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Psalms 37:11

Psalms 37:11 in Multiple Translations

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

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

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

But the gentle will have the earth for their heritage; they will take their delight in peace without measure.

The humble will own the land; they will live there happily, in peace and prosperity.

But meeke men shall possesse the earth, and shall haue their delite in the multitude of peace.

And the humble do possess the land, And they have delighted themselves In the abundance of peace.

But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

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

My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me.

But those who are humble will live safely in their land. They will happily enjoy living peacefully and having the other good things that Yahweh gives them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 37:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/עֲנָוִ֥ים יִֽירְשׁוּ אָ֑רֶץ וְ֝/הִתְעַנְּג֗וּ עַל רֹ֥ב שָׁלֽוֹם
וַ/עֲנָוִ֥ים ʻânâv H6035 poor Conj | Adj
יִֽירְשׁוּ yârash H3423 to possess V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
וְ֝/הִתְעַנְּג֗וּ ʻânag H6026 to delight Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
רֹ֥ב rôb H7230 abundance N-cs
שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:11

וַ/עֲנָוִ֥ים ʻânâv H6035 "poor" Conj | Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
יִֽירְשׁוּ yârash H3423 "to possess" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ֝/הִתְעַנְּג֗וּ ʻânag H6026 "to delight" Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp
Anag means to delight or be soft, and can also imply being effeminate or luxurious. It is used to describe being happy or taking delight in something, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to be soft, be delicate, be dainty 1a) (Pual) to be delicate 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to be of dainty habit, be pampered 1b2) to be happy about, take exquisite delight 1b3) to make merry over, make sport of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: delicate(-ness), (have) delight (self), sport self. See also: Deuteronomy 28:56; Isaiah 55:2; Psalms 37:4.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹ֥ב rôb H7230 "abundance" N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

Study Notes — Psalms 37:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
2 Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
3 Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.
4 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
5 Psalms 119:165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble.
6 Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
7 Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.
8 1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
9 James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
10 Psalms 36:8 They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights.

Psalms 37:11 Summary

This verse promises that those who are meek and humble will receive a great reward, inheriting the land and experiencing abundant prosperity. This doesn't just mean earthly wealth or success, but a deep and lasting relationship with God, where we find true joy and fulfillment (as seen in Psalms 16:11). To be meek means to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, and to submit to His will, even when things don't make sense (as described in Proverbs 3:5-6). By living in this kind of humility and trust, we can experience the abundant prosperity that God promises, both now and in eternity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be meek in Psalms 37:11?

To be meek means to be humble and gentle, recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will, as seen in Matthew 5:5 where the meek are also promised to inherit the earth.

How can we inherit the land as promised in this verse?

Inheriting the land is not just a physical promise, but a spiritual one, where believers will experience the fullness of God's presence and blessings, as described in Psalms 16:11, where God shows us the path of life and fills us with joy in His presence.

What is meant by 'abundant prosperity' in this verse?

Abundant prosperity refers to the rich blessings and joy that come from a deep and intimate relationship with God, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, where God plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

Is this verse only talking about earthly prosperity or is there a heavenly aspect to it?

While this verse does speak of earthly blessings, it also points to the eternal inheritance that believers will receive in heaven, as described in 1 Peter 1:4, where we have an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled, reserved for us in heaven.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to cultivate meekness and humility, and how can I practically apply this verse to those situations?
  2. How can I balance the promise of inheriting the land with the reality of living in a fallen world, where evil and suffering still exist?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'delight in abundant prosperity', and how can I experience this kind of joy and contentment in my daily life?
  4. In what ways can I trust God to provide for me and give me a sense of prosperity, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth,.... [See comments on Psalms 37:9]; of this character [See comments on Psalms 22:26].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. But the meek ... abundance of peace. On "the meek," cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:11

The meek, i.e. the godly, who are frequently thus called, as 149:4; those who patiently bear God’ s afflicting hand, and meekly pass by injuries from ungodly men. The abundance of peace; partly of outward peace and prosperity, which God in his due time will give them; and principally of inward peace and satisfaction of mind, in the sense of God’ s favour, and the assurance of his own endless happiness.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:11

Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.Ver. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth] Our Saviour (and probably from hence) saith the same, Matthew 5:5. And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace] Because cured of the fret, and well content with their present condition; hence that ευθυμια, rectitude of mind, the mother of all true mirth; when the wicked are in a perpetual disquietude, στασιαζειγαραυτωνηφυχη, they are never at rest.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:11

(11) Shall inherit.—A repetition of Psa 37:3.—Better, are heirs of the land, i.e., Canaan. Christ’s Beatitude (see Matthew 5:3, N. Test. Commentary) widens the promise and lifts it to a higher level. The quiet, unpretending, contented servant of God gets more true blessedness out of the earth, and so more truly possesses it, than the ungodly, though they be lords of broad acres.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:11

Verse 11. But the meek] ענוים anavim, the afflicted, the poor Jewish captives. Shall inherit the earth] ארץ arets, the land of Judea, given by God himself as an inheritance to their fathers, and to their posterity for ever. See Psalms 37:9.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:11

11. The promise is reaffirmed in a larger sense in the beatitude of Mat 5:5, the language of which reproduces the rendering of the LXX here: οἱδὲπρᾳεῖςκληρονομήσουσινγῆν. in the abundance of peace] Cp. Psalms 72:7; Psalms 119:165; Isaiah 32:17.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth - See the notes at Psalms 37:3.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:11

11. The meek shall inherit the earth—Quoted by our Lord, (Matthew 5:5,) where the Greek ãç (ge) stands for the Hebrew àøö, (arets,) both generic terms, signifying earth, land, country, etc.

Sermons on Psalms 37:11

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou
J. Glyn Owen Sermon on the Mount: Blesseded Meek by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the leadership of Moses and his strength in leading the Israelites out of slavery. The speaker emphasizes that Moses had to be strong in order
Bob Jennings Christ's Legacy of Peace by Bob Jennings In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly believing and trusting in God in order to experience peace. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife reminding h
Keith Simons (How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 45 Psalm 37 by Keith Simons Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 37, emphasizing David's reflections on the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. He encourages believers not to fret over evildoers, as their prosp
Michael Koulianos Meekness by Michael Koulianos Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of meekness in the Christian life, drawing parallels between biblical figures like Moses and David to illustrate how a soft heart is e
Charles S. Price The Word of My Patience by Charles S. Price Charles S. Price preaches about the darkness and confusion prevailing on earth due to humanity's desire for sovereignty and rejection of God. Despite the chaos, God's promise in De
Frank W. Boreham Righteous Indignation by Frank W. Boreham Frank W. Boreham emphasizes the significance of meekness, drawing parallels between biblical figures like Moses and Jesus who displayed controlled tempers in moments of righteous a

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