Psalms 37:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 37:11 from the King James Version presents a profound promise of ultimate blessing and holistic well-being to those who embody humility and trust in God. It stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, superficial success of the wicked, assuring that divine justice will prevail, and the righteous, characterized by their gentle and dependent spirit, will inherit lasting security and an overflowing measure of peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, structured as an acrostic (though imperfectly so), offering timeless counsel on how the righteous should live amidst the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalm's overarching message, articulated from its opening verses, is a call to trust in the Lord and not fret over evildoers, as their flourishing is ephemeral ([Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers")). David encourages a posture of patience, waiting on the Lord, and doing good, with the assurance that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful ones ([Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")). Verse 11 serves as a pivotal promise within this framework, highlighting the blessed and secure outcome for those who walk in humility and reliance on God, rather than engaging in worldly striving or envy. It is a central affirmation of God's providential care and ultimate justice, providing comfort and direction to those who feel marginalized or overlooked.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm originates from a cultural milieu where the prosperity of the wicked often challenged the faith of the righteous. In ancient Israel, the concept of "inheriting the earth" (or "the land") was deeply rooted in the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, signifying God's promise of the Promised Land as a place of security, blessing, and covenant faithfulness. While initially referring to the literal land of Canaan, the phrase also carried broader spiritual and eschatological implications, pointing to God's ultimate dominion and the destiny of His people within His righteous kingdom. The psalm addresses the common theological dilemma of retributive justice – why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? – by asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant people. The "meek" (עֲנָוִים, *'anawim'*) were often the socially vulnerable, the poor, or those who, in their humility, depended solely on God, making this promise particularly poignant for those who felt powerless in a world dominated by the strong.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 37:11 encapsulates several key theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Meekness as Strength**, challenging worldly notions of power and success. True inheritance, the verse asserts, comes not through aggressive acquisition or self-assertion, but through a spirit of humility, dependence on God, and submission to His will. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Inheritance** is central; "the earth" (אֶרֶץ, *'erets'*) refers to the physical land of Israel as a covenant blessing, yet it also carries profound eschatological significance, pointing to God's ultimate kingdom and the renewed creation where the righteous will dwell eternally. This inheritance is a gift from God, not a human achievement. Thirdly, the promise of **Abundance of Peace** (רֹב שָׁלוֹם, *rov shalom*) highlights *shalom*, which is far more than merely the absence of conflict; it signifies a holistic well-being encompassing spiritual, mental, physical, and relational prosperity, deeply rooted in a right relationship with God. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Justice and Providence**, reinforcing the psalm's overall message that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, committed to righting wrongs, vindicating the righteous, and blessing those who align with His character, even when circumstances appear to favor the unrighteous in the short term. This theme resonates with other wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 2:21](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21 - The Upright Will Inherit the Land"), which likewise promises the upright will dwell in the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meek (Hebrew, _'anawim'_):** This plural noun (עֲנָוִים) derives from the root *'anah*, meaning to be humble, afflicted, lowly, or poor. It describes those who are not self-sufficient but are dependent on God, often due to their socio-economic status or their spiritual posture of submission. It implies a gentle, unassertive spirit that, paradoxically, demonstrates profound strength through its unwavering trust in the Almighty, rather than in its own power or resources. This meekness is not weakness or timidity, but a humble reliance on God's power and justice.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** The verb (יָרַשׁ) means to take possession of, to dispossess, to inherit, or to occupy. In the Old Testament, it frequently refers to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land as a divine gift and a covenantal right. Here, it signifies a secure, lasting, and divinely bestowed possession, implying not merely temporary occupation but a permanent, rightful claim to the earth, a gift from God to His faithful ones.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The noun (שָׁלוֹם) is one of the richest words in the Hebrew language, signifying far more than the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, security, and tranquility. "Abundance of peace" (רֹב שָׁלוֹם, *rov shalom*) suggests an overflowing, comprehensive, and deep sense of spiritual and existential flourishing that transcends mere worldly contentment and is rooted in a right relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the meek":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a contrast with the "evildoers" and "workers of iniquity" mentioned earlier in the psalm (e.g., [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Fret Not")). It identifies the specific group to whom this profound promise is made, distinguishing them by their character of humility and dependence on God.
* **"shall inherit the earth":** This is the first part of the promise, signifying a divinely granted possession and secure dwelling. "The earth" (הָאָרֶץ, *ha'aretz*) here carries both the literal sense of the land of Israel as a covenant blessing and a broader, universal, and eschatological sense of God's ultimate dominion and the righteous's secure place within His kingdom, whether in this life or in the renewed creation.
* **"and shall delight themselves":** This clause describes the internal state and experience of the meek. It's not merely about external possession ("inherit the earth") but about an inner joy, satisfaction, and profound contentment that accompanies their inheritance. Their delight is not fleeting or superficial but deeply rooted.
* **"in the abundance of peace":** This specifies the source and nature of their delight. It is a comprehensive, overflowing (abundance, רֹב, *rov*) state of *shalom* – holistic well-being, security, and spiritual tranquility. This peace is a divine gift, a deep inner calm that is independent of external circumstances and is the fruit of their trusting relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is a primary device, as the verse immediately follows descriptions of the wicked's fleeting prosperity (e.g., [Psalms 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "Psalm 37:10 - The Wicked Shall Be No More")) and sets the meek apart as the true beneficiaries of God's lasting favor. This creates a powerful rhetorical distinction. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses of the verse, "shall inherit the earth" and "shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." While not strictly synonymous, they function as a synthetic or elaborative parallelism, with the second clause expanding upon and enriching the promise of the first, describing the quality of life that accompanies the inheritance. The phrase "inherit the earth" also functions as a **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, extending beyond a literal plot of land to encompass a secure, blessed existence under God's favor, representing ultimate belonging and participation in God's kingdom. Similarly, "abundance of peace" is a **Hyperbole** or **Metonymy** for comprehensive well-being, emphasizing the overflowing, complete nature of God's blessing. The psalm's overall **Didactic** tone is also present, as the verse serves as a direct teaching about the path to true blessedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 37:11 stands as a cornerstone promise within the broader biblical narrative, deeply connecting to themes of divine justice, the nature of true blessedness, and the eschatological hope of God's people. It challenges the common human perception that power, wealth, and self-assertion lead to ultimate success, instead asserting that humility and dependence on God are the true path to lasting inheritance and profound peace. This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them that despite the apparent triumph of the wicked in the present, God's ultimate plan involves the vindication and blessing of the righteous. The "inheritance of the earth" transcends a mere physical possession, pointing to a spiritual and eternal reality where the meek will dwell securely in God's presence, experiencing His *shalom* in its fullest measure. This promise is a testament to God's character as a just and faithful rewarder, who delights in blessing those who humbly trust in Him.

* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek")
* [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - Your People Will Be Righteous")
* [Psalm 25:9](/psalms/25-9 "Psalm 25:9 - God Guides the Meek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often rewards assertiveness, self-promotion, and the relentless pursuit of material gain, Psalm 37:11 offers a radical counter-cultural truth: genuine and lasting blessedness belongs to the meek. This verse calls believers to a posture of humble reliance on God, especially when faced with injustice or the apparent prosperity of those who disregard divine principles. It encourages us to release the anxiety of "fretting" over the wicked and instead cultivate a gentle spirit that trusts in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice. Practicing meekness means surrendering our need for control, our desire for immediate vindication, and our tendency to compare ourselves with others. It means finding our delight not in external circumstances or worldly possessions, but in the internal abundance of peace that God provides through a right relationship with Him. This peace is a holistic well-being that sustains us even amidst trials, reminding us that our true security and inheritance are found in God's promises, not in temporal achievements or fleeting power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the world typically define "strength," and how does the concept of "meekness" in this verse challenge that definition?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find yourself "fretting" or envying the success of others, and how can the promise of this verse reorient your perspective?**
* **What does "delighting in the abundance of peace" look like in your daily life, especially when facing difficulties or injustices?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of meekness and humble reliance on God in your interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ

**What does "inherit the earth" mean for believers today, beyond a literal plot of land?**

Answer: While "inherit the earth" in its original context had strong ties to Israel's covenantal possession of the Promised Land, its meaning expands significantly for believers today. It speaks to a profound and ultimate security, belonging, and participation in God's eternal kingdom. This inheritance is not merely a physical territory but encompasses spiritual dominion, a secure place in God's renewed creation, and the experience of His holistic *shalom* both now and in the age to come. It signifies that those who align with God's character will ultimately dwell in His presence, enjoying His blessings in their fullness, as promised in passages like [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth - God Dwells with His People"). It's about being rightful heirs of God's purposes and kingdom.

**Is "meekness" a sign of weakness or passivity?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Biblical meekness, as exemplified in Psalm 37:11 and throughout Scripture, is far from weakness or passivity; it is strength under divine control. The Hebrew word *'anawim* implies humility, dependence on God, and a gentle spirit, but it does not mean timidity or a lack of conviction. Instead, it signifies a person who has surrendered their own will and strength to God's greater power and wisdom. It is the ability to endure hardship without bitterness, to respond to injustice with patient trust in God's vindication, and to wield power or influence with gentleness and humility. Jesus Christ himself, described as "meek and lowly in heart" in [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle and Humble Heart"), is the ultimate example of meekness combined with immense spiritual authority and power. It is a profound spiritual strength rooted in self-control and God-reliance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 37:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "meek" one, who perfectly embodied humble reliance on God, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Unlike worldly rulers who seize power, Jesus came not to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), demonstrating a meekness that was truly divine strength under control. His declaration in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek")), is a direct echo and re-affirmation of this Old Testament promise, revealing its spiritual depth and universal application through His kingdom. The "earth" that the meek inherit is ultimately the new heavens and new earth, the eternal kingdom established by Christ, where He reigns as Lord ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Furthermore, the "abundance of peace" promised to the meek is fully realized in the *shalom* that Christ offers. He is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")), and He gives His peace, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). Through faith in Him, believers are united with the ultimate Meek One and become co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting not only the earth but eternal life and an overflowing, comprehensive peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philipians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, Psalm 37:11 points forward to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfills the conditions of meekness and, in doing so, secures the promised inheritance and abundance of peace for all who follow Him.

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

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: