Psalms 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Original Language Analysis
וַעֲנָוִ֥ים
But the meek
H6035
וַעֲנָוִ֥ים
But the meek
Strong's:
H6035
Word #:
1 of 7
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
יִֽירְשׁוּ
shall inherit
H3423
יִֽירְשׁוּ
shall inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
2 of 7
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
וְ֝הִתְעַנְּג֗וּ
and shall delight
H6026
וְ֝הִתְעַנְּג֗וּ
and shall delight
Strong's:
H6026
Word #:
4 of 7
to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Matthew 5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.Psalms 119:165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.Isaiah 48:18O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:1 Timothy 6:11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Psalms 36:8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.Psalms 72:7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.James 1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Historical Context
Meekness was culturally despised as weakness in honor-based societies. David's elevation of meekness as virtue anticipates Christ's kingdom where divine values invert human hierarchies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you practice meekness (strength under control) rather than either aggression or passivity?
- What would 'abundance of peace' look like in your current circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus directly quotes this verse in Matthew 5:5, making it foundational to understanding Kingdom values. 'Meek' (Hebrew 'anav,' humble, afflicted) doesn't mean weakness but strength under God's control—those who refuse self-assertion, trusting God's vindication. Inheriting the earth reverses worldly expectations where the aggressive seize possessions. The phrase 'abundance of peace' (Hebrew 'shalom,' wholeness, completeness) suggests comprehensive flourishing—not merely absence of conflict but positive blessing in all dimensions of life.