Psalms 37:36
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר
Yet he passed away
H5674
וַ֭יַּֽעֲבֹר
Yet he passed away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 6
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֵינֶ֑נּוּ
H369
וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ
and lo he was not yea I sought
H1245
וָֽ֝אֲבַקְשֵׁ֗הוּ
and lo he was not yea I sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
4 of 6
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
Psalms 37:10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.Exodus 15:19For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.
Historical Context
David witnessed this pattern repeatedly—warriors defeated, conspirators exposed, enemies suddenly falling. Babylon fell in a single night (Daniel 5). Jerusalem's temple, seeming eternal, was destroyed in AD 70 just as Jesus predicted.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you witnessed the sudden downfall of someone who seemed invincibly powerful?
- How should the transience of evil affect your response to current injustices and oppression?
- What does this verse teach about God's patience with the wicked and his decisive judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not (וַיַּעֲבֹר וְהִנֵּה אֵינֶנּוּ, vaya'avor ve-hinneh einennu)—Avar (pass away) combined with hinneh (behold!) expresses startling suddenness. Einennu (he was not) echoes Genesis 5:24 but opposite—obliterated, not translated. I sought him, but he could not be found (וָאֲבַקְשֵׁהוּ וְלֹא נִמְצָא, va-avakeshehu ve-lo nimtza)—The disappearance is total and irreversible.
The mighty tree of verse 35 has vanished utterly. History confirms this: Haman hanged (Esther 7:10), Herod eaten by worms (Acts 12:23), empires reduced to ruins. The speed ("yet") emphasizes divine sovereignty over human timelines. What appears permanent can vanish overnight in God's economy.