Psalm 37:38
ESV
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
NIV
But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked.
NASB
But wrongdoers will altogether be destroyed; The future of the wicked will be eliminated.
CSB
But transgressors will all be eliminated; the future of the wicked will be destroyed.
NLT
But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
KJV
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
NKJV
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
What does Psalm 37:38 mean?
Again, David tells us the wicked will be destroyed and cut off. The "transgressors" are those who rebel against God's authority. Satan was the first rebel against God's rule. He purposed to overthrow God and rule in His place. Satan said in his heart, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). But the Most High answered: "But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit" (Isaiah 14:15). Ultimately, the Devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).All human beings have also rebelled against God. Like sheep, we have all gone astray and turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6). The only way to avoid eternal judgment is to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16–18, 36). To be "cut off" (Psalm 37:38) is to forfeit eternal life and the blessings God bestows on the righteous. Some Bible teachers believe the future of the wicked, mentioned in this verse, extends to the descendants of the wicked who continue in the sins of prior generations (Exodus 34:6–7).
