Bible Strands
Psalms 17:14
from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses Yahweh, asking for deliverance from the wicked who find their complete inheritance in earthly life, positioned between his plea for God to arise and confront his enemies (17:13) and his declaration of personal satisfaction in God's presence (17:15).
The words — The Hebrew מֵ/חֶ֗לֶד (me./Che.led) renders literally "from the world" and pairs with חֶלְקָ֥/ם (chel.Ka/m) meaning "their portion," directly stating that these men receive their entire allotment in this present age.
The thread — This contrast between temporal and eternal inheritance appears in Psalms 49:17, which notes that a man's wealth does not follow him in death, and John 17:14, which distinguishes those given God's word from the world that hates them because they are not of it.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to evaluate whether their security depends on shifting earthly provisions or on the enduring satisfaction found only in God's presence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Job 22:18 But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.
- John 17:14 I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
- Psalms 49:17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.
- Luke 12:19 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
- Luke 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.
- Luke 16:25 But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.
- John 8:23 Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
- John 15:19 If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
- Job 12:6 The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure—those who carry their god in their hands.
- Job 12:9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?