Psalms 17:14

Authorized King James Version

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From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Original Language Analysis

מִֽמְתִ֬ים From men H4962
מִֽמְתִ֬ים From men
Strong's: H4962
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
יָדְךָ֙׀ which are thy hand H3027
יָדְךָ֙׀ which are thy hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 2 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֡ה O LORD H3068
יְהוָ֡ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִֽמְתִ֬ים From men H4962
מִֽמְתִ֬ים From men
Strong's: H4962
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
מֵחֶ֗לֶד of the world H2465
מֵחֶ֗לֶד of the world
Strong's: H2465
Word #: 5 of 15
life (as a fleeting portion of time); hence, the world (as transient)
חֶלְקָ֥ם which have their portion H2506
חֶלְקָ֥ם which have their portion
Strong's: H2506
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
בַּֽחַיִּים֮ in this life H2416
בַּֽחַיִּים֮ in this life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 7 of 15
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וּֽצְפיּנְךָ֮ with thy hid H6840
וּֽצְפיּנְךָ֮ with thy hid
Strong's: H6840
Word #: 8 of 15
a treasure (as hidden)
תְּמַלֵּ֪א thou fillest H4390
תְּמַלֵּ֪א thou fillest
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 9 of 15
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
בִ֫טְנָ֥ם and whose belly H990
בִ֫טְנָ֥ם and whose belly
Strong's: H990
Word #: 10 of 15
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
יִשְׂבְּע֥וּ treasure they are full H7646
יִשְׂבְּע֥וּ treasure they are full
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 11 of 15
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
בָנִ֑ים of children H1121
בָנִ֑ים of children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 12 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְהִנִּ֥יחוּ and leave H3240
וְהִנִּ֥יחוּ and leave
Strong's: H3240
Word #: 13 of 15
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
יִ֝תְרָ֗ם the rest H3499
יִ֝תְרָ֗ם the rest
Strong's: H3499
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
לְעוֹלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ of their substance to their babes H5768
לְעוֹלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ of their substance to their babes
Strong's: H5768
Word #: 15 of 15
a suckling

Analysis & Commentary

This complex verse contrasts the wicked whose 'portion is in this life' with the righteous who have God. The Hebrew 'cheled' (world/lifetime) indicates temporal existence. Their belly is filled with 'treasure' ('tsaphun'—hidden stores), satisfied with worldly prosperity. This anticipates Jesus' warning about storing treasure on earth (Matthew 6:19-20) and the rich fool whose soul was required (Luke 12:20). Reformed theology warns against making this life ultimate.

Historical Context

Reflects the prosperity of the wicked that troubled many psalmists (Psalm 73). Ancient wealth was often measured in children and stored goods—both mentioned here.

Questions for Reflection