Psalms 37:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Better the little that the righteous has than the wealth of all the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible:

Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.

American Standard Version:

Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

A little^{H4592} that a righteous man^{H6662} hath is better^{H2896} than the riches^{H1995} of many^{H7227} wicked^{H7563}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 37:16

Psalm 37:16 is part of a wisdom psalm attributed to David, which contrasts the lives of the righteous and the wicked. The verse reflects on the quality of life and the value of possessions, emphasizing that the modest possessions of a righteous person are preferable to the abundant wealth of the wicked. This sentiment is rooted in the understanding that material wealth obtained unrighteously is ultimately of little value, while the security and contentment that come from living a life in accordance with God's will are of greater worth.

Historically, this verse speaks to the ancient Israelite audience, who would have been familiar with the concept of righteousness as adherence to God's law and the idea that true prosperity is not measured by wealth alone. In the broader context of the psalm, it encourages trust in the Lord and living a life of integrity, suggesting that such a life, even if materially modest, is richer in what truly matters and will ultimately be vindicated by God. The verse underscores the biblical theme that moral integrity and faith are more precious than transient earthly treasures.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4592
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְעַט
   Transliteration: mᵉʻaṭ
   Pronunciation: meh-at'
   Description: or מְעָט; from מָעַט; a little or few (often adverbial or compar.); almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6662
   There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צַדִּיק
   Transliteration: tsaddîyq
   Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
   Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).
   
3. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
4. Strong's Number: H1995
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָמוֹן
   Transliteration: hâmôwn
   Pronunciation: haw-mone'
   Description: or הָמֹן; (Ezekiel 5:7), from הָמָה; a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth; abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7227
   There are 439 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רַב
   Transliteration: rab
   Pronunciation: rab
   Description: by contracted from רָבַב; abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality); (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).
   
6. Strong's Number: H7563
   There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָשָׁע
   Transliteration: râshâʻ
   Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
   Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.