King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:29 Mean?

Psalms 37:29 in the King James Version says “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.”

Psalms 37:29 · KJV

Context

27

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. steps: or, goings

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Commentary

KJV Study 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).

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your future inheritance (new creation) shape your present priorities and attachments to earthly possessions?
  2. In what sense are you already 'inheriting' and 'dwelling' in God's kingdom now, and how does this anticipate eternal fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
צַדִּיקִ֥ים1 of 6

“The righteous”

H6662

just

יִֽירְשׁוּ2 of 6

“shall inherit”

H3423

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

אָ֑רֶץ3 of 6

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ4 of 6

“and dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

לָעַ֣ד5 of 6

“therein 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

עָלֶֽיהָ׃6 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 37:29 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 37:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 2:21Psalms 37:92 Peter 3:13Psalms 37:18Psalms 37:11Revelation 21:7

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