
hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion,
out), get (hold upon), X have (here), be here, hit, be left,
light (up-)on, meet (with), X occasion serve, (be) present,
ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
מָצָא (ma.tsa) — to find.
1) to find, attain to
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to find
1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought)
1a1b) to find (what is lost)
1a1c) to meet, encounter
1a1d) to find (a condition)
1a1e) to learn, devise
1a2) to find out
1a2a) to find out
1a2b) to detect
1a2c) to guess
1a3) to come upon, light upon
1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with
1a3b) to hit
1a3c) to befall
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be found
1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered
1b1b) to appear, be recognised
1b1c) to be discovered, be detected
1b1d) to be gained, be secured
1b2) to be, be found
1b2a) to be found in
1b2b) to be in the possession of
1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be
1b2d) to be left (after war)
1b2e) to be present
1b2f) to prove to be
1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to find, attain
1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come
1c3) to cause to encounter
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singularHVNp3ms
