King James Version

What Does Psalms 112:3 Mean?

Psalms 112:3 in the King James Version says “Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 112 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.”

Psalms 112:3 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah

2

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3

Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. discretion: Heb. judgment

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wealth and riches shall be in his house (הוֹן־וָעֹשֶׁר בְּבֵיתוֹ)—Hon (wealth, substance) and osher (riches) are near-synonyms emphasizing material prosperity. Beito (in his house) suggests household flourishing—economic stability providing for family needs. This reflects Deuteronomic covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) but must be read within wisdom literature's nuanced treatment of wealth. Proverbs acknowledges that riches sometimes attend righteousness (Proverbs 10:4, 22) while warning that wickedness also produces wealth (Proverbs 11:4) and that godliness with contentment surpasses riches (Proverbs 15:16).

And his righteousness endureth for ever (וְצִדְקָתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד)—Tsidqato (his righteousness) here likely means both moral character and the righteous deeds flowing from it. Omedet (stands, endures) contrasts temporal wealth with eternal righteousness. While riches remain in the house (temporal), righteousness remains forever (eternal). This anticipates Jesus's teaching about treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and Paul's affirmation that only faith, hope, love abide (1 Corinthians 13:13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects Old Covenant paradigms where material blessing often accompanied covenant faithfulness, though never mechanically. The wisdom tradition recognized exceptions (Job, many psalms of lament) while maintaining the general principle that God blesses righteousness. Post-exilic Judaism wrestled with this tension as the restored community experienced poverty despite renewed Torah obedience. The New Testament maintains continuity (God provides for His children) while shifting emphasis to eternal, spiritual riches in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers enjoy material blessings without making them the measure of spiritual health?
  2. What is the relationship between God's promise to provide (Matthew 6:33) and the reality that many faithful believers experience poverty?
  3. How does the eternal endurance of righteousness relativize temporal wealth's importance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הוֹן1 of 6

“Wealth”

H1952

wealth; by implication, enough

וָעֹ֥שֶׁר2 of 6

“and riches”

H6239

wealth

בְּבֵית֑וֹ3 of 6

“shall be in his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְ֝צִדְקָת֗וֹ4 of 6

“and his righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

עֹמֶ֥דֶת5 of 6

“endureth”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לָעַֽד׃6 of 6

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

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 112:3 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 112:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 15:6Proverbs 3:16Matthew 6:33Isaiah 33:6Philippians 4:18-19Psalms 112:9

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