King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:11 Mean?

Psalms 105:11 in the King James Version says “Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: lot: Heb. cord — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: lot: Heb. cord

Psalms 105:11 · KJV


Context

9

Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

10

And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

11

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: lot: Heb. cord

12

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.

13

When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The covenant promise: 'Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.' God promised specific territory as tangible evidence of His faithfulness. Land represented security, provision, and fulfillment of promises. The 'lot of your inheritance' (chebel nachalah) uses surveying language, indicating definite boundaries. Physical land in the Old Testament points to spiritual inheritance in the New. Christ promises believers eternal inheritance (1 Pet 1:4) in the new earth. The Reformed understanding sees earthly Canaan as type of eternal rest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The promised land was central to God's covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:18-21). Israel's possession of Canaan demonstrated God's faithfulness and served as the stage for redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's physical inheritance point you to anticipate your eternal inheritance in Christ?
  2. What 'promised land' aspects of God's promises to you remain yet unfulfilled?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֵאמֹ֗ר1 of 8

Saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֗2 of 8
H0
אֶתֵּ֥ן3 of 8

Unto thee will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת4 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶֽרֶץ5 of 8

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנָ֑עַן6 of 8

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

חֶ֝֗בֶל7 of 8

the lot

H2256

ruin

נַחֲלַתְכֶֽם׃8 of 8

of your inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 105:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 105:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study