Psalms 37:18
The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
knoweth
H3045
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְמֵ֣י
the days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
תְמִימִ֑ם
of the upright
H8549
תְמִימִ֑ם
of the upright
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
4 of 7
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
וְ֝נַחֲלָתָ֗ם
and their inheritance
H5159
וְ֝נַחֲלָתָ֗ם
and their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Cross References
Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Psalms 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.Psalms 49:5Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?Psalms 31:7I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;Psalms 73:24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Historical Context
Inheritance in Israel passed from generation to generation but could be lost through judgment or poverty. The righteous' eternal inheritance transcends these earthly limitations, secured by divine promise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God intimately knows your days change how you face today's challenges?
- What does eternal inheritance mean for how you steward temporal possessions?
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Analysis & Commentary
God 'knoweth' (Hebrew 'yada') the days of the upright—intimate, experiential knowledge of each day's challenges and duration. This isn't mere awareness but covenant care, numbering and superintending every day. The promise that 'their inheritance shall be for ever' contrasts the wicked's temporal gains (v. 2) with eternal security. The inheritance isn't merely future but begins now and continues eternally, transforming how believers view daily hardships—each difficult day is known and numbered by God.