In just a little time the wicked will be no more; that is, as a result of God’s action, they will disappear completely. The meek, however, will receive all that God has promised; they shall possess the land (as in verse 9).

The meek (New Jerusalem Bible “the lowly,” New Jerusalem Bible “the poor”) is one of the many terms used in this psalm to refer to those who trust in Yahweh, obey him, rely completely on him; see “those who wait for the LORD” (verse 9); “the poor and needy” (verse 14); “those who walk uprightly” (verse 14); “the righteous” (verses 16, 17, 21, 25, 29, 30, 33, 39); “the blameless” (verse 18); “those in whose way he delights” (verse 23); “the upright” (verse 37). All these adjectives and phrases refer to the same people, those in Israel who are completely loyal to Yahweh and obey his commands at all times. The term meek is expressed in some languages in idiomatic ways; for example, “the one whose heart is low,” or “the person who speaks with a soft voice,” or “the one who does not have a swollen heart.” It is important in translating humble not to refer to persons who are classified as having an inferior social status.

Verse 11a, as translated by the Septuagint, appears in Matthew 5.5.

Verse 11b has the additional promise, “They will delight themselves in a great shalom” (see comment on “peace” in 29.11), a phrase that succinctly summarizes all the benefits, material and spiritual, enjoyed by those who trust in the LORD. New International Version translates “and enjoy great peace.” The expression delight themselves in abundant prosperity may sometimes be rendered as “will enjoy peace and the good things God gives people.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .