Psalms 17:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 17:14 presents a stark contrast between the psalmist's trust in God and the worldly focus of his adversaries. David describes these "men of the world" as those whose ultimate satisfaction and inheritance are confined entirely to this present life, enjoying material prosperity and numerous offspring, all provided by God's sovereign hand, yet without acknowledging Him. This verse highlights the fleeting nature of earthly success when detached from an eternal perspective, setting the stage for the psalmist's profound hope in God alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 17 is a fervent prayer of David, a "Michtam" or "golden psalm," characterized by its plea for divine protection and vindication against enemies. The psalm opens with David asserting his integrity and righteousness before God, inviting divine scrutiny ([Psalms 17:3](/psalms/17-3 "Psalm 17:3 - David's Righteousness")). He then vividly describes his adversaries as relentless and predatory, likening them to lions ([Psalms 17:12](/psalms/17-12 "Psalm 17:12 - Enemies Like Lions")). Verse 14 serves as a pivotal characterization of these enemies, defining them not just by their actions but by their worldview and ultimate priorities. It contrasts their earthly portion with the psalmist's spiritual hope, setting up the climactic declaration in [Psalms 17:15](/psalms/17-15 "Psalm 17:15 - David's Hope in God's Presence") regarding seeing God's face in righteousness. This structural placement emphasizes the fundamental difference in values between the righteous and the unrighteous.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prosperity, numerous offspring, and accumulated wealth were often seen as signs of divine blessing, as promised in the Mosaic covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")). However, this verse critically re-evaluates such blessings when they become an end in themselves, rather than a means to glorify God or a stewardship for His purposes. The concept of "portion" (חֵלֶק, _cheleq_) was deeply rooted in the distribution of land in Canaan, where each tribe and family received an inheritance as their permanent lot ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Division of the Land")). To have one's "portion in this life" signifies a worldview that limits one's inheritance and ultimate satisfaction to temporal, material possessions, neglecting any spiritual or eternal inheritance. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the Levites, whose "portion" was the Lord Himself ([Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Portion")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **contrast between worldly and heavenly focus**, highlighting that true fulfillment is found not in temporal gains but in God alone. It explores the **nature of the wicked**, portraying them not merely as antagonists but as individuals whose very identity is defined by their pursuit of earthly success and material accumulation, often at the expense of spiritual values. Furthermore, it subtly underscores **God's sovereignty**, acknowledging that even the prosperity of the unrighteous is ultimately under divine control, as God "fills their belly" with "hid treasure." This theme resonates with other wisdom literature that grapples with the prosperity of the wicked ([Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked") and [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Why Do the Wicked Prosper?")). Finally, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **temporary versus eternal inheritance**, contrasting the fleeting "portion in this life" with the enduring hope of the righteous in God's presence ([Psalms 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, _cheleq'_):** This word (חֵלֶק) signifies an allotted share, inheritance, or division, particularly in the context of land distribution or a share of spoils. In [Psalms 17:14](/psalms/17-14 "Psalm 17:14 - The Earthly Portion of the Wicked"), it emphasizes that the "men of the world" have chosen or been granted their entire inheritance within the confines of this earthly existence. It implies a definitive, limited allocation, contrasting sharply with the psalmist's "portion" which is the Lord Himself ([Psalms 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion")). Their "portion" is finite and temporal, tied to the physical realm.
* **Hid Treasure (Hebrew, _tsaphun'_):** The term (צָפוּן) means "hidden," "stored up," or "reserved." Here, it refers to accumulated wealth, material possessions, or perhaps even secret, ill-gotten gains. The phrase "thy hid treasure" is significant; it acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and distribution of all wealth, even that which the wicked possess. It suggests a divine allowance or provision, highlighting God's sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including the resources enjoyed by those who do not acknowledge Him. It is "hidden" in the sense that it is not readily apparent to all, or perhaps it refers to the deep, abundant resources of the earth itself, which God makes available.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD":** This opening clause is subject to various interpretations. One common understanding is that these men are instruments in God's hand, perhaps permitted by Him to test or afflict the righteous, serving His sovereign purposes even in their opposition. Alternatively, it can be understood as "from men, by Your hand, O LORD," meaning the psalmist seeks deliverance from these men through God's powerful intervention. Given the context of a plea for deliverance, the latter interpretation, or a combination where God sovereignly allows their existence but is also the one who delivers from them, seems most fitting. It underscores God's ultimate control over all human affairs, even the actions of the wicked.
* **"from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life":** This is a crucial descriptor of the psalmist's adversaries. They are "men of the world," implying their earthly orientation and carnal mindset. Their defining characteristic is that their "portion" or inheritance is entirely confined to this present life. Their hopes, ambitions, and ultimate satisfaction are rooted in temporal, material gains and experiences, with no regard for an eternal dimension or spiritual inheritance. This contrasts sharply with the righteous, whose hope and true "portion" lie in God and eternity.
* **"and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]":** The "belly" (בֶּטֶן, _beten_) here is a metonymy for their desires, appetites, or perhaps their very being, indicating a deep, internal satisfaction. "Hid treasure" refers to material wealth, prosperity, and abundant earthly goods. The significant theological point is that God, in His sovereign goodness and common grace, is the ultimate source of even the material prosperity enjoyed by the wicked. They are filled with abundance from what God provides, even though they may not acknowledge Him or live in accordance with His will. This highlights God's universal provision, even to those who reject Him.
* **"they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes":** This clause further illustrates their earthly success and legacy. Being "full of children" indicates a large family, which in ancient cultures was considered a significant blessing and a sign of prosperity and divine favor ([Psalms 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children Are a Heritage from the Lord")). Their ability to accumulate substantial wealth ("substance") and pass it on to their descendants ("babes") further solidifies their earthly focus. Their legacy is entirely material and generational within this world, emphasizing their preoccupation with building an earthly dynasty rather than seeking a spiritual or eternal inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is the overarching device, juxtaposing the earthly, temporal focus of the wicked with the implicit spiritual, eternal hope of the psalmist. This is seen in "portion in this life" versus the psalmist's desire to "behold Your face in righteousness" ([Psalms 17:15](/psalms/17-15 "Psalm 17:15 - David's Hope in God's Presence")). **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "belly" to represent the desires, appetites, or internal satisfaction of the wicked, indicating their insatiable craving for material things. **Imagery** is used vividly with phrases like "belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure" and "full of children," painting a picture of earthly abundance and success. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the statement that God Himself fills their "belly" with "hid treasure," implying that even the prosperity of those who ignore Him is ultimately a gift from His hand, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 17:14 profoundly contributes to the biblical discourse on wealth, prosperity, and the ultimate source of human satisfaction. It challenges the simplistic notion that material abundance is always a sign of divine favor for the righteous, demonstrating that God, in His common grace, provides for all, even those who live solely for this world. The verse underscores the critical distinction between a life rooted in temporal gains and one anchored in eternal realities. It warns against the dangers of an earthly-focused existence, where the "portion in this life" becomes the sole pursuit, leading to a spiritual emptiness despite material fullness. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, urging believers to seek true riches that transcend earthly limitations and to prioritize a relationship with God over fleeting worldly possessions.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to critically examine where our true "portion" lies. Are our desires and aspirations primarily centered on accumulating earthly treasures, status, and comfort, or are we actively pursuing an eternal inheritance in God? While it is not inherently wrong to enjoy God's blessings, the danger lies in making these blessings our ultimate goal and source of satisfaction, rather than seeing them as gifts from the Giver. The "men of the world" in this psalm are not necessarily evil in a conventional sense, but their fatal flaw is their exclusive focus on the temporal, which blinds them to eternal realities. For believers, this verse is a call to recalibrate our priorities, to cultivate a mindset that values spiritual riches over material ones, and to remember that true security and fulfillment are found only in an abiding relationship with God, whose "hid treasure" for us is far greater than any earthly wealth. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my "portion" or satisfaction in life? Is it in earthly achievements, possessions, or relationships, or in God alone?**
* **How does my pursuit of material wealth or worldly success align with, or diverge from, a Christ-centered life?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently living like the "men of the world," even as a believer, by prioritizing temporal gains over eternal values?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more eternal perspective and store up "treasures in heaven" rather than on earth?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalms 17:14 imply that God blesses the wicked with wealth?**
Answer: Yes, the verse explicitly states, "whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]." This highlights the concept of God's common grace, where He provides for all humanity, including those who do not acknowledge Him or live righteously. The sun shines and the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous ([Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Common Grace")). While the wicked may experience material prosperity, the verse emphasizes that their "portion" is confined to "this life," implying that their blessings are temporary and lack eternal significance. This contrasts with the blessings of the righteous, which include an eternal inheritance and a relationship with God Himself ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

