Psalm 37 29

Psalm 37:29 kjv

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

Psalm 37:29 nkjv

The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.

Psalm 37:29 niv

The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

Psalm 37:29 esv

The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

Psalm 37:29 nlt

The godly will possess the land
and will live there forever.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 29 Meaning

Psalm 37:29 declares a profound promise: those who live righteously according to God's ways will not only receive a lasting inheritance but also enjoy a secure, permanent dwelling. This promise underscores God's faithfulness and the ultimate reward for uprightness, contrasting with the fleeting prosperity and eventual destruction of the wicked, a pervasive theme throughout Psalm 37. It points to a deep sense of belonging, peace, and divine favor for the generationally and eternally blessed.

Psalm 37 29 Context

Psalm 37 serves as an instruction and encouragement for God's people not to envy or be troubled by the transient prosperity of the wicked. Instead, it urges them to trust in the Lord, do good, delight in Him, and commit their way to Him, promising that those who live righteously will ultimately inherit lasting blessings, stability, and peace, specifically mentioning the "land" multiple times. This specific verse (37:29) summarizes this key promise, reassuring believers that their upright conduct leads to an enduring, permanent residence and legacy, in direct contrast to the short-lived flourishing and eventual destruction of the ungodly, which is also a recurring theme throughout the chapter. Historically, "the land" (Israel, Canaan) was central to God's covenant with Abraham and the nation of Israel, representing divine blessing, identity, and security for the covenant people.

Psalm 37 29 Word analysis

• The righteous: In Hebrew, צַדִּיקִים (tzaddiqim). This refers not merely to outwardly moral individuals but to those declared righteous by God, whose lives reflect alignment with His divine standard. It signifies those who are in right standing with God through faith and obedience, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in their conduct. Their righteousness is a state of being and action stemming from their relationship with the Lord.
• shall inherit: From the Hebrew יָרַשׁ (yarash), meaning to "take possession of," "to inherit," or "to occupy." It denotes legal ownership or succession, a divine grant, not a forceful seizure. It implies a divinely appointed right and gift, often through covenant promise (e.g., Abrahamic covenant).
• the land: The Hebrew word is אֶרֶץ (eretz). This term is highly significant and carries multiple layers of meaning:
  • Literal: Primarily refers to the physical Promised Land of Canaan given to Israel as part of the covenant.
  • General: Can also mean "earth" or "ground" in a broader sense.
  • Figurative/Eschatological: In the broader biblical narrative, it expands to refer to the redeemed earth (the "new earth" of prophecy), the entire world subject to God's rule, and even the heavenly dwelling/new creation in the New Testament perspective. Its specific meaning depends on the immediate context and the unfolding revelation of God's plan.
• And dwell: From the Hebrew שָׁכַן (shakhan), meaning "to settle down," "to reside," "to abide," "to encamp." It suggests permanence, security, peace, and uninterrupted presence. It implies more than just temporary habitation; it signifies a settled and lasting abode.
• in it forever: The Hebrew לָעַד (la'ad) translates to "forever," "for always," "perpetually," or "eternally." This emphasizes the unending nature of the inheritance and the dwelling. It signifies security and continuity across generations and beyond the temporal realm into eternity, implying that the blessings for the righteous are not temporary but enduring.

• "The righteous shall inherit the land": This phrase encapsulates the central promise of the Psalm. It's a statement of divine justice, ensuring that while the wicked might flourish temporarily, true and lasting inheritance, rooted in God's faithfulness, belongs to those who live righteously. This inheritance moves from the historical possession of Canaan to the spiritual inheritance in Christ, and ultimately, the new heavens and new earth.
• "And dwell in it forever": This completes the promise by adding permanence and security. It reassures that the righteous will not only gain possession but maintain it perpetually, experiencing deep-seated peace and stability. This "dwelling forever" finds its ultimate fulfillment in eternal life and residence with God in His renewed creation.

Psalm 37 29 Bonus section

The concept of "inheriting the land" (eretz) in this Psalm carries significant theological weight. It serves as a precursor to the New Testament's expansion of God's promises, specifically highlighted in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:5), where "the meek shall inherit the earth." This shift suggests that the physical, tribal inheritance of Canaan in the Old Testament expands into a universal spiritual and eschatological inheritance that encompasses the entire regenerated cosmos for God's redeemed people. This is not about conquest through power, but receiving as a gift through grace and covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the perpetual dwelling implied by "forever" underscores God's commitment to establish His people securely, providing not just property but a state of peace and belonging that contrasts sharply with the impermanence and rootlessness often associated with the wicked. The promise points beyond temporal security to the ultimate eternal peace and settled state that believers find in God's eternal kingdom.

Psalm 37 29 Commentary

Psalm 37:29 succinctly captures a fundamental biblical principle: God's steadfast justice ensures enduring blessedness for the righteous. While the wicked's prosperity is fleeting, the upright's inheritance, originating from divine covenant, is eternal. "The land" initially signified the Promised Land, a tangible sign of God's faithfulness, yet this promise progressively points to the broader concept of secure dwelling under God's sovereignty—from generational blessing within a physical land to the eschatological reality of the New Earth where righteousness abides. The phrase "dwell in it forever" underlines the secure, unwavering, and eternal nature of this divine provision. It highlights God's promise of complete stability, rest, and unbroken fellowship for those who faithfully follow Him, assuring believers that their ultimate security and joy are found in their relationship with God and His eternal kingdom. This verse encourages patience and trust, affirming that fidelity to God yields an infinitely superior and permanent reward.