Psalms 37:24
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִפֹּ֥ל
Though he fall
H5307
יִפֹּ֥ל
Though he fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
2 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּטָ֑ל
he shall not be utterly cast down
H2904
יוּטָ֑ל
he shall not be utterly cast down
Strong's:
H2904
Word #:
4 of 8
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
for the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 24:16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.Psalms 145:14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.Psalms 94:18When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.Psalms 40:2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.Psalms 37:17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.Luke 2:34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;Psalms 91:12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Historical Context
David knew repeated failure: adultery with Bathsheba, numbering Israel, family dysfunction. Yet God sustained him through repentance. This verse reflects mature faith that distinguishes stumbling from apostasy, understanding God's grace sustains through moral failure when we return to Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing between falling (temporary stumbling) and being cast down (final rejection) comfort you in spiritual struggle?
- When have you experienced God's hand upholding you after a fall—how did He restore you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down (כִּי־יִפֹּל לֹא־יוּטָל, ki-yipol lo-yutal)—the verb yutal (cast headlong) carries violent imagery of being hurled down beyond recovery. The righteous naphal (fall/stumble) but isn't shalak (cast away). For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (כִּי־יְהוָה סוֹמֵךְ יָדוֹ, ki-YHWH somekh yado)—samak (uphold/sustain/support) appears as a participle, indicating continuous action. God's hand perpetually steadies His people.
This verse addresses the Prosperity Gospel heresy: righteousness doesn't prevent falling but ensures restoration. Proverbs 24:16 echoes this: "A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again." Jude 24 promises Jesus keeps us from falling, while this verse assures that when we do fall (through weakness, not willful sin), God lifts us up.