Psalms 69:36

KJV

The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

The seed {H2233} also of his servants {H5650} shall inherit {H5157}{H8799)} it: and they that love {H157}{H8802)} his name {H8034} shall dwell {H7931}{H8799)} 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.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/69-22-28 "Psalm 69:22-28 - David's Imprecations Against His Enemies")). 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](/psalms/69-35 "Psalm 69:35 - God's Salvation of Zion and Judah"), 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](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")) 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](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - The Righteous Inherit the Land") and [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ekiel/36-33-36 "Ezekiel 36:33-36 - Restoration of the Land and People"). 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](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed (Hebrew, זֶרַע, _zeraʻ_):** This term fundamentally refers to physical offspring, descendants, or future generations. Theologically, it often carries broader connotations of spiritual posterity and the continuation of a covenant line. It directly connects to God's covenant promises, such as those made to Abraham concerning his [innumerable descendants](/genesis/22-17 "God's Promise of Abundant Seed to Abraham") who would inherit the land. In this verse, "seed" signifies the enduring lineage of God's faithful people, those who perpetuate the spiritual heritage of His servants.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, נָחַל, _nâchal_):** This verb means to take possession of, to occupy, or to receive as an heir. It signifies a divinely granted, secure, and permanent possession, often in the context of a legacy or patrimony. In the context of the promised land, it speaks to the fulfillment of covenant promises, where God's people are given the right and ability to dwell securely in the land He has promised them, not as temporary residents but as rightful and permanent heirs.
* **Love his name (Hebrew, אֹהֲבֵי שְׁמוֹ, _ʼohavey shêmô_):** To "love His name" is a profound and comprehensive expression of devotion. The "name" (שֵׁם, _shêm_) of God in Hebrew thought 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 and obedience rooted in reverence, affection, and a commitment to His revealed will and purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The seed also of his servants shall inherit it:"** This opening clause presents a powerful prophetic assurance regarding the future of God's faithful. "The seed of his servants" refers to the descendants, the future generations, of those who have faithfully served God. The term "servants" implies loyalty, obedience, and devotion to God. This faithful lineage is promised to "inherit it," with "it" referring to Zion and the cities of Judah from the preceding verse. This signifies a secure, divinely granted possession and restoration of their homeland, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people across generations. It speaks to a lasting legacy of faith.
* **"and they that love his name shall dwell therein."** This parallel clause elaborates on the identity of the inheritors and the nature of their possession. "They that love his name" defines the essential spiritual characteristic of these inheritors: not merely physical lineage, but a profound spiritual disposition of deep affection, reverence, and loyalty for God's revealed character and authority. The promise that they "shall dwell therein" implies a secure, peaceful, and permanent habitation within the restored land. This highlights that true blessing and secure dwelling are contingent upon a heartfelt, obedient relationship with God, where love for Him is paramount and foundational.

#### 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.

* [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - The Righteous Inherit the Land")
* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")

### 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
* **How does the promise of "inheritance" and "dwelling" in this verse shape your understanding of God's faithfulness amidst personal or communal suffering?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate a deeper "love for God's name" in your daily life, beyond mere intellectual knowledge or religious duty?**
* **Considering the "seed of his servants," what legacy of faith are you intentionally building for future generations, both within your family and the broader spiritual community?**

### FAQ
**Does "inherit it" refer only to the physical land of Israel?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Psalm 69:35](/psalms/69-35 "Psalm 69:35 - God's Salvation of Zion") 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](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). 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](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - If Anyone Loves Me, He Will Keep My Word").

**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](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Teach Your Children and Grandchildren")).

### 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](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - Behold My Servant")). 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](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). The "dwelling therein" is ultimately realized in the new creation, where God makes His dwelling among His people through Christ ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells with His People")), and believers, as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), 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.

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 102:28

The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

Psalms 37:29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

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.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Isaiah 61:9

And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they [are] the seed [which] the LORD hath blessed.