Psalms 16:6
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Original Language Analysis
נָֽפְלוּ
are fallen
H5307
נָֽפְלוּ
are fallen
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
2 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בַּנְּעִמִ֑ים
unto me in pleasant
H5273
בַּנְּעִמִ֑ים
unto me in pleasant
Strong's:
H5273
Word #:
4 of 8
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
5 of 8
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
נַ֝חֲלָ֗ת
heritage
H5159
נַ֝חֲלָ֗ת
heritage
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:19But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.Ephesians 1:18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Psalms 78:55He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.2 Timothy 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:John 20:17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Historical Context
References the tribal land allotments in Joshua where each family received inheritance by lot (casting lots), trusting God's sovereignty in the distribution.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize your spiritual inheritance in Christ as supremely valuable?
- How does viewing life as a 'pleasant inheritance' from God transform daily perspective?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'lines' (Hebrew 'chebel'—measuring lines) have fallen in pleasant places, giving David a delightful inheritance. This alludes to land distribution in Canaan but points beyond to spiritual inheritance. The Hebrew 'nachalah' (inheritance) anticipates the New Testament teaching that believers inherit eternal life and all things in Christ (Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 1:4). Reformed theology emphasizes that our true inheritance is God Himself.