Psalms 37:26

KJV

[He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.

KJV (with Strong's)

He is ever {H3117} merciful {H2603}, and lendeth {H3867}{H8688)}; and his seed {H2233} is blessed {H1293}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All day long he is generous and lends, and his descendants are blessed.

Berean Standard Bible

They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.

American Standard Version

All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:26 profoundly illustrates the character and enduring legacy of the righteous individual, asserting that their consistent demonstration of mercy and active generosity is met with divine favor, extending blessings not only upon themselves but also upon their descendants. This verse encapsulates a foundational truth of wisdom literature: a life lived righteously, marked by compassion and active benevolence, secures a lasting inheritance and generational prosperity that flows directly from God's own faithful and gracious character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, designed to address the perennial perplexity of why the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer. Its overarching message, encapsulated in the repeated exhortation "fret not" (e.g., [Psalms 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Fret Not Over Evildoers") and [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")), encourages unwavering trust in the Lord's justice and ultimate vindication of the upright. Verse 26 directly follows [Psalms 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken"), where David, from his extensive personal experience, testifies, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." This immediate preceding verse establishes the divine commitment to provide for the righteous and their offspring, setting the stage for the promise of generational blessing in verse 26. The psalm systematically moves from general principles of trust and patience to specific examples of righteous living and its blessed outcomes, contrasting them sharply with the inevitable downfall of the wicked (e.g., [Psalms 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit, lineage, and the concept of a lasting "house" (dynasty or descendants) were paramount. Blessings and curses were understood to extend across generations, reflecting a communal and covenantal understanding of identity and destiny. The act of "lending" (לָוָה, _lâvâh_) in this context often refers to providing financial or material assistance to the poor or those in need, particularly crucial in an agrarian society where debt could lead to severe hardship, loss of land, or even indentured servitude. Such acts of generosity were not merely transactional but were acts of profound compassion and social responsibility, reflecting the Mosaic Law's emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and preventing poverty (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). The righteous individual, therefore, embodies the ideal of a covenant-keeping Israelite who mirrors God's own merciful and providing character, ensuring the well-being of the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalms 37 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, reassuring believers that while the wicked's prosperity is fleeting and leads to destruction (e.g., [Psalms 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35-36 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Wicked's Swift Demise")), God faithfully rewards the righteous with enduring blessings and security. Secondly, it highlights **Generational Blessing and Legacy**, emphasizing that a life lived in integrity and generosity creates a spiritual and often practical inheritance for one's descendants, reflecting the foundational covenant promises made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thirdly, the verse articulates the theme of **Practical Righteousness and Compassion**, demonstrating that true godliness is not merely internal piety but manifests in tangible acts of mercy and active benevolence towards others. It is a profound call to live out the character of God, who is Himself "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character Revealed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merciful (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** This word (H2603) is a primitive root meaning "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow." It conveys a deep sense of grace, compassion, and graciousness. Frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's own character, it highlights His benevolent disposition towards humanity. When applied to humans, as it is here, it signifies a person who embodies divine attributes, showing active kindness and pity, especially towards those in need. The preceding "ever" (H3117, _yôwm_, meaning "day" or "continually") emphasizes that this merciful quality is consistent and perpetual, not sporadic.
* **Lendeth (Hebrew, _lâvâh'_):** The Hebrew verb (H3867) means "to twine, i.e., to unite, to remain; also to borrow or (caus.) to lend." In this context, it speaks to the practical, tangible expression of mercy. It suggests a willingness to provide financial or material assistance to others, often without expectation of immediate repayment, thereby "joining oneself" to their need and alleviating their burden. This act is not merely transactional but is rooted in a compassionate heart that seeks to alleviate suffering and support the vulnerable.
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** This common Hebrew term (H2233) refers to offspring, descendants, or posterity. Its inclusion here underscores the generational aspect of God's blessing. The righteous person's character and actions have a lasting impact, extending God's favor beyond their individual life to their children and future generations, emphasizing the concept of a godly legacy that endures through time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[He is] ever merciful":** This opening clause describes the consistent, inherent character of the righteous individual. Their mercy is not sporadic but a defining, continuous quality, reflecting the very nature of God. It implies a heart that is perpetually inclined towards compassion and grace, forming the foundational disposition for their outward actions. The inclusion of "ever" (from H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes the enduring nature of this characteristic.
* **"and lendeth":** This phrase provides a concrete, practical example of how the righteous person's mercy is expressed. It points to active benevolence, specifically through acts of giving or lending to those in need. This is a tangible demonstration of their compassionate character, showing a willingness to share resources and alleviate the burdens of others, embodying the principle of practical love.
* **"and his seed [is] blessed":** This final clause reveals the divine consequence and reward for such a righteous life. God's favor extends beyond the individual to their descendants. The "blessed" (H1293, _Bᵉrâkâh_) encompasses holistic well-being, prosperity, security, and divine protection, ensuring that the legacy of the righteous endures and flourishes across generations, a testament to God's covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:26 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Characterization** is central, as the verse paints a vivid portrait of the righteous individual as "ever merciful" and actively "lending." This positive characterization serves as an ideal for the reader to emulate, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of the wicked described elsewhere in the psalm. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, implicitly linking the righteous person's character and actions (consistent mercy, active lending) to the promised outcome (their seed being blessed). This establishes a clear moral and theological framework for understanding divine recompense. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** in the use of "seed" to represent the entire lineage or descendants, highlighting the generational scope of God's blessing and the enduring impact of righteous living. The verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, general truth about the consequences of righteous living, typical of wisdom literature, designed to instruct and encourage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:26 resonates deeply with core biblical themes, particularly God's covenant faithfulness and the nature of true righteousness. The consistent mercy and generosity of the righteous person mirror the very character of God, who is described throughout Scripture as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. This verse implies that those who align their lives with God's attributes become conduits of His blessing, extending His goodness into the world and across generations. It reinforces the principle that obedience and a life of integrity are not only pleasing to God but also bring tangible, enduring benefits, both spiritual and material, to the individual and their lineage. This concept is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised to bless Abraham and make his descendants a blessing to all nations, establishing a pattern of generational favor for those who walk in faith and embody His character.

