The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "my cup" as just another way of saying "my portion," but here it carries a deeper, more active sense. It's not just what God gives as an inheritance, but the very sustenance and daily provision for life that God Himself provides, suggesting a dynamic, ongoing relationship of satisfaction and support. This shifts the focus from a one-time allotment to a constant stream of God's faithful care.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this psalm, the writer is contrasting his secure trust in God with the fleeting or false securities of those who chase after idols. He’s declaring that God alone is his ultimate satisfaction and refuge, especially in times of danger or exile, making him content regardless of his outward circumstances. The verses immediately following elaborate on the joy and peace found in God’s presence and guidance, contrasting this with the sorrowful fate of those who stray.
Ever feel like you're chasing something more, even when you have a lot? This verse reveals a profound truth about where true satisfaction lies.
In ancient Israel, land inheritance was crucial. It represented security, provision, and a connection to God's promises. The psalmist declares that God Himself is his inheritance.
More Than Just Land
This wasn't just about owning property; it was about owning the Source of all provision. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be lost, stolen, or depleted, God as an inheritance is inexhaustible and eternal.
The Contrast with Idolatry
The text highlights that those who chase after idols are restless and uncertain. They are trying to find satisfaction in things that cannot truly satisfy. God, however, is the one true source of fulfillment. When God is your portion, you are truly rich, needing nothing else.
What does it mean to have God as your 'cup'? It's more than just a spiritual inheritance; it's about daily, joyful communion.
The imagery of the 'cup' speaks to daily sustenance, enjoyment, and the blessings of life. It’s the drink that refreshes and the wine that gladdens. The psalmist finds all of this in the LORD.
More Than Just Enough
This isn't just about having basic needs met. It's about the joy and satisfaction that come from God's presence. He is the source of all true comfort and happiness, providing refreshment for the soul.
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An Active, Sustaining God
The final phrase, "you hold my lot," is powerful. It means God doesn't just give us our portion; He actively secures it. Our inheritance in Him is not something we can lose. He is the faithful keeper of what He has promised, ensuring our well-being and our connection to Him.
Understand the original words
cheleq · Hebrew Noun
The portion or share of land assigned to a person, often used metaphorically for one's inheritance, destiny, or that which satisfies the soul. In Scripture, the Lord is presented as the supreme inheritance of the believer.
kos · Hebrew Noun
A vessel used for liquid, but often used in Scripture as a metaphor for a person's experience, destiny, or the divine judgment/blessing assigned to an individual by God.
goral · Hebrew Noun
A measure or inheritance determined by God. It reflects the theological belief that God is sovereign over the circumstances, location, and destiny of His people.
chebel · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the measured portion of land allotted to an individual or tribe, serving as a sign of God's favor and covenant promise. Often used metaphorically for one's spiritual blessings or destiny.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
Signifies a possession passed down through generations, specifically the portion of land or blessing given by God to His people. In a theological sense, it often points to the ultimate inheritance of God Himself or the eternal kingdom.
This passage directly parallels the idea of the Lord being the portion and inheritance, as it states that the Levitical priests would have no earthly inheritance but the LORD himself would be their portion.
Deuteronomy 32:9This verse explains the reciprocal nature of God's choice, stating that the LORD's portion is His people, which echoes the Psalmist's sentiment of God being his chosen portion.
Matthew 20:22Jesus asks if the disciples can 'drink the cup' that he is about to drink, connecting the 'cup' metaphor to a divinely appointed lot, which can include suffering.
John 6:35Jesus declares 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty,' directly linking spiritual satisfaction and sustenance to Himself, much like the Psalmist finds sufficiency in God.
1 Corinthians 1:30This verse highlights that believers receive all their sufficiency from Christ, who has become their wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption, echoing the Psalmist's conviction that God alone is his complete portion.
calvinPsalms 16:5-6: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."
Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou sustainest my lot. 6. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance. Here the Psalmist explains his sentiments more clearly. He shows the reason why he separates himself from idolaters, and resolves to continue in the church of God, why he shuns, wit…
clarkePsalms 16:5: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance - The Messiah speaks. Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance; I seek no earthly good; I desire to do the will of God, and that only. It is God who has given me this lot - to redeem mankind - to have them for mine inheritance. From him I have received the cup of suffering, which I shall drink for their sake, through which I shall impart to them the cu…
It's easy to read "my cup" as just another way of saying "my portion," but here it carries a deeper, more active sense. It's not just what God gives as an inheritance, but the very sustenance and daily provision for life that God Himself provides, suggesting a dynamic, ongoing relationship of satisfaction and support. This shifts the focus from a one-time allotment to a constant stream of God's faithful care.
In this psalm, the writer is contrasting his secure trust in God with the fleeting or false securities of those who chase after idols. He’s declaring that God alone is his ultimate satisfaction and refuge, especially in times of danger or exile, making him content regardless of his outward circumstances. The verses immediately following elaborate on the joy and peace found in God’s presence and guidance, contrasting this with the sorrowful fate of those who stray.
In this psalm, the writer is contrasting his secure trust in God with the fleeting or false securities of those who chase after idols. He’s declaring that God alone is his ultimate satisfaction and refuge, especially in times of danger or exile, making him content regardless of his outward circumstances. The verses immediately following elaborate on the joy and peace found in God’s presence and guidance, contrasting this with the sorrowful fate of those who stray.
"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." — It's easy to read "my cup" as just another way of saying "my portion," but here it carries a deeper, more active sense. It's not just what God gives as an inheritance, but the very sustenance and d…
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Last reviewed October 2026