But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The promise here isn't just about inheriting land, but about a profound contentment and security found not in worldly possessions, but in God's deep peace that transcends circumstances. It's about finding your joy in God's presence, not in the transient fortunes of the wicked.
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger psalm that contrasts the fate of the wicked with the inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist is addressing believers who are tempted to fret and worry when they see the wicked prospering and carrying out evil plans. The focus shifts from verses 9-10, which promise the wicked will be cut off, to the enduring reward for those who patiently wait on the Lord.
What does it truly mean to be 'meek'? It's a word often misunderstood, sounding passive or weak. But in Scripture, it carries a profound strength.
The Bible's concept of meekness isn't about being a doormat.
A Strength Under Control
Meekness, in the biblical sense, is about a strength that is held in check by a holy disposition. It's a powerful force that is willingly surrendered to God's will, refusing to lash out in anger or self-assertion, even when provoked. Think of it as a powerful lion that is tame, not because it lacks power, but because it is controlled.
Resisting Reactivity
This psalm calls us to 'cease from anger, and forsake wrath' and not 'fret' when the wicked seem to prosper. Meekness is the inner discipline that allows us to refuse the urge to retaliate or complain. It's the quiet confidence that God is in control, even when circumstances scream otherwise.
A Choice of Trust
It’s an active choice to trust God's timing and justice over our immediate emotional responses. The meek 'wait upon the Lord,' understanding that true vindication and inheritance come from Him, not from our own efforts to gain them.
The promise of 'inheriting the land' sounds simple, perhaps even materialistic. But the Scriptures reveal a much richer, deeper meaning.
When Psalm 37 speaks of inheriting the 'earth' or 'land,' it points to a multi-layered inheritance.
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The Promise of Place
At its most basic, it refers to the promised land of Canaan, a tangible inheritance given by God to His people. It signifies security, belonging, and God's covenant faithfulness.
Earthly Blessing and Contentment
However, it expands beyond mere geography. It's about experiencing God's blessing within the circumstances He allows us to be in. The meek find contentment and true possession not by dominating or seizing, but by quietly abiding and trusting. They get more true blessedness out of the life they have than the ungodly do out of their vast holdings.
The Ultimate Inheritance
Ultimately, this promise points forward to the new heavens and new earth – the eternal inheritance of believers. It is the fulfillment of God's kingdom, where righteousness dwells and His people fully possess all that He has promised.
The psalm promises not just peace, but an 'abundance of peace.' What makes this peace so plentiful, and why is it linked to meekness?
The 'abundance of peace' promised to the meek is a rich and multi-faceted blessing.
Inner Tranquility
This peace is primarily an internal state – a deep, abiding tranquility of the soul. It's a settledness that comes from trusting God's sovereignty, even amidst external turmoil. While the ungodly may be agitated and troubled, the meek rest in the assurance of God's favor.
God's Favor and Provision
It also speaks to the peace that comes from experiencing God's blessing and provision in one's life. This doesn't mean an absence of all hardship, but a quiet confidence that God is working all things for their good. Their 'bread' is eaten 'with a quiet conscience.'
The Future Hope
Furthermore, this abundant peace anticipates the ultimate peace of God's eternal kingdom. It's the joy found in hope, knowing that all trials are temporary and a glorious, undisturbed rest awaits.
Understand the original words
anav · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are humble, gentle, and submissive to God's will, often in the face of mistreatment. It implies a reliance on God rather than self-assertion.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the land promised by God to His people (often Canaan), symbolizing the blessings of God's kingdom and the ultimate rest of the redeemed.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of complete well-being, wholeness, and harmony with God, self, and others. It is a gift from God, rooted in righteousness and reconciliation.
Psalm 37 was likely composed during or in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of God were dispossessed of their land and suffering under foreign oppression. The 'meek' are those who patiently endure, trusting that God's promises of land and peace, though seemingly lost, will ultimately be fulfilled.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Monarchy Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital, consolidating the tribes and marking a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel, setting the stage for the concept of inheriting 'the land'.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united monarchy splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to increased internal strife and external threats.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event deeply impacted the consciousness of Judah, highlighting the fragility of their own existence and the consequences of disobedience.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many of Jerusalem's elite to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Judean exile and a period of profound national crisis.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This catastrophic event signifies the loss of the promised land and a deep questioning of God's faithfulness.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus Cylinder Issued
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues decrees allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands. This opens the door for the return of some Judeans to the land.
Jesus echoes this verse in His Beatitudes, broadening the 'inheritance of the land' to a spiritual reality of inheriting the earth with a deep, abiding peace.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage lists 'gentleness' (often translated as meekness) as a fruit of the Spirit, highlighting that true meekness is a spiritual quality that leads to inner peace, aligning with the psalm's promise.
Romans 8:6Paul contrasts the 'mind set on the flesh' with the 'mind set on the Spirit,' showing that a Spirit-controlled mind leads to life and peace, a profound parallel to the peace promised to the meek.
Isaiah 32:17-18This prophecy describes a future kingdom of righteousness where 'the effect of righteousness will be peace,' and 'quietness and trust' will be the source of lasting security, mirroring the 'abundance of peace' the meek will enjoy.
calvinPsalms 37:7-11: "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
- Be silent to Jehovah, and wait for him; fret not because of the man who prospereth in his way, against the man who commits wickedness. [23] 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself so as to do evil, 9. For the wicked shall be cut off; but those that wait upon Jehovah shall inherit the earth. 10. Yet…
clarkePsalms 37:11: "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
But the meek - ענוים anavim, the afflicted, the poor Jewish captives. Shall inherit the earth - ארץ arets, the land of Judea given by God himself as an inheritance to their fathers, and to their posterity for ever. See Psalm 37:9.
The promise here isn't just about inheriting land, but about a profound contentment and security found not in worldly possessions, but in God's deep peace that transcends circumstances. It's about finding your joy in God's presence, not in the transient fortunes of the wicked.
This verse is part of a larger psalm that contrasts the fate of the wicked with the inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist is addressing believers who are tempted to fret and worry when they see the wicked prospering and carrying out evil plans. The focus shifts from verses 9-10, which promise the wicked will be cut off, to the enduring reward for those who patiently wait on the Lord.
This verse is part of a larger psalm that contrasts the fate of the wicked with the inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist is addressing believers who are tempted to fret and worry when they see the wicked prospering and carrying out evil plans. The focus shifts from verses 9-10, which promise the wicked will be cut off, to the enduring reward for those who patiently wait on the Lord.
"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." — The promise here isn't just about inheriting land, but about a profound contentment and security found not in worldly possessions, but in God's deep peace that transcends circumstances. It's abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026