Psalms 16:6

KJV

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

KJV (with Strong's)

The lines {H2256} are fallen {H5307} unto me in pleasant {H5273} places; yea, I have a goodly {H8231} heritage {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pleasant places were measured out for me; I am content with my heritage.

Berean Standard Bible

The lines of my boundary have fallen in pleasant places; surely my inheritance is delightful.

American Standard Version

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 16:6 is a profound declaration of contentment and gratitude from David, expressing his deep satisfaction with the portion or inheritance God has sovereignly allotted to him. Through the vivid imagery of surveying lines falling in desirable locations, David perceives his life's circumstances, both material and spiritual, as exceptionally good and desirable, a direct result of God's benevolent hand. This verse encapsulates a spirit of trust and joy in divine providence, highlighting the blessedness of a life lived in intimate relationship with the Lord, who is the ultimate source of all good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 16 is a *Michtam* of David, often interpreted as a "golden psalm" or a psalm of "fixed writing," signifying its preciousness and enduring theological significance. The psalm opens with David's earnest plea for preservation and protection from God, acknowledging Him as his only true refuge and good, as seen in [Psalms 16:1, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."](/psalms/16-1 "Psalms 16:1 - David's Plea for Preservation"). This quickly transitions into a resolute declaration of his unwavering trust in the Lord and a stark rejection of the worship of other gods, emphasizing the superiority and sufficiency of Yahweh, highlighted in [Psalms 16:4, "Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god..."](/psalms/16-4 "Psalms 16:4 - David's Rejection of Idols"). The verse immediately preceding our focus, [Psalms 16:5, "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."](/psalms/16-5 "Psalms 16:5 - The Lord as David's Portion"), sets the theological foundation for verse 6: it firmly establishes God as the direct source and sustainer of David's fortunate circumstances, leading directly into the joyous affirmation of the pleasantness of his divinely appointed "lot" in verse 6. The psalm culminates in a powerful prophetic look towards resurrection and eternal joy in God's presence, as prophesied in [Psalms 16:10, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."](/psalms/16-10 "Psalms 16:10 - Prophecy of Resurrection") and [Psalms 16:11, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."](/psalms/16-11 "Psalms 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"), indicating that David's "goodly heritage" extends far beyond earthly blessings to encompass the promise of eternal life and fellowship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Psalms 16:6 is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern practice of land division and inheritance, particularly as it pertains to the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Following the conquest of Canaan, the land was divided by lot, using measuring lines, as described in [Joshua 18:10, "And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD; and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Division of Land by Lot"). Each tribe and family received a specific portion, which was considered their `nachalah` (inheritance), a sacred and inalienable possession passed down through generations, as mandated in [Numbers 26:55, "Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit."](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Inheritance by Lot"). The phrase "the lines are fallen unto me" evokes this process, suggesting that David's "lot" or portion has been divinely determined and assigned. This was not a random occurrence but a sovereign act of God, ensuring each family received its rightful share. For David, this cultural understanding of land inheritance is spiritualized; his "portion" is not merely physical land but the Lord Himself, and the "pleasant places" refer to the blessedness of his life under God's care.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 16 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Blessing**, highlighting God as the ultimate sovereign provider who determines and bestows a favorable "lot" or inheritance upon His people. David's experience serves as a testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful. Secondly, it exemplifies **Contentment and Gratitude**, as David expresses profound satisfaction and thankfulness for what he has received, modeling a posture of peace and joy in God's sovereign will. This resonates deeply with the New Testament call for believers to cultivate contentment in all circumstances, as articulated by Paul in [Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11 - Paul's Contentment in All Circumstances"). Thirdly, the verse points to the concept of **Spiritual Inheritance**, transcending mere material possessions. While the imagery is rooted in the division of land, the "pleasant places" and "goodly heritage" primarily refer to the spiritual blessings and the intimate covenant relationship with God Himself, who is David's "portion," as stated in [Psalms 16:5, "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup..."](/psalms/16-5 "Psalms 16:5 - The Lord is My Portion"). This spiritual inheritance is infinitely more valuable than any earthly possession, echoing the sentiment