Psalms 37:22
For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְ֭בֹרָכָיו
For such as be blessed
H1288
מְ֭בֹרָכָיו
For such as be blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
2 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יִ֣ירְשׁוּ
of him shall inherit
H3423
יִ֣ירְשׁוּ
of him shall inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
3 of 6
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
Cross References
Proverbs 3:33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.Psalms 37:9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Historical Context
The 'earth' (erets) had layered meaning: the Promised Land of Canaan for Israel, and eschatologically, the renewed world. Post-exilic Jews meditated on this promise during Babylonian captivity when the land seemed lost, clinging to God's unchanging blessing despite judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding inheritance as divine gift rather than earned reward change your approach to spiritual life?
- What does it mean today to 'inherit the earth' as one of God's blessed people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (מְבֹרָכָיו יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, mevorakhav yirshu-arets)—the mevorakhim (blessed ones) receive the land promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, 17:8). Jesus radicalized this in the Beatitudes: "the meek shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). They that be cursed of him shall be cut off (מְקֻלָּלָיו יִכָּרֵתוּ, meqolalav yikaretu)—karet, being "cut off," meant covenant exclusion, divine judgment removing one from God's people and promises.
This verse reveals election theology: inheritance flows from divine blessing, not human merit. The land promise extends beyond Canaan to the renewed creation (Romans 4:13, Revelation 21:1-4). Those cursed are self-excluded through covenant rebellion, not arbitrary divine rejection.