TRV
Translation
King James Version
The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
Complete Jewish Bible
The descendants of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will live there.
Berean Standard Bible
The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will settle in it.
American Standard Version
The seed also of his servants shall inherit it; And they that love his name shall dwell therein.
World English Bible Messianic
The children also of his servants shall inherit it. Those who love his name shall dwell therein.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The seede also of his seruants shall inherit it: and they that loue his name, shall dwel therein.
Young's Literal Translation
And the seed of His servants inherit it, And those loving His name dwell in it!
In the KJVVerse 14,972 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 69 verses 30–36
30 ¶ I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
33 For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
The psalmist here, both as a type of Christ and as an example to Christians, concludes a psalm with holy joy and praise which he began with complaints and remonstrances of his griefs.
I. He resolves to praise God himself, not doubting but that therein he should be accepted of him (Psa 69:30, Psa 69:31): "I will praise the name of God, not only with my heart, but with my song, and magnify him with thanksgiving;" for he is pleased to reckon himself magnified by the thankful praises of his people. It is intimated that all Christians ought to glorify God with their praises, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs. And this shall please the Lord, through Christ the Mediator of our praises as well as of our prayers, better than the most valuable of the legal sacrifices (Psa 69:31), an ox or bullock. This is a plain intimation that in the days of the Messiah an end should be put, not only to the sacrifices of atonement, but to those of praise and acknowledgment which were instituted by the ceremonial law; and, instead of them, spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving are accepted - the calves of our lips, not the calves of the stall, Heb 13:15. It is a great comfort to us that humble and thankful praises are more pleasing to God than the most costly pompous sacrifices are or ever were.
II. He encourages other good people to rejoice in God and continue seeking him (Psa 69:32, Psa 69:33): The humble shall see this and be glad. They shall observe, to their comfort, 1. The experiences of the saints. They shall see how ready God is to hear the poor when they cry to him, and to give them that which they call upon him for, how far he is from despising his prisoners; though men despise them, he favours them with his gracious visits and will find a time to enlarge them. The humble shall see this and be glad, not only because when one member is honoured all the members rejoice with it, but because it is an encouragement to them in their straits and difficulties to trust in God. It shall revive the hearts of those who seek God to see more seals and subscriptions to this truth, that Jacob's God never said to Jacob's seed, Seek you me in vain. 2. The exaltation of the Saviour, for of him the psalmist had been speaking, and of himself as a type of him. When his sorrows are over, and he enters into the joy that was set before him, when he is heard and discharged from his imprisonment in the grave, the humble shall look upon it and be glad, and those that seek God through Christ shall live and be comforted, concluding that, if they suffer with him, they shall also reign with him.
III. He calls upon all the creatures to praise God, the heaven, and earth, and sea, and the inhabitants of each, Psa 69:34. Heaven and earth, and the hosts of both, were made by him, and therefore let heaven and earth praise him. Angels in heaven, and saints on earth, may each of them in their respective habitations furnish themselves with matter enough for constant praise. Let the fishes of the sea, though mute to a proverb, praise the Lord, for the sea is his, and he made it. The praises of the world must be offered for God's favours to his church, Psa 69:35, Psa 69:36. For God will save Zion, the holy mountain, where his service was kept up. He will save all that are sanctified and set apart to him, all that employ themselves in his worship, and all those over whom Christ reigns; for he was King upon the holy hill of Zion. He has mercy in store for the cities of Judah, of which tribe Christ was. God will do great things for the gospel church, in which let all that wish well to it rejoice. For, 1. It shall be peopled and inhabited. There shall be added to it such as shall be saved. The cities of Judah shall be built, particular churches shall be formed and incorporated according to the gospel model, that there may be a remnant to dwell there and to have it in possession, to enjoy the privileges conferred upon it and to pay the tributes and services required from it. Those that love his name, that have a kindness for religion in general, shall embrace the Christian religion, and take their place in the Christian church; they shall dwell therein, as citizens, and of the household of God 2. It shall be perpetuated and inherited. Christianity was not to be res unius aetatis - a transitory thin. No: The seed of his servants shall inherit it. God will secure and raise up for himself a seed to serve him, and they shall inherit the privileges of their fathers; for the promise is to you and your children, as it was of old. I will be a God to thee, and thy seed after thee. The land of promise shall never be lost for want of heirs, for God can out of stones raise up children unto Abraham and will do so rather than the entail shall be cut off. David shall never want a man to stand before him. The Redeemer shall see his seed, and prolong his days in them, till the mystery of God shall be finished and the mystical body completed. And since the holy seed is the substance of the world, and if that were all gathered in the world would be at an end quickly, it is just that for this assurance of the preservation of it heaven and earth should praise him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 30–36. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 69
"For God shall save Sion." What Sion? Hear in the following words: "and the seed of His servants shall possess Her, and they that love His name shall dwell therein" [Psalm 69:36]....
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 69:36 serves as a powerful and hopeful conclusion to a psalm of intense lament, prophesying divine restoration and secure dwelling for God's faithful. It declares that the future generations of His devoted servants, specifically those characterized by a deep and reverent love for His very being, will ultimately inherit and permanently reside in the restored land, particularly Zion and the cities of Judah. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, offering a vision of ultimate salvation, peace, and the enduring presence of His people in their promised inheritance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 69 is a profound and deeply emotional lament, frequently attributed to David, which transitions dramatically from intense personal suffering to a triumphant declaration of God's future salvation. The vast majority of the psalm (verses 1-29) is consumed by the psalmist's cries of distress, his feeling of being overwhelmed by enemies, the reproaches he endures for God's sake, and even fervent imprecations against his adversaries (e.g., Psalm 69:22-28). However, a pivotal shift occurs in the psalm's closing verses (verses 30-36), moving from individual anguish to a collective, eschatological hope. Verses 35 and 36 specifically mark this turning point, predicting God's intervention, the rebuilding of Zion, and the secure dwelling of His people. The "it" that the seed of God's servants will inherit and dwell in directly refers to "Zion" and "the cities of Judah" mentioned in the preceding verse, Psalm 69:35, providing a glorious and redemptive conclusion to a psalm otherwise steeped in sorrow.
Historical & Cultural Context: The backdrop of Psalm 69, like many laments, likely reflects a period of profound national or personal distress, possibly during David's flight from Saul or Absalom, or even later during the Babylonian exile or the challenging post-exilic period. The concept of "inheritance" of land was central to ancient Israelite identity, deeply rooted in God's foundational covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:7) and fulfilled through the conquest of Canaan. Zion, or Jerusalem, held immense theological and cultural significance as the chosen dwelling place of God, the spiritual and political capital, and the center of Israelite worship. The promise of rebuilding cities and secure dwelling would have resonated powerfully with a people who frequently experienced invasion, destruction, and exile, symbolizing not just physical restoration but also peace, security, and the re-establishment of God's manifest presence among them.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Divine Inheritance and Restoration, prophesying a future era when God's faithful people and their descendants will not only possess but also permanently reside in the promised land, specifically Zion. This signifies God's ultimate salvation and restoration of His people, a theme richly echoed in prophetic books such as Isaiah 60:21 and Ezekiel 36:33-36. Secondly, it underscores God's Covenant Faithfulness; despite the psalmist's intense personal suffering and the nation's historical struggles, this verse asserts God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring a secure future for those who serve Him and love His name. Lastly, it highlights The Importance of Loving God's Name, making the promise of secure dwelling explicitly contingent upon "they that love his name." This emphasizes that true possession of God's blessings and His abiding presence is intrinsically linked to a deep, reverent affection and loyal devotion to God's character, authority, and very essence, as powerfully commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 69:36 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and they that love his name shall dwell therein") largely reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("The seed also of his servants shall inherit it"). This repetition reinforces the central promise, emphasizing that the "seed of his servants" are indeed "they that love his name," and that "inheriting" is synonymous with "dwelling therein" securely. This structure adds weight, certainty, and poetic beauty to the prophetic declaration. The phrase "love his name" also utilizes Metonymy, where "name" stands in for the entirety of God's character, reputation, and essence. It's not merely an affection for a word, but a profound, holistic devotion to the Person of God Himself. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Prophecy or a declarative statement of future certainty, providing an eschatological outlook that contrasts sharply with the earlier lament, offering a confident assertion of God's ultimate plan for His people and their land.