Psalms 112:2

KJV

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

KJV (with Strong's)

His seed {H2233} shall be mighty {H1368} upon earth {H776}: the generation {H1755} of the upright {H3477} shall be blessed {H1288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His descendants will be powerful on earth, a blessed generation of upright people.

Berean Standard Bible

His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

American Standard Version

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: The generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 112:2 profoundly declares the enduring legacy and divine favor promised to the descendants of the righteous. It asserts that the offspring of the individual who fears the Lord will possess strength and influence within the world, and that the entire lineage characterized by integrity will experience God's comprehensive blessing. This verse articulates a fundamental biblical principle: the faithfulness and uprightness of one generation can establish a spiritual and moral foundation for the prosperity, impact, and divine favor extended to those who follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 112 is a wisdom psalm, intricately paired with Psalms 111. Both are acrostic poems (though this structure is more evident in the original Hebrew), with Psalms 111 praising God for His magnificent works and righteous character, and Psalms 112 describing the blessedness of the righteous man who responds to God's character with fear and obedience. Psalms 112:1 introduces the central figure, stating, "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." Verse 2 then immediately expands upon the blessings that flow from this posture of reverence and obedience, specifically extending them to his "seed" and "generation." This verse is not an isolated promise but a direct elaboration and consequence of the character described in the preceding verse, emphasizing the outward, generational, and communal impact of inward righteousness. The psalm is part of the Hallel collection (Psalms 111-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, highlighting themes of God's faithfulness and the blessings that accompany obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the concept of "seed" (offspring, descendants) was of paramount importance. Lineage was foundational for identity, inheritance, the continuation of the family name, and tribal affiliation. The blessing of numerous and prosperous descendants was a central component of God's covenant promises, most notably with Abraham, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). A "mighty" seed would imply not just numerical strength but also influence, respect, and success within the community, often understood as a direct manifestation of divine favor. The idea that the righteousness of parents could profoundly impact their children's future was a deeply ingrained cultural and theological principle, reflecting a communal understanding of sin and blessing that extended beyond the individual. The "upright" were those who lived in accordance with God's law, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and justice in their dealings, which was perceived as the bedrock for societal well-being and divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 112:2 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. **Generational Blessing** is a primary theme, illustrating God's faithfulness to extend His favor across generations based on the obedience of the righteous. This concept is deeply rooted in the covenant promises, where God pledges to show steadfast love to those who love Him and keep His commandments "to a thousand generations" ([Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")). The verse also highlights the **Legacy of Righteousness**, emphasizing that a life lived in integrity before God does not merely benefit the individual but establishes a lasting positive influence for their descendants. This legacy is not solely material but encompasses moral character, spiritual standing, and divine favor. Furthermore, the theme of **Divine Favor and Influence** is evident, as "mighty upon earth" suggests that the descendants of the upright will possess significant strength, respect, and a positive impact, often rooted in their moral character and God's empowering presence. This aligns with the wisdom tradition's emphasis on the prosperity and stability that accompany a life lived in the fear of the Lord, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:33](/proverbs/3-33 "Proverbs 3:33 - The Lord's Blessing on the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** This Hebrew term (H2233) primarily refers to "seed" in the agricultural sense, but metaphorically and commonly denotes "offspring," "descendants," or "posterity." In biblical thought, _zeraʻ_ is crucial for understanding lineage, inheritance, and the continuation of covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant. Here, it emphasizes the literal children and subsequent generations of the righteous individual, highlighting the continuity of God's blessing through family lines.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This word (H1368) signifies "powerful," "warrior," "champion," or "strong." While it can denote physical strength or military prowess, in the context of Psalms 112, it more broadly implies influence, prominence, and success, often divinely bestowed. It suggests that the descendants will not be weak, insignificant, or easily overcome, but will possess a notable, respected, and effective presence, likely in areas of moral leadership, integrity, and spiritual impact within their communities.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** To be "blessed" (H1288) means to be divinely favored, endowed with well-being, prosperity, and success. This blessing is holistic, encompassing spiritual, relational, and often material aspects. It signifies God's active bestowing of good upon an individual or group, resulting in flourishing and thriving in all areas of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His seed shall be mighty upon earth":** This clause directly links the "man that feareth the Lord" (from [Psalms 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalms 112:1 - The Blessed Man")) to his descendants. The promise is that his offspring will possess significant strength, influence, and prominence within the earthly realm. This "might" is not necessarily worldly power or wealth, though it may include these, but more fundamentally refers to a respected and effective presence, often rooted in moral authority and divine favor. It speaks to the lasting impact and positive legacy that the righteous man's life will have through his lineage.
* **"the generation of the upright shall be blessed":** This second clause functions as a synonymous or constructive parallel to the first, reinforcing and clarifying the promise. "The generation of the upright" refers to the collective descendants who continue in the moral character of their righteous forebear. They are the ones who will experience God's comprehensive "blessing," which encompasses well-being, prosperity, and divine favor in all aspects of life. This emphasizes that the blessing is not simply a genetic inheritance but is contingent upon the continuation of the "upright" character within the succeeding generations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 112:2 primarily employs **Parallelism**, a defining characteristic of Hebrew poetry. Specifically, it uses **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates or reinforces the idea of the first line using different words. "His seed shall be mighty upon earth" is paralleled by "the generation of the upright shall be blessed," with "seed" corresponding to "generation of the upright" and "mighty upon earth" corresponding to "shall be blessed." This repetition emphasizes and solidifies the central message of generational blessing. The concept of "seed" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just individual offspring but the continuity of a family line and the perpetuation of a spiritual heritage. Furthermore, the combined force of "mighty upon earth" and "blessed" subtly suggests **Merism**, implying a holistic and comprehensive well-being that covers all aspects of existence and influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle of generational blessing, demonstrating God's faithfulness to extend His favor through the lineage of those who honor Him. It underscores that living a life of righteousness has far-reaching implications, impacting not only the individual but also their descendants. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, from God's covenant promises to Abraham, where the blessing was explicitly tied to his "seed," to the wisdom literature's consistent affirmation of the enduring benefits of fearing the Lord. The verse reminds us that God is a God of generations, who delights in showing His steadfast love to those who love Him and keep His commandments, establishing a legacy of divine favor and influence that transcends a single lifetime.

