Psalms 37:17 Meaning and Explanation
“For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked will lose their strength; the Lord sustains the righteous.
The Context of Psalms 37:17
Contrasting the breaking of the wicked's power and God's support for the righteous.
What Does Psalms 37:17 Mean?
'The arms of the wicked shall be broken' speaks of loss of power and capacity to harm. Strength and might, their chief asset, will be shattered. This is not metaphorical weakness—it is the removal of the ability to execute their will against others.
By contrast, 'the LORD upholdeth the righteous.' The believer is held up, supported, sustained from beneath. Where the wicked faces breaking and loss, the righteous is actively preserved. This is intimate support—not distant observation but hands-on maintenance of the righteous by God Himself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 37:17
What does Psalms 37:17 mean?
The wicked will lose their strength; the Lord sustains the righteous.
What is the context of Psalms 37:17?
Contrasting the breaking of the wicked's power and God's support for the righteous.