Psalms 37:34

Authorized King James Version

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קַוֵּ֤ה

H6960

Wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

on the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּשְׁמֹ֬ר

H8104

and keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

דַּרְכּ֗וֹ

H1870

his way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וִֽ֭ירוֹמִמְךָ

H7311

and he shall exalt

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

לָרֶ֣שֶׁת

H3423

thee to inherit

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אָ֑רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּהִכָּרֵ֖ת

H3772

are 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

#10

רְשָׁעִ֣ים

H7563

when the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#11

תִּרְאֶֽה׃

H7200

thou shalt see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?