Psalms 16:5

KJV

The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is the portion {H4490} of mine inheritance {H2506} and of my cup {H3563}: thou maintainest {H8551} my lot {H1486}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, my assigned portion, my cup: you safeguard my share.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 16:5 is a profound declaration of David's unwavering faith and complete contentment in God alone, portraying the Lord as his ultimate inheritance, source of provision, and the active maintainer of his life's destiny. This verse encapsulates a radical shift in perspective from earthly possessions and security to a deep, personal reliance on the divine, affirming that God Himself is the believer's most precious and enduring treasure, securing their present and future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 16 is designated a "Miktam of David," a term of uncertain meaning, often translated as "golden psalm" or "goldsmith's secret," suggesting its precious and enduring spiritual value. It is a psalm of deep trust and hope, articulating a profound personal relationship with God that transcends immediate circumstances. The psalm opens with a plea for preservation, as seen in [Psalm 16:1 - A Plea for Preservation](/psalms/16-1 "Psalm 16:1 - A Plea for Preservation"), quickly transitions to a declaration of David's exclusive devotion to the Lord, found in [Psalm 16:2 - David's Devotion to the Lord](/psalms/16-2 "Psalm 16:2 - David's Devotion to the Lord"), and culminates in an expression of joy and hope in God's presence and eternal life, articulated in [Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). Verse 5 serves as the theological anchor for this trust, explaining *why* David can be so confident: his portion, his very life, is in God's hands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "inheritance" (Hebrew: *naḥălâ*) primarily referred to the allocation of land in the Promised Land to each tribe and family, ensuring their economic and social stability. This land was considered a perpetual possession, a gift from God, as detailed in [Numbers 26:53 - Land Allotment by Lot](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Land Allotment by Lot"). However, the Levitical priests were unique; they received no land inheritance because "the LORD is their inheritance," as stated in [Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). David, though not a Levite, appropriates this spiritual principle, declaring that his ultimate security and provision are found not in material wealth, status, or land, but in God Himself. The "cup" and "lot" were common metaphors for one's destiny, portion, or experiences in life, often determined by divine decree or fate.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 16 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **God as the Ultimate Inheritance**, shifting the focus from earthly possessions to the divine relationship as the most valuable asset. This concept is foundational to true contentment and security. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, portraying God as actively involved in distributing and maintaining one's life circumstances, whether blessings or trials, as symbolized by the "cup." Thirdly, the phrase "thou maintainest my lot" emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Active Preservation**, assuring the believer that their destiny is not left to chance but is upheld by God's faithful and powerful hand. This active maintenance fosters a deep sense of **Contentment and Security**, allowing David to find peace and satisfaction regardless of external circumstances, knowing his life is firmly held by God. This resonates with the psalmist's declaration in [Psalm 73:26 - God is the Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever](/psalms/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God is the Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever") that God is the strength of his heart and his portion forever.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, _mânâh'_):** From a root meaning "to weigh out," this word (H4490) signifies a "division," "ration," or "part." In the context of Psalms 16:5, David uses it to declare the Lord Himself as his allotted share, the very substance of what he possesses and values most deeply. It implies that God is his primary and all-encompassing asset, not merely a part of his life but his essential sustenance.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** This term (H2506) denotes an "allotment," "part," or "portion," often referring to a hereditary possession, typically land. By claiming God as his _chêleq_ (here translated "inheritance"), David elevates the concept from material property to a spiritual reality, signifying that his true legacy, lasting security, and ultimate possession are found in his relationship with the Lord, transcending any temporal or physical legacy.
* **Maintainest (Hebrew, _tâmak'_):** This primitive root (H8551) means "to sustain," "to hold up," "to keep fast," or "to support." It conveys active, strong, and continuous support. When applied to God, it emphasizes His sovereign and faithful involvement in upholding, preserving, and securing the believer's life and destiny. It signifies God's active, protective grip on David's "lot," ensuring its stability and security according to His divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance":** This foundational declaration establishes God as David's supreme and sole inheritance. It signifies a radical reorientation of values, where the Creator, not creation, becomes the ultimate source of security, identity, and lasting wealth. It echoes the unique status of the Levites, for whom God Himself was their allotted share, and David personalizes this truth, asserting that his deepest satisfaction and true legacy are found in an intimate relationship with the Almighty.
* **"and of my cup":** The "cup" is a common biblical metaphor representing one's destiny, experiences, or the measure of blessing or judgment received in life. By declaring the Lord as the portion "of my cup," David acknowledges that God not only defines his ultimate inheritance but also actively oversees and provides the entirety of his life's experiences—its joys, sorrows, provisions, and challenges. It speaks to God's sovereign hand in shaping the daily realities of his existence.
* **"thou maintainest my lot":** This clause reinforces God's active and faithful involvement in David's life. The "lot" refers to one's destiny or allotment, often determined by casting lots. The verb "maintainest" (Hebrew: *tāmak*) implies a strong, supportive, and preserving grip. David affirms that God actively holds, upholds, and secures the course and circumstances of his life that He has ordained. This expresses profound trust in God's providential care, assuring David that his future is not left to chance but is firmly upheld by divine power and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 16:5 is rich in **Metaphor**, employing the imagery of "portion," "inheritance," "cup," and "lot" to convey profound spiritual truths. These terms, typically associated with tangible, earthly possessions and destiny, are here applied to God and His relationship with the individual, elevating the concepts to a spiritual realm. The "portion of mine inheritance" is a powerful metaphor for God as the ultimate and most valuable possession, while the "cup" and "lot" metaphorically represent the entirety of one's life experiences and destiny, all held and maintained by God. The phrase "thou maintainest my lot" also subtly employs **Personification**, attributing the active, protective action of "maintaining" to God, emphasizing His personal and attentive involvement in the believer's life. The verse itself functions as a strong **Declaration** or **Affirmation** of faith, serving as a confident statement of David's trust and contentment in the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 16:5 stands as a powerful theological statement on the sufficiency of God and the nature of true blessedness. It challenges the common human inclination to find security and satisfaction in material wealth, status, or worldly achievements, redirecting the heart to God Himself as the ultimate source of fulfillment. This verse underscores the biblical truth that a relationship with the Creator is infinitely more valuable than any created thing, providing an unshakeable foundation for life. It speaks to the concept of divine sovereignty, where God is not merely a distant deity but an active participant who meticulously oversees and upholds the life of His children. This profound contentment in God alone is a recurring theme in Scripture, inviting believers to find their deepest joy and security in His presence and provision, rather than in fleeting earthly circumstances.

