King James Version

What Does Psalms 17:14 Mean?

Psalms 17:14 in the King James Version says “From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. which are: or, by they: or, their children are full”

Psalms 17:14 · KJV

Context

12

Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Like: Heb. The likeness of him (that is, of every one of them) is as a lion that desireth to ravin lurking: Heb. sitting

13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: disappoint: Heb. prevent his face which is: or, by

14

From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. which are: or, by they: or, their children are full

15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Read Psalms 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This complex verse contrasts the wicked whose 'portion is in this life' with the righteous who have God. The Hebrew 'cheled' (world/lifetime) indicates temporal existence. Their belly is filled with 'treasure' ('tsaphun'—hidden stores), satisfied with worldly prosperity. This anticipates Jesus' warning about storing treasure on earth (Matthew 6:19-20) and the rich fool whose soul was required (Luke 12:20). Reformed theology warns against making this life ultimate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects the prosperity of the wicked that troubled many psalmists (Psalm 73). Ancient wealth was often measured in children and stored goods—both mentioned here.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what subtle ways do you make this life your 'portion' rather than God?
  2. How does eternal perspective change your view of earthly prosperity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מִֽמְתִ֬ים1 of 15

“From men”

H4962

properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)

יָדְךָ֙׀2 of 15

“which are thy hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֡ה3 of 15

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִֽמְתִ֬ים4 of 15

“From men”

H4962

properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)

מֵחֶ֗לֶד5 of 15

“of the world”

H2465

life (as a fleeting portion of time); hence, the world (as transient)

חֶלְקָ֥ם6 of 15

“which have their portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

בַּֽחַיִּים֮7 of 15

“in this life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וּֽצְפיּנְךָ֮8 of 15

“with thy hid”

H6840

a treasure (as hidden)

תְּמַלֵּ֪א9 of 15

“thou fillest”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בִ֫טְנָ֥ם10 of 15

“and whose belly”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

יִשְׂבְּע֥וּ11 of 15

“treasure they are full”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

בָנִ֑ים12 of 15

“of children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְהִנִּ֥יחוּ13 of 15

“and leave”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

יִ֝תְרָ֗ם14 of 15

“the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

לְעוֹלְלֵיהֶֽם׃15 of 15

“of their substance to their babes”

H5768

a suckling

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 17:14 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 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 22:18John 17:14Luke 12:19-21John 8:23John 15:19Psalms 49:17-19

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