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:36 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, even in the midst of profound suffering and national distress. It assures that God's promises of land and secure dwelling, initially given to Abraham and reiterated throughout Israel's history, will ultimately be fulfilled for those who remain loyal to Him. The verse underscores that true inheritance and secure dwelling are not merely geographical but are deeply intertwined with a loving, reverent relationship with God Himself. It points to a future where God's people, characterized by their devotion, will experience full restoration and peace in His presence, a promise that transcends the immediate historical context to encompass God's ultimate redemptive plan for His people, culminating in the new heavens and new earth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:36 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to devotion for believers today. It reminds us that despite present trials, God's ultimate plan for His people is one of secure inheritance and peaceful dwelling. This promise extends beyond a physical land to the spiritual reality of God's abiding presence and the eternal hope we have in Christ. The verse challenges us to consider the legacy we are building: are we living as "servants" whose "seed" (both physical descendants and spiritual heirs) will inherit God's blessings? Crucially, it emphasizes that this inheritance is for "they that love his name." Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, heartfelt affection for God's character, expressed through obedience, reverence, and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. This love is the foundation for experiencing His peace and security, knowing that our ultimate dwelling is with Him, a spiritual reality that begins now and culminates in eternity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "inherit it" refer only to the physical land of Israel?
Answer: While the immediate context of Psalm 69:35 points to Zion and the cities of Judah, the promise carries broader theological implications. For ancient Israel, the land was a tangible symbol of God's covenant blessings and presence, a foretaste of His ultimate kingdom. In a New Testament understanding, this promise expands to encompass the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom and the new heavens and new earth, where believers will dwell securely with God forever (Revelation 21:1-4). Thus, it signifies ultimate, secure dwelling in God's presence and participation in His eternal reign.
What does it mean to "love his name"?
Answer: To "love his name" is a profound expression of devotion that goes beyond mere affection. In Hebrew thought, God's "name" (שֵׁם, shêm) represents His entire character, reputation, authority, and essence. Therefore, loving His name means loving all that God is—His holiness, justice, mercy, power, and faithfulness. It implies a deep, personal relationship characterized by reverence, obedience, and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. It's a love that leads to keeping His commands and delighting in His presence, as Jesus taught in John 14:23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational blessings?
Answer: The phrase "the seed also of his servants" directly speaks to generational blessings. It highlights God's faithfulness not just to individuals but to their descendants, emphasizing the lasting impact of a life devoted to Him. This doesn't imply automatic salvation for descendants, but rather that God honors the faithfulness of parents and can extend His blessings and opportunities for faith to subsequent generations. It encourages believers to live in such a way that their children and spiritual heirs are drawn to serve and love God's name, perpetuating a legacy of faith and obedience (see Deuteronomy 4:9).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:36 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalm's immediate context speaks of a physical restoration of Zion, the New Testament reveals that the true "seed" of God's servants are those who are in Christ, the ultimate Servant of God (Isaiah 42:1). Through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Jesus secured an eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him, transforming the promise of a physical land into the spiritual reality of dwelling in God's presence forever. He is the one who perfectly revealed the Father's character and nature, enabling us to truly "love His name" by loving and obeying Him (John 14:9). The "dwelling therein" is ultimately realized in the new creation, where God makes His dwelling among His people through Christ (Revelation 21:3), and believers, as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), inherit not just a temporary land but eternal life, an imperishable inheritance, and unending communion with God. Thus, this verse beautifully foreshadows the eschatological hope and spiritual blessings secured by the finished work of Christ, where all who love His name will dwell securely in His eternal kingdom.