Psalms 37:11

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

But the meek {H6035} shall inherit {H3423} the earth {H776}; and shall delight {H6026}{H8694)} themselves in the abundance {H7230} of peace {H7965}.

But the meek will inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalm 37:11 from the King James Version offers a profound promise to those who embody humility and trust in God, contrasting their ultimate blessedness with the fleeting success of the wicked.

Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, presented as an acrostic (though imperfectly so), offering timeless advice to the righteous living among the wicked. David encourages believers not to fret or be envious of evildoers, as their prosperity is temporary. Instead, the psalm consistently calls for trust in the Lord, patience, and doing good, assuring that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Verse 11 serves as a pivotal promise within this framework, highlighting the blessed outcome for those who walk in humility.

Key Themes

  • Meekness as Strength: The verse challenges worldly notions of power, asserting that true inheritance comes not through aggressive acquisition but through a spirit of humility and submission to God.
  • Divine Inheritance: The "earth" here can refer to the physical land of Israel (as a covenant blessing) but also carries broader eschatological significance, pointing to God's ultimate kingdom and the renewed creation where the righteous will dwell eternally.
  • Abundance of Peace: This peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, encompassing spiritual, mental, and physical prosperity, rooted in a right relationship with God.
  • God's Justice and Providence: The verse underscores God's commitment to righting wrongs and blessing those who align with His character, even when circumstances seem to favor the unrighteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "meek" is 'anawim (עֲנָוִים), which describes the humble, the afflicted, or those who are lowly and poor in spirit, depending on God rather than their own strength or resources. It implies a gentle, submissive spirit that is nevertheless firm in its trust in the Almighty. This is not weakness, but a profound strength found in surrender. The phrase "inherit the earth" (yerash 'erets) has deep roots in Israel's covenant with God concerning the Promised Land, but it also points to a universal spiritual truth about God's ultimate dominion and the destiny of His people. The "abundance of peace" translates rov shalom (רֹב שָׁלוֹם), signifying a comprehensive, overflowing sense of well-being, wholeness, and spiritual tranquility that surpasses mere worldly contentment.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 37:11 encourages a posture of patience and trust in God, especially when facing injustice or observing the apparent success of the ungodly. It reminds us that true and lasting blessings come from God, not from worldly striving. Cultivating meekness—a humble reliance on God and a gentle spirit towards others—is presented as the path to genuine peace and a secure future. This verse famously finds its echo in the New Testament, where Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" in the Beatitudes, reaffirming its timeless truth and spiritual significance for all who follow Him. It calls us to find our delight and security in God's promises, rather than in temporal possessions or worldly power.

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.

  • Matthew 5:5

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

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:23

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • James 3:13

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • Psalms 119:165

    ¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

  • Isaiah 48:18

    O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

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