* [Proverbs 20:7](/proverbs/20-7 "Proverbs 20:7 - The Legacy of the Just Man")
* [Psalm 112:1-3](/psalms/112-1-3 "Psalm 112:1-3 - Blessings on the Upright")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:26 serves as a powerful call to cultivate a life marked by consistent mercy and active generosity. It challenges us to reflect God's character in our daily interactions, particularly in how we steward our resources and respond to the needs of others. The promise of generational blessing reminds us that our actions today have far-reaching implications, shaping the spiritual, moral, and even material inheritance we leave for our children and grandchildren. Living righteously, therefore, is not merely about personal piety but about actively participating in God's redemptive plan to bless the world through His people. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in a legacy of faith and compassion that will echo through the generations, trusting that God will honor those who honor Him and extend His favor to their lineage. This verse inspires us to live with open hands and a compassionate heart, knowing that such a life is both pleasing to God and foundational for a blessed future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a more consistently "merciful" heart in my daily life, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does my current generosity reflect the biblical principle of "lending" or giving to those in need, and where might I grow in this area?**
* **What kind of spiritual, moral, and relational legacy am I intentionally building for my "seed" or future generations?**
* **How does trusting in God's promise of generational blessing influence my choices and priorities today, particularly in areas of stewardship and relationships?**

### FAQ
**Does "lendeth" in this context imply an expectation of repayment, or is it more akin to charitable giving?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 37, "lendeth" (לָוָה, _lâvâh_) is best understood as an act of generous, compassionate giving, often without the expectation of repayment. While the literal meaning of the word can be "to lend," in wisdom literature and the broader biblical teaching on care for the poor, lending to those in distress was frequently a form of practical charity. The emphasis is on the benevolent character of the righteous individual who actively provides assistance to the needy, reflecting God's own generosity and provision. This aligns with New Testament teachings on giving, where believers are encouraged to give freely and without grudging or compulsion, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")). The blessing promised is not a return on investment, but a divine reward for a life lived in accordance with God's compassionate nature and covenant principles.

**Is the blessing on "his seed" always material prosperity, or does it encompass more?**

Answer: The blessing on "his seed" (זֶרַע, _zeraʻ_) is comprehensive and extends far beyond mere material prosperity. While material provision can certainly be a component, the biblical concept of blessing (from H1293, _Bᵉrâkâh_) encompasses holistic well-being, including spiritual flourishing, moral integrity, divine protection, peace, and favor. It speaks to the enduring legacy of a righteous life, where descendants are blessed with a godly heritage, a strong moral compass, and often, the favor of God in their lives. This includes the blessing of knowing God, walking in His ways, and experiencing His presence, which is infinitely more valuable than material wealth alone. Passages like [Psalm 112:1-3](/psalms/112-1-3 "Psalm 112:1-10 - Blessings and Character of the Righteous") illustrate this, describing the blessed "seed" as "mighty upon earth" and the "generation of the upright" as blessed, implying strength of character, divine favor, and spiritual prosperity, not just financial abundance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous one, the quintessential embodiment of mercy and generosity. Where human righteousness is imperfect and often inconsistent, Christ is "ever merciful," demonstrating unparalleled compassion in His life, ministry, and sacrificial death. He "lent" not merely resources, but His very life, pouring Himself out for the sake of a lost humanity, becoming poor that we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His ultimate act of "lending" was on the cross, where He gave Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), an act of immeasurable mercy and generosity that secured our salvation. The "seed" of Christ, His spiritual offspring—those who believe in Him and are born again into His family—are eternally and supremely blessed. Through His finished work, believers receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The generational blessing promised in the Old Testament finds its glorious culmination in the new covenant, where all who are "in Christ" become Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs Through Christ")), securing an eternal legacy of grace, righteousness, and glory through their union with the perfectly merciful and generous Son of God.

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 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Psalms 37:21

¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Proverbs 20:7

¶ The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.