Psalms 37:17
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
זְרוֹע֣וֹת
For the arms
H2220
זְרוֹע֣וֹת
For the arms
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
2 of 7
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Psalms 63:8My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.Psalms 145:14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Psalms 37:24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.Psalms 51:12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Psalms 10:15Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.Psalms 41:12And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.Job 38:15And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
Historical Context
Arms represented ability to work, fight, and achieve. Broken arms meant utter helplessness, total dependence on others. David contrasts this with the righteous who, though weak, are upheld by omnipotence.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God upholding you when your own strength failed?
- What difference does it make that God actively supports you rather than merely wishing you well?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Arms symbolize strength and accomplishment—the wicked's arms breaking depicts total incapacitation, unable to execute their schemes. The passive 'shall be broken' indicates divine action against them. Conversely, the LORD 'upholdeth' (Hebrew 'samak,' supports, sustains) the righteous—active, ongoing divine support. The contrast is comprehensive: the wicked lose all capacity while the righteous receive constant enablement. This promise sustains believers through weakness, knowing that God's strength, not theirs, produces faithfulness.