* [Proverbs 20:7](/proverbs/20-7 "Proverbs 20:7 - The Just Man's Legacy")
* [Deuteronomy 28:4](/deuteronomy/28-4 "Deuteronomy 28:4 - Blessings on Offspring for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - Inheritance of the Good Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 112:2 offers profound encouragement and a powerful challenge for believers today. It assures us that our commitment to living an "upright" life, characterized by the fear of the Lord and delight in His commandments, has an eternal and generational impact. For parents, this verse is a call to intentional spiritual leadership, reminding us that cultivating personal righteousness is one of the most significant inheritances we can bestow upon our children. Our faithfulness today can lay a foundation of divine favor and influence for future generations, shaping their character and opening doors for God's blessings in their lives. For all believers, it underscores the lasting consequences of our choices; living righteously not only honors God but also contributes to a legacy that can empower and bless those who follow us, whether literal descendants or spiritual heirs. It compels us to consider the long-term ripple effects of our integrity, generosity, and devotion, inspiring us to live in a way that truly leaves a "mighty" and "blessed" mark on the world through the generations, for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current walk with God contribute to the spiritual legacy I am building for future generations?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate "uprightness" in my own life to positively impact my family and community?**
* **What does "mighty upon earth" mean for my descendants in a spiritual sense, beyond material prosperity or worldly power?**
* **How does this verse encourage me when facing challenges, knowing that my faithfulness can have long-term, blessed outcomes?**

### FAQ
**Does "mighty upon earth" primarily refer to financial wealth or worldly power?**

Answer: While material prosperity is not excluded from God's holistic blessing, "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, _gibbor'_) in this context extends far beyond mere financial or political power. It primarily signifies strength, influence, valor, and a respected presence. For the "generation of the upright," this might manifest as moral authority, spiritual leadership, integrity that commands respect, resilience in the face of adversity, and a positive impact on their communities. Their "might" is rooted in God's favor and their righteous character, making them effective instruments for good in the world, rather than simply accumulating worldly possessions or positions. The emphasis is on the quality of their influence and the divine backing they receive, enabling them to stand firm and make a difference for righteousness, as described in [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "man that feareth the Lord" ([Isaiah 11:2-3](/isaiah/11-2-3 "Isaiah 11:2-3 - The Spirit of the Lord on Jesus")), perfectly delighting in His Father's commandments, living a life of unparalleled uprightness. His "seed" is not merely a physical lineage but a spiritual one, comprising all who are born again into His family through faith. These are the "generation of the upright" who are made righteous by His atoning sacrifice and indwelt by His Spirit ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to be "mighty upon earth," not through worldly dominion, but through the spiritual authority and influence of the Kingdom of God. We are called to be salt and light, impacting the world with the gospel and living out the righteousness imputed to us ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")). The "blessing" promised in this verse is fully realized in Christ, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law and poured out every spiritual blessing upon us in the heavenly places ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse"); [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Thus, Psalms 112:2 ultimately points to the spiritual legacy and blessedness that flow from the perfect righteousness of Christ, extended to all who are united with Him by faith, establishing a "generation" that is truly mighty and blessed in God's eyes, destined to inherit the earth ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Meek")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Psalms 37:26

[He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.

Proverbs 20:7

¶ The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.

Psalms 25:13

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Psalms 102:28

The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

Jeremiah 32:39

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: