Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

From men {H4962} which are thy hand {H3027}, O LORD {H3068}, from men {H4962} of the world {H2465}, which have their portion {H2506} in this life {H2416}, and whose belly {H990} thou fillest {H4390} with thy hid {H6840} treasure: they are full {H7646} of children {H1121}, and leave {H3240} the rest {H3499} of their substance to their babes {H5768}.

with your hand, ADONAI, from human beings, from people whose portion in life is this world. You fill their stomachs with your treasure, their children will be satisfied too and will leave their wealth to their little ones.

from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.

From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is inthislife, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Psalm 17:14 is a verse from David's prayer, where he describes the nature and focus of the wicked people who oppose him. He contrasts their earthly priorities with his own hope and trust in God.

Context

Psalm 17 is a plea from David to God for protection and justice against his enemies. He asserts his integrity and righteousness before God, asking the Lord to deliver him from those who seek his life. Verse 14 specifically characterizes these adversaries, highlighting their worldly perspective and temporary rewards as a stark contrast to the psalmist's eternal hope.

Meaning and Commentary

The verse describes the enemies of the psalmist in several ways:

  • "From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD": This phrase is interpreted in various ways. It could mean men who are instruments in God's hand, perhaps whom God permits to test or afflict the righteous. Alternatively, it could mean men from whom God's hand delivers the psalmist. In the context of David's prayer for deliverance, it likely refers to men whom God, in His sovereignty, allows to exist and act, but from whom David seeks protection.
  • "from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life": This is a key descriptor. These individuals are defined by their earthly focus. Their ultimate reward or inheritance ("portion") is confined entirely to this present life. They seek and find their satisfaction in temporary, physical things, contrasting sharply with those who store up treasures in heaven and look forward to an eternal inheritance.
  • "and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]": "Belly" here represents their desires or capacity for earthly satisfaction. "Hid treasure" refers to material wealth, prosperity, or earthly goods. The verse acknowledges that God, in His sovereign power, is the ultimate source even of the prosperity enjoyed by the wicked. They are filled with material abundance from what God provides, even though they do not acknowledge Him or live for Him.
  • "they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes": This further illustrates their earthly success and legacy. They are fruitful in family and accumulate enough wealth ("substance") to pass on to their descendants. Their focus is on building an earthly dynasty and leaving a material inheritance, rather than seeking a spiritual or eternal one.

Key Themes

  • Worldly vs. Heavenly Focus: The primary theme is the contrast between those whose lives are centered on earthly gain and those who seek after God.
  • The Nature of the Wicked: They are characterized by their pursuit and enjoyment of temporary, material wealth and success.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even the prosperity of the unrighteous is ultimately under God's control and allowance.
  • Temporary vs. Eternal Portion: The verse highlights the limited nature of a life focused solely on this world, contrasting it implicitly with the eternal hope of the believer. See also the Parable of the Rich Fool for a similar theme.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "portion" is cheleq (חֵלֶק), often referring to an inheritance or allotment, like land in the promised land. Here, it's specifically their allotment "in this life," emphasizing its temporary nature. "Hid treasure" comes from tsaphun (צָפוּן), meaning hidden, stored, or reserved, pointing to accumulated wealth.

Reflection and Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth and security are not found in earthly possessions or status. It challenges believers to examine where their focus lies – is their "portion" in this life, or are they living for an eternal inheritance? While God may bless people with material goods, the verse highlights the emptiness of such blessings if they are the sole focus and end goal. It encourages us to seek satisfaction in God alone and to pursue eternal riches rather than temporary ones.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 22:18

    Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

  • John 17:14

    I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

  • John 15:19

    If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

  • John 8:23

    And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

  • Luke 12:19

    And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

  • Luke 12:21

    So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

  • Luke 16:25

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

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