Psalm 37:9

Psalm 37:9, in plain English

The people doing evil will be cut off and disappear, but those who put their hope in God will actually possess what matters—a secure, lasting place in God's world.

Why it's here

David circles back to his central promise: there's an ultimate outcome, and it's not the one the wicked think is coming. 'Inherit the land' isn't just about real estate—it's about inheriting the future, having a lasting place, mattering in God's story.

Who's speaking

David, making a bold spiritual claim that runs counter to what his culture assumes about power and success.

Where it sits in the story

This echoes through the Beatitudes when Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth, and it points forward to the new creation where God's people will dwell forever. It's the promise that faithfulness has a future.

The scholarly reading

The evildoers face ultimate removal, while those who trust YHWH will inherit the land—the reversing of present fortunes that the psalm consistently promises.

Language and setting

The verb 'yikkaretu' (be cut off) suggests decisive, complete termination—not merely defeat but extinction. 'Inherit the land' ('yerushu eretz') echoes the Abrahamic promise and presumes the community will outlast its oppressors. This verse synthesizes the psalm's central conviction: the arc of history bends toward justice.

Voice

The wisdom teacher, now pronouncing definitive theological judgment—the resolution toward which all previous verses have pointed.

Significance

This stands within the prophetic tradition's announcement of judgment and salvation (cf. Isa 60-66) and anticipates the New Testament's assurance that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matt 5:5, drawing directly on this psalm). It represents biblical eschatology's promise of vindication.

7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.

8Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.

9For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

Read all of Psalm 37 — The temptation to resent the success of evil people is ancient. David's counsel: be still, wait, and trust. The wicked are grass.