Psalms 37:40
And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם
them and deliver
H6403
יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם
them and deliver
Strong's:
H6403
Word #:
3 of 9
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם
them and deliver
H6403
יְפַלְּטֵ֣ם
them and deliver
Strong's:
H6403
Word #:
4 of 9
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
מֵ֭רְשָׁעִים
them from the wicked
H7563
מֵ֭רְשָׁעִים
them from the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
5 of 9
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְיוֹשִׁיעֵ֑ם
and save
H3467
וְיוֹשִׁיעֵ֑ם
and save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Isaiah 31:5As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.1 Chronicles 5:20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.Daniel 6:23Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.Daniel 3:28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.Daniel 3:17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.Isaiah 46:4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Historical Context
This summarizes Israel's exodus narrative, David's life story, and the early church's persecution experience. Each deliverance strengthened subsequent trust. The Maccabean period, Roman persecution, and centuries of martyrdom witnessed this promise: God delivers those who take refuge in him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse distinguish between trusting God and trusting in your own righteousness?
- In what current situation do you need to actively "take refuge" in God rather than human solutions?
- How does understanding deliverance as both temporal and eternal help you persevere through difficulties?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them (וְיַעְזְרֵם יְהוָה וִיפַלְּטֵם, ve-ya'zerem YHWH vi-yfalletem)—Azar means aid; palat means deliver, rescue. Because they trust in him (כִּי־חָסוּ בוֹ, ki-chasu vo)—Chasu means take refuge in, trust in.
Four Hebrew verbs (help, deliver, deliver again, save) emphasize comprehensive divine action. The final phrase reveals the key: because they trust in him. Not because they're sinless, but because they flee to him for refuge. This is the psalm's thesis—trust in YHWH produces stability, vindication, and peace. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this; Hebrews 10:39 applies it to Christian perseverance.