Psalms 37:28

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יְהוָ֨ה׀
H3068
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֹ֘הֵ֤ב
H157
loveth
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#4
מִשְׁפָּ֗ט
H4941
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#5
וְלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יַעֲזֹ֣ב
H5800
and forsaketh
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
חֲ֭סִידָיו
H2623
not his saints
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
#9
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#10
נִשְׁמָ֑רוּ
H8104
they are preserved
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
וְזֶ֖רַע
H2233
but the seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#12
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
H7563
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#13
נִכְרָֽת׃
H3772
shall be cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection