Psalms 37:11

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 37:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Psalms 37:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 37

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, etc.] Not only heard and read it, but received it into his affections; mixed it with faith, laid it up in his mind and memory for future use; preserved it in his heart as a choice treasure, where it might dwell richly, and be of service to him on many occasions; and particularly be of the following use: that I might not sin against thee; the word of God is a most powerful antidote against sin, when it has a place in the heart; not only the precepts of it forbid sin, but the promises of it influence and engage to purity of heart and life, and to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of the Lord; and all the doctrines of grace in it effectually teach the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“peace--includes prosperity.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But the meek shall inherit the earth - See the notes at Psalms 37:3. On the meaning of the word here rendered “meek,” see the notes at Psalms 9:12, where it is rendered “humble.” The word properly denotes those who are afflicted, distressed, needy; then, those who are of humble rank in life; then, the mild, the gentle, the meek. The term here is a general one to denote those who are the friends of God, considered as meek, mild, gentle, humble, in contradistinction from the wicked who are proud and haughty; perhaps also, in this connection, in contrast with the wicked as prosperous in life. It was probably this passage that the Saviour quoted in Matthew 5:5. And shall delight themselves - (a)…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But - Those who patiently bear God's afflicting hand, and meekly pass by injuries. Peace - Partly of outward peace and prosperity, which God in his due time will give them: but principally of inward peace, in the sense of God's favour and the assurance of endless happiness. Psalms 37:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“37:11 The Lord is the author of peace (85:10)—he brings peace to a chaotic world (29:11; 37:11; 85:8; 147:14). His wisdom guides the lowly into the way of peace (119:165; Matt 5:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the meek: Mat 5:5; Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23; Ti1 6:11; Jam 1:21, Jam 3:13 delight: Psa 36:8, Psa 72:7, Psa 119:165; Isa 26:3, Isa 48:18, Isa 57:18-21; Joh 14:27; Phi 4:7 Psalms 37:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification