Psalms 25:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

His soul {H5315} shall dwell {H3885} at ease {H2896}; and his seed {H2233} shall inherit {H3423} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will remain prosperous, and his descendants will inherit the land.

Berean Standard Bible

His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

American Standard Version

His soul shall dwell at ease; And his seed shall inherit the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 25:13 offers a profound promise of divine blessing and enduring security to the individual who reveres the Lord, extending this favor not only to their personal well-being but also to the prosperity and stability of their descendants. It articulates a dual assurance: inner tranquility and outward inheritance, both flowing from a life marked by humble submission and trust in God's guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a meticulously crafted acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though with some irregularities, common in acrostic psalms). It is a heartfelt prayer of David, characterized by a deep sense of dependence on God amidst distress. Throughout the psalm, David seeks divine instruction (`/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4 - Show me your ways, O Lord"`, `/psalms/25-5 "Psalm 25:5 - Lead me in your truth"`), forgiveness for sins (`/psalms/25-7 "Psalm 25:7 - Remember not the sins of my youth"`), and protection from enemies (`/psalms/25-20 "Psalm 25:20 - Keep my soul, and deliver me"`). Verse 13 directly follows a rhetorical question in `/psalms/25-12 "Psalm 25:12 - The man who fears the Lord"`: "What man is he that feareth the Lord?" Our verse, `/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - His soul shall dwell at ease"`, then provides the answer, detailing the blessings bestowed upon such a person, thereby establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between reverence for God and the receipt of these promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "inheriting the earth" (`/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - Inherit the earth"`) or "the land" (`/psalms/37-29 "Psalm 37:29 - The righteous shall inherit the land"`) is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite covenant theology. From the promise to Abraham (`/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - To your offspring I will give this land"`) to the allocation of territory in the Promised Land, land ownership was synonymous with security, blessing, and God's faithfulness to His people. To "dwell at ease" (`/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - His soul shall dwell at ease"`) implied not just physical comfort but also a state of peace and security, free from the threats of war, famine, or displacement, which were constant concerns in the ancient Near East. The extension of blessings to "seed" (descendants) also reflects the strong emphasis on family lineage and generational continuity within Hebrew culture, where the legacy of one's faith and actions profoundly impacted future generations.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 25:13 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the Psalter and broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Security and Inner Peace**, emphasizing that true contentment and rest for the soul (`/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - His soul shall dwell at ease"`) are not found in external circumstances but in a right relationship with God. This internal tranquility is a hallmark of God's blessing, even amidst turmoil, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Generational Blessing and Inheritance**, promising that the faithfulness of the individual will yield lasting benefits for their descendants (`/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - His seed shall inherit the earth"`). This signifies not merely literal land but a secure future, stability, and enduring favor. Finally, these blessings are firmly predicated on **The Fear of the Lord**, as explicitly stated in the preceding verse. This "fear" is not terror, but a profound reverence, respect, and humble submission to God's will, which is consistently portrayed as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and the foundation for a blessed life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwell at ease (Hebrew, _lûn tôb_):** The Hebrew verb `לון` (_lûn_) means "to lodge, to remain, to abide," often implying a settled, secure dwelling. The adjective `טוב` (_tôb_) means "good, pleasant, prosperous, well." When combined, `לון טוב` conveys a state of deep, settled well-being, inner peace, and security. It suggests not just physical comfort but a profound spiritual and emotional tranquility, a soul at rest, free from anxiety and turmoil because it is anchored in God.
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zera'_):** The Hebrew word `זֶרַע` (_zera'_) literally means "seed" (as in plant seed) but is consistently used metaphorically to refer to "offspring, descendants, posterity." In this context, it emphasizes the generational aspect of God's blessing, signifying that the righteous person's spiritual and material prosperity will extend beyond their individual life to impact their children and future lineage. This concept is foundational to the covenant promises throughout the Old Testament.
* **Inherit the earth (Hebrew, _yārash ’erets_):** The verb `יָרַשׁ` (_yārash_) means "to inherit, to take possession of, to dispossess." The noun `אֶרֶץ` (_’erets_) can refer to "land, ground, earth, country." While it can specifically denote the land of Israel, in a broader poetic and theological context, it signifies a secure and prosperous dwelling, a place of stable possession and blessing. This phrase evokes the covenant promise of land and security, implying not just physical territory but a state of flourishing and dominion under God's favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His soul shall dwell at ease":** This clause speaks to the internal, spiritual blessing received by the one who fears the Lord. The "soul" (`נֶפֶשׁ`, _nephesh_) encompasses the whole person—their inner being, desires, emotions, and life force. To "dwell at ease" signifies a profound sense of inner peace, security, and contentment. It implies freedom from anxiety, turmoil, and spiritual distress, a rest that comes from trusting in God's providence and guidance, regardless of external circumstances. This is a promise of spiritual and emotional well-being, a settled heart in God.
* **"and his seed shall inherit the earth":** This second clause describes the external, generational blessing. "His seed" refers to the descendants or posterity of the righteous person. The promise that they "shall inherit the earth" connects to the ancient covenant promises of land and security, signifying a lasting legacy of prosperity, stability, and secure possession. It implies that the blessings of the righteous person will extend beyond their own life, impacting their family lineage with enduring favor, a secure future, and a place of flourishing under God's benevolent hand.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 25:13 employs several potent literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident, specifically a form of synthetic parallelism, where the second clause ("and his seed shall inherit the earth") expands upon and complements the first ("His soul shall dwell at ease"). The first clause focuses on the individual's internal state, while the second extends the blessing to their descendants and external circumstances, creating a comprehensive picture of divine favor. The phrase "dwell at ease" functions as a **metaphor** for profound inner peace and security, transcending mere physical comfort to describe a spiritual state of rest. The concept of "inherit the earth" serves as **covenant language**, echoing the foundational promises made to Abraham and the nation of Israel, thereby linking the individual's piety to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His people. This use of established theological language imbues the verse with deep historical and redemptive significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 25:13 beautifully encapsulates the biblical principle that righteousness is met with divine blessing, extending both inward peace and outward prosperity, even across generations. It reinforces the Old Testament understanding of a covenantal relationship where obedience and reverence for God lead to tangible benefits. This verse speaks to God's desire not only for the individual's flourishing but also for the establishment of a righteous lineage that can continue to bear witness to His faithfulness. It connects the spiritual state of the soul to the material and generational realities of life, demonstrating God's holistic care for those who walk in His ways.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Psalm 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The meek shall inherit the earth")
* [Deuteronomy 5:29](/deuteronomy/5-29 "Deuteronomy 5:29 - Oh, that their hearts would always fear me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalm 25:13 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to discipleship. The promise that "His soul shall dwell at ease" speaks directly to our deepest human need for peace and security. In a world often characterized by anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that true rest is found not in accumulating wealth or achieving worldly success, but in a reverent, trusting relationship with God. This "ease" is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God's peace in the midst of trouble, a deep spiritual calm that anchors the soul. Furthermore, the promise that "his seed shall inherit the earth" challenges us to consider the lasting impact of our faith. Our walk with God has generational implications, shaping the spiritual legacy we leave for our children and future generations. It calls us to live lives of integrity, obedience, and devotion, knowing that our faithfulness can lay a foundation of blessing for those who come after us, both biologically and spiritually. It encourages us to invest in discipleship, prayer, and godly living, understanding that these actions contribute to a spiritual inheritance that is far more valuable than any material possession.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "dwelling at ease" truly mean for your soul in the context of your current life circumstances?**
* **How does your reverence for God (your "fear of the Lord") manifest in your daily decisions and relationships?**
* **In what ways are you intentionally seeking to leave a spiritual legacy for future generations, whether through your family, church, or community?**
* **How does the promise of "inheriting the earth" resonate with your understanding of God's kingdom and His ultimate plan for redemption?**

### FAQ

**Does "inherit the earth" mean believers will literally own land, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the phrase "inherit the earth" (`/psalms/25-13 "Psalm 25:13 - His seed shall inherit the earth"`) in the Old Testament often referred to the literal possession of the Promised Land for Israel, its meaning in the Psalms, and especially in light of the New Testament, expands significantly. In Psalm 25:13 and similar passages like [Psalm 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The meek shall inherit the earth"), it carries a broader sense of secure and prosperous dwelling, a state of flourishing under God's favor. It implies stability, blessing, and a secure future, often in contrast to the instability of the wicked. In the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets and spiritualizes this promise in the Beatitudes, declaring that "the meek shall inherit the earth" ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")). Here, it points to a spiritual inheritance in God's kingdom, participation in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")), and ultimately, a share in Christ's dominion over all creation. So, while it had a literal component for ancient Israel, for believers today, it is primarily understood as a spiritual promise of ultimate security, belonging, and flourishing in God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 25:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "fear of the Lord" that serves as the condition for these blessings is perfectly embodied by Christ, who always did the will of His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - I always do what pleases Him")). He is the one whose "soul shall dwell at ease," not because of an absence of suffering, but because of His perfect trust and obedience to God, even unto death ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Father, into your hands I commit my spirit")). More significantly, the promise that "his seed shall inherit the earth" is fulfilled in Christ as the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promises Were Made to Abraham and to His Seed, Who Is Christ")). Through His death and resurrection, believers are united with Him, becoming co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and thus inheriting the ultimate "earth"—the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2-peter/3-13](/2-peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth")). The peace promised to the soul is found in Christ, who offers a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and who is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - For He Himself Is Our Peace")). Thus, the blessings of Psalm 25:13 are not merely conditional promises to individuals, but are secured and distributed through the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate inheritor and dispenser of all divine blessings.

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 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Proverbs 19:23

¶ The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 1:33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

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.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.