Psalms Chapter 37 · Verse 27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Original Language Analysis
וַעֲשֵׂה
and do
H6213
וַעֲשֵׂה
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
ט֗וֹב
good
H2896
ט֗וֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 6
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Psalms 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Historical Context
The command recalls Israel's covenant choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19). Post-exilic Jews pondered this during Babylonian exile, when failing to depart from evil led to losing their dwelling place, making restoration contingent on covenant renewal.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific evils do you need to decisively turn away from, and what good must you actively pursue to replace them?
- How does eternal dwelling with God motivate present moral choices?
Analysis & Commentary
Depart from evil, and do good (סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה־טוֹב, sur mera va'aseh-tov)—the two imperatives present both negative (turn away) and positive (actively pursue) morality. Sur (depart/turn aside) requires decisive break from wickedness; asah (do/make) demands constructive righteousness. Christianity is neither mere avoidance nor mere activism but both: "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and "let us do good unto all men" (Galatians 6:10). And dwell for evermore (וּשְׁכֹן לְעוֹלָם, ushkon le'olam)—shakan (dwell/abide) promises permanent residence, eternal security.
This verse structures covenant obedience: repentance (turning from evil) + sanctification (doing good) = eternal dwelling with God. The New Testament echoes this: "Let him eschew evil, and do good" (1 Peter 3:11). Permanent dwelling anticipates the New Jerusalem where "nothing that defileth" shall enter (Revelation 21:27).