Psalm 16 6

Psalm 16:6 kjv

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

Psalm 16:6 nkjv

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

Psalm 16:6 niv

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Psalm 16:6 esv

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Psalm 16:6 nlt

The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!

Psalm 16 verses

Psalm 16 6 Meaning

Psalm 16:6 expresses a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction with the divine allotment provided by God. It signifies the psalmist's recognition that the circumstances and provisions appointed to him by the Lord are not just adequate, but inherently good, desirable, and divinely secured. The verse portrays a spiritual inheritance, marked by pleasantness and excellence, indicating a secure and joyful relationship with God.

Psalm 16 6 Context

Psalm 16 is a Miktam of David, likely composed during a period of distress or personal challenge, yet it is profoundly characterized by unwavering trust in God and a hopeful expectation of ultimate vindication and life beyond death. It begins with a plea for preservation (v. 1), quickly transitions into a declaration of absolute dependence on and devotion to the Lord (v. 2-5). The psalmist affirms God as his sole good, rejecting all other gods and finding satisfaction only in Him. Verse 6, therefore, follows naturally, celebrating the beautiful outcome of having the Lord as one's portion—a divinely measured, pleasing, and secure inheritance. The Psalm crescendos into a strong declaration of resurrection hope (v. 9-10), pointing beyond David's earthly life to a greater, eternal reality. The historical context for David often involved struggles with enemies and precarious circumstances, which would deepen his appreciation for the secure and pleasant "lines" God had given him. Culturally, "heritage" (naḥalâ) strongly referenced the tribal land allotments in Canaan, representing security, provision, and divine favor for the Israelites. The verse could also be a subtle polemic against those who sought gain or security through other means, idols, or worldly power, asserting that true good and blessed portion come solely from Yahweh.

Psalm 16 6 Word analysis

• The lines: The Hebrew word is ḥăbālîm (חֲבָלִים).
  • Literally, it means "ropes" or "measuring cords." These cords were used in ancient times to measure and delimit plots of land.
  • By extension, ḥăbālîm signifies "portions" or "allotments" of land.
  • The use of "lines" here metaphorically refers to the boundaries or extent of the psalmist's inheritance, the specific sphere of blessing God has designated for him.
  • Significance: It implies precise, divinely ordained measurement and allocation, not random fortune.
• have fallen for me: The verb is nāpal (נָפַל), "to fall."
  • This imagery likely comes from a custom of casting lots or using lots (which would "fall") to determine portions of land.
  • It denotes a process of divine allocation or destiny, rather than human effort or manipulation.
  • Significance: Highlights God's sovereignty and providential control over one's life circumstances and blessings. It's a settled, determined outcome by God.
• in pleasant places: The Hebrew is bin‘īmîm (בַּנְּעִמִים), derived from na‘im (נָעִים), meaning "pleasant," "agreeable," "delightful."
  • Refers to desirable, favorable locations or circumstances.
  • The "places" are not just physically appealing, but carry a sense of peace, security, and favor.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the positive, desirable quality of the inheritance God provides.
• Indeed: An emphatic particle, often implied in translation or part of the structure, adding weight to the following declaration. It confirms the reality and certainty of the blessed inheritance.
• I have a goodly heritage: The phrase uses naḥalâ (נַחֲלָה) for "heritage" or "inheritance," and šāpar (שָׁפַר) as the verbal root, meaning "to be pleasing," "beautiful," or "desirable."
  • Naḥalâ (inheritance) typically referred to the tribal land allotments in Israel, symbolizing God's faithfulness and provision. In this context, it expands beyond physical land to include God Himself as the ultimate portion (as in v. 5) and the spiritual blessings derived from that relationship.
  • Šāpar (goodly/beautiful) emphasizes the excellence and preciousness of this heritage. It is not just sufficient but supremely valuable.
  • Significance: The psalmist possesses an inheritance of outstanding quality, derived from God's favor and character. This heritage encompasses not merely material things, but a blessed life and an intimate relationship with God, culminating in the secure hope of eternity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The lines have fallen for me": This phrase beautifully illustrates the psalmist's complete submission to God's providence. It signifies a divine appointment of boundaries for life's course and provisions. The act of "falling" by lot implies an outcome determined by divine will, removed from human contention or choice, suggesting trust and contentment with whatever God ordains.
• "in pleasant places": This describes the quality and nature of the allotted portion. It highlights that God's portion is not burdensome or meager but agreeable, favorable, and abundant. It implies peace, security, and satisfaction derived from God's presence and provision, indicating a life lived in alignment with divine blessing.
• "Indeed I have a goodly heritage": This declaration serves as a triumphant conclusion, reinforcing the excellence of what has been received. "Heritage" points to a possession that is enduring and foundational, connecting to both the Promised Land concept for Israel and, more profoundly, the spiritual reality of God Himself being the inheritance. "Goodly" emphasizes its supreme value and beauty, surpassing all earthly possessions.

Psalm 16 6 Bonus section

The concept of "lines" and "heritage" in Psalm 16:6 serves as a powerful theological bridge connecting the Old Testament promise of the physical land of Israel to the New Testament spiritual inheritance. While David undoubtedly had a literal, earthly portion from God, the psalmist's deeper appreciation for "goodly heritage" extends beyond material possessions. The Messianic interpretation of Psalm 16 by Peter and Paul (Acts 2, 13) pivots this concept towards Christ's unique inheritance—victory over death and the throne of God. Believers, being "in Christ," become co-heirs with Him (Rom 8:17), receiving a spiritual inheritance that is incorruptible and eternal (1 Pet 1:4). This signifies that the true "pleasant places" are found in fellowship with God and the eternal life promised through Christ, regardless of one's earthly circumstances. The verse implies that divine boundaries are not restrictive but are rather designed for blessing, security, and the believer's greatest good.

Psalm 16 6 Commentary

Psalm 16:6 profoundly articulates the joy and peace found in divinely ordered destiny. It is a song of spiritual contentment, emphasizing that the boundaries and circumstances of the psalmist's life, determined by God, are perfectly agreeable and supremely excellent. The "lines" refer to measured portions, indicating a carefully allocated inheritance by God's hand. This is not arbitrary fate but sovereign placement, evoking the division of the Promised Land among Israel's tribes by lot—a divine, rather than human, process of apportionment. The "pleasant places" underscore the quality of this divine provision: it is not just sufficient, but beautiful, good, and deeply satisfying. This "goodly heritage" signifies more than mere material prosperity; it points to the profound spiritual blessings and the secure, intimate relationship with God that defines the psalmist's existence. For the believer, this finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly inherited "pleasant places" through His obedient life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating the goodly heritage of God's redemptive plan for His children. This verse encourages believers to trust God's sovereign arrangement of their lives, finding peace and joy in His faithful provision and presence, knowing that their true and eternal heritage is secure in Him. It's a reminder that our ultimate good is not found in what we acquire, but in what God graciously allots and provides, which is always excellent.