Proverbs Chapter 2 · Verse 21
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shall dwell
H7931
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shall dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
3 of 7
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים
and the perfect
H8549
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים
and the perfect
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
5 of 7
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
Cross References
Psalms 37:29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.Psalms 37:9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Proverbs 10:30The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.Job 42:12So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.Psalms 37:3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.Psalms 37:22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.Psalms 37:11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Historical Context
Directly recalls Deuteronomic covenant - obedience meant remaining in the land, disobedience meant exile. Written during Solomon's reign when the promise was fulfilled, yet warning that continued possession depended on continued faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your covenant faithfulness relate to confidence in your eternal inheritance?
- In what ways are you currently 'dwelling' securely versus anxiously, and how does righteousness affect this?
Analysis & Commentary
The upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect (temimim - complete, blameless) shall remain in it. This verse echoes covenant promises where faithfulness resulted in secure possession of the promised land. While primarily temporal for Israel, the principle extends spiritually - covenant faithfulness brings secure inheritance. Ultimately fulfilled in believers' eternal inheritance, the new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13).