Psalms 37:26

What does Psalms 37:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 37:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 37:26 means

This verse elaborates on the character of the righteous, emphasizing their generosity and the resulting blessing upon their lineage. "All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth" depicts a person whose life is marked by consistent kindness, compassion, and a willingness to share resources with others. Their grace is not occasional but a perpetual disposition. Consequently, "his seed is blessed." This reiterates the intergenerational blessing promised in verse 25, suggesting that the righteous person's benevolent life directly contributes to the favor and security experienced by their descendants. God honors generosity and ensures the wellbeing of the righteous and their families.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

All the day he is ready to have mercy and to give; his children are a blessing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

All the day he is gracious and lending, And his seed <FI>is<Fi> for a blessing.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

all the day he is gracious and lendeth, and his seed shall be a blessing.

Context

Building on David's personal testimony about the never-forsaken righteous and their seed in verse 25, this verse reveals a key characteristic that brings about such blessing: the righteous one's generous and gracious nature. It connects their giving spirit directly to the blessing upon their descendants. This description of the righteous's character then leads into a renewed call for ethical living and a foundational statement about God's justice in the subsequent verses.

v.25I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.

v.26This passage

v.27Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 15:8

    but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.

  • Psalms 112:9

    He hath dispersed, he hath given to the needy; His righteousness endureth for ever: His horn shall be exalted with honor.

  • Jeremiah 32:39

    and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

  • Psalms 147:13

    For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; He hath blessed thy children within thee.

  • Proverbs 20:7

    A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him.

  • Matthew 5:7

    Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

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