found in [Lamentations 3:24, "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."](/lamentations/3-24 "Lamentations 3:24 - The Lord is My Portion"). Lastly, the idea of "lines" (boundaries) being "fallen" suggests a **Security and Stability** in a divinely appointed and maintained portion, providing a profound sense of peace and assurance in God's unchanging faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lines (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** This word literally means a measuring cord or rope. In ancient Israel, land was surveyed and divided using such lines. Thus, "the lines are fallen" refers to the drawing of lots to determine one's allotted portion of land, much like the tribal divisions in the Promised Land. It signifies a divinely appointed boundary or share. The falling of the lines implies a completed, settled, and divinely ordained allocation, often resulting from a divine act of casting lots.
* **Pleasant [places] (Hebrew, _nâʻîym'_):** This term describes something delightful, agreeable, beautiful, or sweet. While the KJV supplies "places" to fit the context of land, the Hebrew word itself conveys the quality of being delightful or pleasant. The phrase indicates that David's assigned portion is not just adequate or sufficient, but exceptionally good, desirable, and beautiful, bringing joy and satisfaction. It speaks to the inherent quality and favor of his divinely given circumstances.
* **Heritage (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** This term refers to an inheritance, patrimony, or possession. While it often denotes physical land (like the inheritance of Israel in Canaan), in this psalm, especially given the context of God being David's "portion" in [Psalms 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalms 16:5 - The Lord is My Portion"), it extends beyond material blessings to encompass the spiritual blessings and the covenant relationship with God. This spiritual inheritance, which includes God Himself, His presence, and His promises, is the ultimate "goodly heritage" for believers, signifying its excellence and value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places];"**: This clause uses the vivid imagery of land surveying and division. The "lines" (measuring cords used to delineate property) have "fallen" (been cast by lot, or simply settled) in a way that designates a portion for David. The addition of "in pleasant [places]" indicates that the outcome of this divine allocation is exceedingly favorable and delightful. It speaks to the beauty, fertility, and desirability of the "land" (metaphorically, life circumstances) that God has apportioned to him. This is not a random occurrence but a divinely ordained and beneficial outcome, highlighting God's sovereign and benevolent hand in determining David's life path.
* **"yea, I have a goodly heritage."**: This second clause serves as an emphatic affirmation and summary of the first. The Hebrew particle "yea" (אף, `'af'`) strengthens the assertion, emphasizing the truth and certainty of what follows. David declares that his "heritage" (his inheritance, his `nachălâh`) is "goodly" – excellent, desirable, and truly valuable. This heritage is not merely material but, as the preceding verse indicates, fundamentally rooted in his relationship with the Lord Himself. It is a heritage of divine favor, protection, and intimate communion, which is inherently good and satisfying, transcending any earthly possession.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 16:6 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly that of land surveying and inheritance. The "lines" falling in "pleasant places" creates a vivid mental picture of a beautiful, fertile, and desirable plot of land, symbolizing the blessedness of David's life and circumstances as ordained by God. This specific imagery functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where the physical act of land division represents the entirety of David's life and destiny as a divinely appointed portion. The "goodly heritage" further extends this metaphor, encapsulating not just material blessings but the profound spiritual endowment of God's presence and covenant relationship. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "the lines" (a part of the surveying process) stand in for the entire process of divine allocation and the resulting portion. The verse's structure, with its emphatic "yea," also employs **Parallelism** in thought, where the second clause reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first, reinforcing the central message of gratitude for a divinely blessed life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 16:6 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's sovereign providence and His benevolent care for His people. It teaches that our "lot" in life, our circumstances, and our ultimate inheritance are not random but are divinely appointed and maintained by a loving God. David's contentment stems from his recognition that God Himself is his portion, making any "place" pleasant and any "heritage" goodly. This verse challenges believers to shift their perspective from worldly measures of success and happiness to a deep appreciation for the spiritual riches found in Christ. It underscores that true contentment and security are found not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us and graciously provides for us, both materially and spiritually. The "goodly heritage" ultimately points to the eternal blessings of salvation, communion with God, and the promise of resurrection life.