* [Psalm 73:26](/psalms/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God is the Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever")
* [Lamentations 3:24](/lamentations/3-24 "Lamentations 3:24 - The Lord is My Portion")
* [Philippians 4:11](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11 - Contentment in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 16:5 offers a radical blueprint for Christian living, urging us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate hope and security. In a world constantly pushing us to accumulate more, achieve more, and secure our future through earthly means, this verse calls us to a counter-cultural posture: to find our deepest satisfaction and most enduring inheritance in God alone. It challenges us to ask if God truly is our "portion" – the most valuable possession, the source of our contentment, and the one who defines our identity and destiny. When we embrace God as our all-sufficient inheritance, our perspective shifts; anxieties about tomorrow diminish, and gratitude for His sovereign care abounds. This trust fosters a profound peace, knowing that our "lot" – every circumstance, every joy, every trial – is not random but is actively maintained and upheld by His loving, powerful hand. This allows us to live with a freedom that is unburdened by worldly attachments and empowered by divine provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What or who do I truly consider to be my ultimate "portion" or "inheritance" in life?**
* **How does believing that God "maintains my lot" impact my response to unexpected challenges or uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can I practically live out the truth that God is my all-sufficient provision and security, rather than relying on earthly resources?**
* **What would it look like to cultivate a deeper sense of contentment in God alone, regardless of my external circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does "the portion of mine inheritance" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 16:5, "the portion of mine inheritance" signifies that God Himself is David's most valuable and cherished possession. Unlike the typical inheritance of land or material wealth distributed among the Israelite tribes, David declares that his true and ultimate inheritance is not a physical possession but a personal relationship with the Lord. This echoes the unique status of the Levitical priests, who received no land but had the Lord as their inheritance, as described in [Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). It means that God is the source of his security, satisfaction, and lasting legacy, far surpassing any earthly treasure.

**What is the significance of "my cup" and "my lot"?**

Answer: In biblical imagery, the "cup" often symbolizes one's destiny, experiences, or the measure of blessing or judgment received in life. For example, [Psalm 23:5 - My Cup Overflows](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - My Cup Overflows") speaks of an overflowing cup of blessing. The "lot" (Hebrew: *gôrāl*) refers to one's allotted destiny or circumstances, often determined by divine means, like casting lots. Together, "my cup" and "my lot" represent the entirety of David's life experiences, his circumstances, and his destiny. By declaring God as the portion "of my cup" and affirming that God "maintainest my lot," David expresses profound trust that God sovereignly oversees, provides for, and actively upholds every aspect of his life's journey, ensuring that all he receives and experiences is from God's hand and for His good purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 16:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's declaration of the Lord as his "portion" and "inheritance" foreshadows the believer's supreme inheritance found in Christ, who is "all in all," as affirmed in [Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," as wonderfully described in [1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"). He is not just a part of our inheritance; He *is* our inheritance, the very substance of our eternal life and blessing. Moreover, just as God "maintained David's lot," Christ, through His Holy Spirit, actively maintains and upholds the lot of every believer. He is our Good Shepherd who leads us, sustains us, and ensures that our steps are ordered by the Lord, as we read in [Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord"), preserving us until the day of His return, as promised in [Philippians 1:6 - He Who Began a Good Work Will Carry it on to Completion](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He Who Began a Good Work Will Carry it on to Completion"). In Christ, we find the ultimate contentment and security, knowing that our lives are held firmly in the hands of the One who conquered death and guarantees our eternal portion with Him, for "no one can snatch them out of my hand," as Jesus declares in [John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand"). He is our true and eternal portion, satisfying every longing of the soul.

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

Psalms 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

Lamentations 3:24

The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalms 119:57

¶ CHETH. [Thou art] my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

Deuteronomy 32:9

For the LORD'S portion [is] his people; Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance.

Psalms 89:20

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: