Psalm 103 5

Psalm 103:5 kjv

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:5 nkjv

Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:5 niv

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:5 esv

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:5 nlt

He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!

Psalm 103 verses

Psalm 103 5 Meaning

Psalm 103:5 expresses the bountiful and restorative nature of God's provision for His people. It declares that the Lord abundantly fulfills one's deepest inner desires and longings with all good things. This divine satisfaction brings about a miraculous renewal of vitality and vigor, making one's youth feel restored, comparable to the sustained strength and high-soaring flight of an eagle. It points to a holistic restoration—spiritual, emotional, and physical—that comes from communion with and trusting in God's goodness.

Psalm 103 5 Context

Psalm 103 is a fervent song of praise from David, blessing the Lord for all His benefits. The psalm begins with an earnest call to his own soul to remember and praise God, and not to forget any of His blessings. Verses 2-5 enumerate specific, tangible reasons for praise: God's forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, redemption from destruction, crowning with love and mercy, and the subject of this verse, the satisfaction and renewal of youth. This verse thus stands as the culmination of David's personal testimony of God's active, life-giving care and provision, moving from the removal of negatives (forgiveness, healing, rescue from destruction) to the impartation of positives (love, mercy, satisfaction, and renewed vitality). Historically, such renewal from God stands in stark contrast to reliance on pagan rituals or fleeting worldly pleasures for life and well-being, emphasizing Yahweh as the sole source of true and lasting good.

Psalm 103 5 Word analysis

• who satisfies (יַשְׂבִּיַע – yashbia): From the Hebrew root śāvaʿ, meaning "to be satisfied, be full, have enough." This is a causative verb, meaning God causes satisfaction. It implies a thorough, complete filling, not just a little, but to overflowing, suggesting abundant sufficiency beyond mere necessity. It is active and ongoing, characteristic of God's giving nature.
• your desire/soul (עֶדְיִךְ – ‘adyēk): This is a rich and debated term. Literally, from the root ‘adah, it can mean "adornment" or "ornaments," "your beauty," or possibly relate to "mouth." However, many modern translations (ESV, NIV, NASB) render it as "desire" or "soul" based on the broader context of spiritual and physical satisfaction and the ancient Greek Septuagint's translation (ἐπιθυμία, epithumia meaning desire/appetite). This interpretation suggests God fills not just physical needs but the deeper yearnings of the heart, the spiritual and inner being, so that one is inwardly adorned or complete. This deeper satisfaction leads to outward renewal.
• with good things (בַטּוֹב – baṭṭōwḇ): ṭōwḇ means "good, pleasant, agreeable, benevolent, valuable." It's a comprehensive term denoting not just provision but high-quality, beneficial, and divinely perfect provision. It signifies God’s abundant and comprehensive blessings that truly benefit the recipient, covering all aspects of life – material, spiritual, emotional, and relational.
• so that your youth is renewed (תִּתְחַדֵּשׁ – tithaddesh... נְעוּרָ֑יְכִי – ne'urayki):
  • renewed (תִּתְחַדֵּשׁ – tithaddesh): The Hithpael form of ḥādaš, meaning "to make new, to renew oneself, to restore." It indicates an active, ongoing process of renewal, suggesting restoration to a former state of vigor or strength. It's not a static condition but a dynamic regeneration.
  • your youth (נְעוּרָ֑יְכִי – ne'urayki): Refers to the vigor, strength, and vitality characteristic of one's prime, younger years. This signifies a restoration of energy, freshness, and alertness, countering the typical effects of aging and weariness.
• like the eagle's (כַנֶּשֶׁר – kannesher): The eagle (nesher) is often seen as a symbol of majestic power, strength, longevity, and high-soaring flight in biblical literature. This comparison refers to the belief, possibly based on observation of the eagle's moulting process or simply its long lifespan and majestic strength in flight, that eagles somehow renew their strength or even their plumage. It signifies a profound, almost miraculous, revitalization, enabling one to endure and rise above challenges with strength and renewed perspective, empowered by God. This image reflects supernatural vigor and resilience.

Psalm 103 5 Bonus section

The active "Hithpael" form of the Hebrew verb for "renewed" (tithaddesh) suggests that this renewal is not a static state but an ongoing, dynamic process facilitated by God. It points to a continuous re-strengthening and refreshment rather than a one-time event, reminding believers of God's daily mercies and ever-present ability to invigorate (cf. Lam 3:22-23). The specific image of the "eagle" likely carries the double nuance of supernatural longevity/vitality and God's carrying, protecting care (as seen in Ex 19:4 and Deut 32:11), implying that the believer's strength and endurance are sustained by divine support, not just internal reserves. This makes the renewal not merely an internal psychological effect but a supernatural infusion from the Almighty.

Psalm 103 5 Commentary

Psalm 103:5 profoundly describes God's complete and holistic provision, extending far beyond mere physical sustenance. The divine "satisfaction" penetrates the very essence of a person, fulfilling their innermost "desires" or "soul" with "good things." This isn't just about earthly provisions, but an overflow of blessings—be it peace, joy, purpose, health, or spiritual vitality—that emanate from God's generous hand. The remarkable consequence of this profound satisfaction is a dynamic "renewal of youth." This restoration implies not only physical rejuvenation but also a refreshed spirit, renewed mental clarity, and restored emotional resilience, effectively reversing the wearying effects of life. The comparison to the "eagle" vividly illustrates this supernatural empowerment, emphasizing soaring strength, sustained endurance, and renewed vigor that is characteristic of God's special care. It encourages believers to look to God as the ultimate source of all true satisfaction and revitalization for every aspect of their being, empowering them to live life with renewed strength and purpose.

• Example: When one feels weary from life's challenges, spending time in God's presence, absorbing His Word, and receiving His spiritual provisions can infuse new spiritual energy, much like regaining the vigor of youth.
• Example: Facing persistent struggles, finding contentment in God's faithfulness despite circumstances can rejuvenate one's outlook and emotional strength, allowing them to press on with renewed hope.