Psalms 37:11
What does Psalms 37:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:11 means
In direct contrast to the short-lived existence of the wicked, this verse reaffirms the blessed destiny of the meek. The "meek" are those who are humble, gentle, and submissive to God, not asserting their own rights or retaliating against injustice. They, too, "shall inherit the land," echoing the promise in verse 9, signifying God's intended inheritance of peace, security, and blessed provision for them. Furthermore, they "shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace," indicating not just external absence of conflict but an internal state of deep shalom—wholeness, well-being, and profound contentment that flows from their relationship with God, undisturbed by the world's troubles.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the gentle will have the earth for their heritage; they will take their delight in peace without measure.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the humble do possess the land, And they have delighted themselves In the abundance of peace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the meek shall possess the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of prosperity.
Context
Following the vivid portrayal of the wicked's complete disappearance in verse 10, this verse presents the direct and comforting counter-promise: the blessed state of the meek. It reiterates and expands upon the promise of inheriting the land, highlighting the profound peace that accompanies this inheritance. This verse serves as a primary source of encouragement for the righteous, setting the stage for further descriptions of the wicked's schemes and their ultimate futility.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- James 1:21
Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
- Isaiah 57:18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
- Psalms 72:7
In his days shall the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.
- Psalms 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
- Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
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