What does Psalms 37:17 mean?

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

The Bible verse Psalms 37:17 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous." This verse is a powerful declaration of the ultimate victory of righteousness over wickedness, and it provides comfort and reassurance to those who are faithful to God.

The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic and lyrical prayers and hymns that are considered to be a part of both the Old Testament and the sacred scriptures of Judaism and Christianity. The Psalms are attributed to King David, who is believed to have written many of the psalms as expressions of his own personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Psalms 37, in particular, is a psalm of wisdom that implores the reader to trust in God, seek righteousness, and not be envious of the wicked who seem to prosper.

In the context of Psalms 37:17, the verse speaks to the idea of divine justice and the ultimate defeat of the wicked. The "arms of the wicked" symbolize their strength, power, and ability to cause harm and trouble. However, the psalm declares that the arms of the wicked shall be broken, symbolizing their defeat and destruction. This imagery of breaking the arms of the wicked emphasizes the idea that God will not allow the wicked to prevail or continue to cause harm indefinitely.

On the other hand, the verse states that "the Lord upholdeth the righteous," affirming that those who follow God's ways and live righteously will be protected and supported by the Lord. This provides a message of hope and encouragement to those who may feel oppressed or threatened by the actions of the wicked. It serves as a reminder that ultimately, the righteous will triumph and the wicked will be brought down.

The theme of divine justice is prominent throughout the Bible, and it is reflected in Psalms 37:17. This verse echoes the belief that God is just and fair, and ultimately, He will bring about justice and righteousness in the world. It speaks to the comfort and assurance that the righteous can find in God's promise to uphold and protect them, even in the face of adversity and persecution.

The imagery of the broken arms of the wicked can be interpreted as a symbol of the defeat of evil and the triumph of good. It serves as a reassurance that the power and strength of the wicked are ultimately fleeting and will be brought to an end. The verse also communicates the idea that the Lord is a refuge and a source of strength for the righteous, offering them support and protection in their times of need.

In a broader sense, Psalms 37:17 can be seen as a reflection of the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the world. It offers a message of hope and resilience to those who may feel overwhelmed by the presence of wickedness and injustice. It encourages faith in God's ultimate power and sovereignty, and it instills confidence in the ultimate victory of righteousness.

In conclusion, Psalms 37:17 from the King James Version of the Bible encapsulates a profound message of divine justice, protection, and ultimately, the triumph of the righteous over the wicked. It provides reassurance and comfort to those who seek to live in accordance with God's will and offers a powerful reminder that good will ultimately prevail over evil. The verse's rich symbolism and imagery convey a sense of hope and resilience that resonates deeply with believers, serving as a source of strength and encouragement in the face of adversity.

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Psalms 37:17 Artwork

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Psalms 37:37 - "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."

Psalms 37:37 - "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."

Psalms 37:7

Psalms 37:7

"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37

"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37

"The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever." - Psalms 37:18

"The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever." - Psalms 37:18

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."

Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."

"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." - Psalms 37:2

"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." - Psalms 37:2

Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."

Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

"For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." - Psalms 37:22

"For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." - Psalms 37:22

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." - Psalms 37:23

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." - Psalms 37:23

Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"

Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 37:26 - "He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

Psalms 37:26 - "He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

Psalms 37:27 - "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore."

Psalms 37:27 - "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore."

Psalms 37:18 - "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever."

Psalms 37:18 - "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever."

Psalms 37:39 - "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."

Psalms 37:39 - "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."

Psalms 37:29 - "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

Psalms 37:29 - "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." - Psalms 37:6

"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." - Psalms 37:6

Psalms 37:30 - "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

Psalms 37:30 - "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

Psalms 37:15 - "Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."

Psalms 37:15 - "Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." - Psalms 37:37

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." - Psalms 37:37

Psalms 37:21 - "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."

Psalms 37:21 - "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."

Psalms 37:19 - "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Psalms 37:19 - "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Psalms 89:37 - "It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah."

Psalms 89:37 - "It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah."

Psalms 78:37 - "For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant."

Psalms 78:37 - "For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant."

"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." - Psalms 37:31

"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." - Psalms 37:31