Old Testament
Psalms 37:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For they will soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
Compare translations
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
What Psalms 37:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Psalms 37:2 uses the imagery of grass and herbs to illustrate the fate of the wicked. Just as grass is temporary and quickly fades away, so too will those who oppose righteousness and pursue evil. The psalmist reassures the faithful that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and will ultimately lead to their downfall. This serves as a reminder that while it may seem like the wicked thrive for a time, their success is short-lived. The comparison to grass emphasizes the fragility and transience of their existence, contrasting it with the enduring nature of the righteous. This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will bring justice in His time, and that the apparent success of the wicked is not to be envied, as it is not lasting.
How to apply Psalms 37:2 to your life
In our daily lives, we may encounter situations where it seems like the wicked prosper while the righteous struggle. This verse encourages us to focus on our faith and trust in God's timing. Instead of envying those who seem to succeed through wrongdoing, we should remain committed to righteousness, knowing that true success comes from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 37:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 37:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 37:2 mean?
Psalms 37:2 conveys that the wicked, like grass, are temporary and will ultimately face downfall. It reassures the faithful that despite appearances, the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting.
What is the meaning of 'cut down like the grass' in Psalms 37:2?
The phrase 'cut down like the grass' signifies the swift and inevitable demise of the wicked. It emphasizes that their success is short-lived, similar to how grass quickly withers.
How does Psalms 37:2 relate to justice?
Psalms 37:2 illustrates God's justice by showing that the wicked will not endure. It reassures believers that God will ultimately bring justice, even if it seems delayed.
What themes are present in Psalms 37:2?
Key themes in Psalms 37:2 include the transience of evil, the faithfulness of God, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes that temporary success through wrongdoing will not last.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.