Psalms 37:29
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽירְשׁוּ
shall inherit
H3423
יִֽירְשׁוּ
shall inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
2 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
וְיִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ
and dwell
H7931
וְיִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ
and dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
4 of 6
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 2:21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.Psalms 37:9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.Revelation 21:7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.Psalms 37:11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.Psalms 37:18The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.2 Peter 3:13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.Deuteronomy 30:20That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Historical Context
For exiled Jews who lost the physical land, this verse offered eschatological hope: the righteous remnant would return and dwell permanently. Christian interpretation sees fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where God's people inherit the renewed earth, fulfilling Abraham's ultimate promise (Romans 4:13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding your future inheritance (new creation) shape your present priorities and attachments to earthly possessions?
- In what sense are you already 'inheriting' and 'dwelling' in God's kingdom now, and how does this anticipate eternal fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The righteous shall inherit the land (צַדִּיקִים יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, tsaddiqim yirshu-erets)—the verb yarash (inherit/possess/dispossess) was used for Israel's conquest of Canaan, now applied to righteous remnant's inheritance. And dwell therein for ever (וְיִשְׁכְּנוּ לָעֶד עָלֶיהָ, v'yishkenu la'ad aleha)—shakan (dwell) appears again, emphasizing permanent habitation. This repeats verse 22's promise with different vocabulary, framing the entire section with inheritance theology.
Jesus's Beatitude, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), quotes this tradition. Peter speaks of "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4). The land promise transcends geography, becoming the new creation where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).