Psalms 37:32
Psalms 37:32 in Multiple Translations
Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them,
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
The wicked watcheth the righteous, And seeketh to slay him.
The sinners are watching the upright man, desiring to put him to death.
The wicked lie in wait for those who do good, intending to kill them.
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
The wicked is watching for the righteous, And is seeking to put him to death.
The wicked watch the righteous, and seek to kill him.
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
Those who are evil wait in ambush for righteous people in order to kill them as they walk by.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:32
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 37:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צוֹפֶ֣ה
רָ֭שָׁע
לַ/צַּדִּ֑יק
וּ֝/מְבַקֵּ֗שׁ
לַ/הֲמִית/וֹ
צוֹפֶ֣ה
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
V-Qal
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לַ/צַּדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Prep | Adj
וּ֝/מְבַקֵּ֗שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel
לַ/הֲמִית/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:32
צוֹפֶ֣ה
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
V-Qal
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
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.
לַ/צַּדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Prep | 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.
וּ֝/מְבַקֵּ֗שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
לַ/הֲמִית/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:32
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:32
- Sermons on Psalms 37:32
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter.
32Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them,
33the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment. 34Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:47–48 | Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. Yet they could not find a way to do so, because all the people hung on His words. |
| 2 | Psalms 10:8–10 | He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:12 | The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, |
| 4 | Acts 9:24 | but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 20:10 | For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” |
| 6 | Luke 20:20 | So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. |
| 7 | Luke 14:1 | One Sabbath, Jesus went to eat in the home of a leading Pharisee, and those in attendance were watching Him closely. |
| 8 | Luke 6:7 | Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. |
| 9 | Luke 11:54 | waiting to catch Him in something He might say. |
Psalms 37:32 Summary
[This verse reminds us that there are people in the world who do not love God and may even want to hurt those who do, but God is always with us and will protect us, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. The wicked may try to harm the righteous, but God will not let them succeed, and He will ultimately judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous, as seen in Psalms 37:33-34. We can trust God to take care of us, even when things seem scary or uncertain, and we can wait for Him to act on our behalf, as instructed in Psalms 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the wicked seek to harm the righteous?
The Bible teaches that the wicked are opposed to God and His people, and they seek to destroy them because of their hatred for God, as seen in Psalms 37:32 and also in Psalms 119:53 and Acts 13:10.
Will God allow the wicked to succeed in their plans to harm the righteous?
No, God will not leave the righteous in the power of the wicked, as promised in Psalms 37:33, and He will ultimately judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous, as seen in Psalms 37:34 and Romans 12:19.
How should the righteous respond to the threats of the wicked?
The righteous should trust in God and wait for Him, as instructed in Psalms 37:34, and not take matters into their own hands, but instead, trust in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31.
What is the ultimate fate of the wicked who seek to harm the righteous?
The wicked will be cut off and judged by God, as seen in Psalms 37:34 and Psalms 1:6, and they will face eternal punishment, as warned in Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced opposition or persecution from the world because of my faith, and how can I trust God in those situations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and providence, especially when faced with threats or challenges from the wicked?
- What are some ways that I can 'wait for the LORD' and keep His way, as instructed in Psalms 37:34, in my daily life and decisions?
- How can I balance my desire for justice and vindication with the command to trust God and not take revenge, as seen in Romans 12:19?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous,.... All his motions and steps, his works and actions; he watches for his halting, and to take all opportunities and advantages against him; see Jeremiah 20:10; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The wicked - (Luke 11:53-54; Psalms 10:8.) The Lord will not leave ... The question at issue between the wicked and the righteous is as a
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
Watcheth, to find out a fit season or occasion to destroy him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
Psalms 37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.Ver. 32. The wicked wateheth the righteous] See Psalms 10:8-10, Speculatur, he accurately observeth, looking this way and that, as a watchman in a watch tower. Thus Saul eyed David, and laid out for him. Thus Jeroboam watched those of the ten tribes that went to Jerusalem to worship, he watched them, and waylaid them, Hosea 5:1. And seeketh to slay him] All malice is bloody, and there want not those still that carry about Cain’ s bloody club, hating to the death that goodness in another that they neglect in themselves.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:32
Verse 32. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.] Similar to what is said Psalms 37:8: "The wicked plotteth against the righteous." But it is added, Psalms 37:33: "The Lord will not leave him in his hands;" he will confound his devices, and save his own servants.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:32
32–40. The final contrast.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous ... - Observes closely; looks out for him; has his eye on him, seeking an opportunity to slay him. See the notes at Psalms 10:8-9.
Sermons on Psalms 37:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Doesn't Give Up on Children Who Fall by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the bondage and fear that many people experience due to past traumas and sins. He emphasizes that God's hand is a hand of love and deliveranc |
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A Plea for Kingdom Honesty - Part 1 by Don Basham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the power and miracles experienced by the early church as recorded in Acts 4. The disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, spe |
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(A Divine Visitation) Unreckoned by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of divine visitations. He starts by expressing his concern for the state of cities and churches, suggesting that if Jesus were to a |
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(Through the Bible) Luke 20-21 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a parable about a vineyard and its significance in relation to the nation of Israel. The parable tells the story of a vineyard owner who send |
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(Through the Bible) Luke 19 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the church reigning with the Lord upon the earth. He mentions the idea of believers being entrusted with different levels of au |
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Step 24 on Meekness, Simplicity, Guilelessness Which Come Not From Nature but From Habit, and About Malice by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches on the virtues of meekness, highlighting its importance as a precursor to humility. Meekness is described as an unchangeable state of mind that remains c |
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From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannic |