Psalms 37:33
The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעַזְבֶ֣נּוּ
will not leave
H5800
יַעַזְבֶ֣נּוּ
will not leave
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
3 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
בְיָד֑וֹ
him in his hand
H3027
בְיָד֑וֹ
him in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern courts were notoriously corrupt, where the powerful could manipulate judges against the righteous poor. The Torah's repeated commands for just judgment (Exodus 23:6-7, Deuteronomy 16:19) show how desperately this protection was needed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise not to abandon you inform your response to false accusations or slander?
- In what sense are believers already vindicated in Christ, even while awaiting final judgment?
- How should this assurance affect Christian engagement with unjust legal or social systems?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD will not leave him in his hand (יְהוָה לֹא־יַעַזְבֶנּוּ בְיָדוֹ, YHWH lo-ya'azvenu ve-yado)—The covenant name YHWH emphasizes God's faithfulness. Azav (abandon, forsake) is negated. Nor condemn him when he is judged (וְלֹא יַרְשִׁיעֶנּוּ בְּהִשָּׁפְטוֹ, ve-lo yarshi'enu be-hishafto)—He will not declare guilty.
Romans 8:33-34 applies this messianically: "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." God delivered Daniel from false accusation (Daniel 6), Jeremiah from the cistern (Jeremiah 38), Paul from plots. Christ's righteousness becomes our vindication before divine and human courts.