Psalms 37:5
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ
thy way
H1870
דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ
thy way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וּבְטַ֥ח
trust
H982
וּבְטַ֥ח
trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
עָ֝לָ֗יו
H5921
עָ֝לָ֗יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Proverbs 16:3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Matthew 6:25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?James 4:15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.Psalms 22:8He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.Job 22:28Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.Lamentations 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?Luke 12:22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.Ecclesiastes 9:1For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
Historical Context
This didactic psalm from David's mature years addresses a perennial question in Israel's wisdom tradition: why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper? David's counsel reflects hard-won experience and covenant theology that God ultimately vindicates the faithful.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'way' (plan, decision, burden) are you struggling to fully commit to God?
- How does active trust differ from fatalistic resignation in your spiritual life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew 'galal' (commit/roll) suggests transferring a burden completely, like rolling a stone. This command couples total surrender ('commit thy way') with active trust, not passive resignation. The promise 'he shall bring it to pass' assures that God will accomplish what concerns the believer (Philippians 1:6). This verse echoes Proverbs 16:3 and anticipates Peter's exhortation to cast all anxiety on God (1 Peter 5:7). The wisdom psalm addresses the apparent prosperity of the wicked, offering trust in God's sovereignty as the antidote to fretting.