* [Psalms 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "My Cup Overflows")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 16:6 serves as a powerful invitation for believers today to cultivate a profound sense of contentment and gratitude for the life and blessings God has bestowed upon them. It calls us to recognize His sovereign hand in our circumstances, trusting that our "lines" have indeed fallen in "pleasant places" because He is our portion. This perspective encourages us to embrace our present reality with peace, knowing that God's plan for us is good, even when it may not align with worldly expectations. It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual inheritance in Christ above all else, understanding that our true wealth lies in our relationship with God, the forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, which are infinitely more precious than any earthly possession or status. Ultimately, this verse inspires us to live a life of joyful trust, confident that with God as our heritage, our future is eternally secure and good, regardless of the immediate challenges we face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as your "portion" (as in [Psalms 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalms 16:5 - The Lord as David's Portion")) change your perspective on your current life circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you tend to measure your "heritage" or blessings? How might Psalms 16:6 challenge or reorient those measurements?**
* **What specific "pleasant places" or "goodly heritage" (spiritual or otherwise) can you identify in your life right now for which you can express profound gratitude to God?**
* **How can cultivating a spirit of contentment, as modeled by David, impact your daily walk and interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "the lines are fallen unto me" literally mean, and how does it apply spiritually?**

Answer: Literally, "the lines are fallen unto me" refers to the ancient practice of surveying and dividing land using measuring cords or ropes. When lots were cast to determine land portions (as in the division of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, described in [Joshua 18:10, "And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD; and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Division of Land by Lot")), the "lines" would fall to designate a specific area. So, it means "my allotted portion has been determined." Spiritually, this applies to the idea of divine providence. It signifies that God has sovereignly determined and assigned our life's circumstances, our blessings, our calling, and ultimately our spiritual inheritance. It's an expression of trust that God's allocation for us is not random but purposeful and good, leading to "pleasant places" and a "goodly heritage" in Him.

**Is this verse primarily about material wealth and earthly blessings?**

Answer: While the imagery of "lines" and "heritage" has roots in physical land inheritance, the context of Psalm 16, particularly [Psalms 16:5, "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."](/psalms/16-5 "Psalms 16:5 - The Lord as David's Portion"), clearly elevates the meaning beyond mere material wealth. David declares that his ultimate "goodly heritage" is God Himself and the intimate relationship he shares with Him. While God certainly blesses us materially, the primary emphasis here is on the spiritual abundance, security, and joy found in a covenant relationship with the Creator. The "pleasant places" are not just physical locations but the blessed state of being in God's favor and presence, which is far more valuable than any earthly possession, as also echoed in [Lamentations 3:24, "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."](/lamentations/3-24 "The Lord is My Portion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 16:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's declaration of a "goodly heritage" and "pleasant places" points beyond his own earthly blessings to the far greater inheritance secured by the Messiah. The psalm itself is deeply Messianic, culminating in the prophecy of resurrection in [Psalms 16:10, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."](/psalms/16-10 "Psalms 16:10 - Prophecy of Resurrection"), which Peter explicitly applies to Christ in [Acts 2:25, "For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face..."](/acts/2-25 "Acts 2:25 - Peter Quotes Psalms 16") and [Acts 2:31, "He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ..."](/acts/2-31 "Acts 2:31 - Christ's Resurrection"). Christ, as the true Son of David, inherited the ultimate "pleasant places" – resurrection from the dead, exaltation to the right hand of the Father, and a name above every name, as described in [Philippians 2:9, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name..."](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation"). For believers, our "goodly heritage" is found *in Christ*. Through His death and resurrection, we are granted an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance, kept in heaven for us, as promised in [1 Peter 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Our Living Hope") and [1 Peter 1:4, "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you..."](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"). Our "lines" have fallen in the most pleasant of places because we are co-heirs with Christ, as affirmed in [Romans 8:17, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..."](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), receiving every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, as declared in [Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ..."](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Thus, David's joy in his portion foreshadows the immeasurable joy and eternal inheritance that is ours through faith in the resurrected Lord Jesus.

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

Jeremiah 3:19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Psalms 78:55

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!