**What is the significance of "hid treasure" in this verse?**
Answer: "Hid treasure" (צָפוּן, _tsaphun_) refers to accumulated wealth, stored-up riches, or abundant material possessions. The phrase "thy hid treasure" is crucial because it attributes the source of this wealth directly to God, even when possessed by the wicked. It underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all resources and His providential hand in sustaining all life, regardless of moral standing. It's not that God approves of their unrighteousness, but that He is the ultimate Giver of all good things, and even the wicked benefit from His universal provision. This treasure is "hidden" perhaps because it represents the deep, often unseen, resources of the earth that God makes available, or because it is accumulated through means that are not always transparent or righteous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 17:14, with its vivid portrayal of those whose "portion" is solely "in this life," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often grappled with the apparent prosperity of the wicked ([Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), Christ definitively shifted the focus from earthly inheritance to an eternal one. He taught His disciples not to "store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," but rather to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Jesus Himself lived a life devoid of earthly "portion," having "no place to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head")), yet He offered the true and everlasting treasure: eternal life and a relationship with God. He is the ultimate "hid treasure" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")) in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Through His sacrifice, believers receive an "inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")), directly contrasting the temporary "portion in this life" described in the Psalm. Thus, Christ embodies and provides the eternal "portion" that the "men of the world" fundamentally lack, inviting all to find their true and lasting satisfaction in Him rather than in the fleeting riches of this age.

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

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.