Psalm 107 9

Psalm 107:9 kjv

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:9 nkjv

For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:9 niv

for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:9 esv

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Psalm 107:9 nlt

For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107 verses

Psalm 107 9 Meaning

Psalm 107:9 proclaims God's nature as the benevolent provider who satisfies deep human needs. It affirms that the Lord abundantly fulfills the intense longing of the thirsty, yearning soul and fully provides "good things" for the hungry. This verse encapsulates God's steadfast love and His active intervention to deliver and sustain those in distress, bringing true satisfaction and contentment.

Psalm 107 9 Context

Psalm 107 is a profound hymn of thanksgiving, specifically designed to extol the steadfast love (hesed) of the Lord. It serves as a concluding piece to Book V of the Psalms. The psalm details four distinct groups of people in severe distress: wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners in darkness, those suffering from illness, and mariners caught in storms. In each case, they cry out to the Lord, and He delivers them, showing His mercy. Verse 9 functions as a direct theological observation following the initial accounts of God's rescue, particularly from hunger and thirst experienced by wanderers. It generalizes God's character revealed in these specific acts, asserting His nature as a benevolent provider for all deep needs. Historically, this psalm reflects the experiences of Israel's exile and subsequent return, recognizing God's sovereign hand in their deliverance. It implicitly critiques reliance on human strength or pagan deities for sustenance and security, contrasting them with the Lord's absolute faithfulness and provision.

Psalm 107 9 Word analysis

• For He satisfies (כִּֽי־הִשְׂבִּ֣יעַ - ki hisbi’a):
  • ki: "For," introducing the reason or explanation for God's action.
  • hisbi'a (הִשְׂבִּיעַ, from root saba - שָׂבַע): Means "to be full," "to have enough," "to be satisfied" or "to fill/satiate." This isn't merely alleviating hunger/thirst, but providing abundance and true contentment, beyond mere survival. It speaks to a comprehensive and complete provision that leaves no lack.
• the longing soul (נֶ֣פֶשׁ שֹׁקֵקָ֑ה - nephesh shoqeqah):
  • nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): More than just "soul"; it refers to the whole person, including life-force, being, appetite, desire, spirit, or breath. Here, it denotes the inner essence experiencing intense craving.
  • shoqeqah (שֹׁקֵקָה, from root shaqaq - שָׁקַק): "Longing," "panting," "eagerly desiring," often with a sense of being parched, worn out, or famished. It vividly portrays a deep, physical, or spiritual thirst.
• and the hungry soul (וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ רְעֵבָ֣ה - ve-nephesh re’evah):
  • ve: "And," linking the two aspects of deprivation.
  • nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): Again, the entire person or their innermost being.
  • re'evah (רְעֵבָה, from root ra'ev - רָעֵב): "Hungry," "famished." While primarily physical, in biblical wisdom literature, it extends to a deeper spiritual lack or need.
• He fills with good things (מִלֵּא־טֽוֹב׃ - mile-tov):
  • mile (מִלֵּא, from root male - מָלֵא): "To fill," "to make full," "to replenish." Indicates a complete and generous supply, not a minimal one.
  • tov (טוֹב): "Good," "goodness," "bounty," "prosperity," "well-being," "blessings," "right." This is a broad term, encompassing not just food but everything that contributes to human flourishing and well-being. It signifies that God's provision is not just sufficient but inherently good and beneficial.

Words-group analysis:

• "He satisfies the longing soul": This phrase emphasizes God's immediate response to profound spiritual and emotional emptiness or desire. It signifies not just an answer, but a thorough, satiating fulfillment.
• "and the hungry soul He fills with good things": This mirrors the first phrase, broadening the scope from intense longing (thirst) to general hunger. The emphasis on "good things" (tov) highlights the quality and comprehensive nature of God's provision, extending beyond mere physical sustenance to all aspects of flourishing. The pairing highlights two primary, deep human needs met by God.

Psalm 107 9 Bonus section

• This verse encapsulates one of the four refrains (though slightly varied in wording) found throughout Psalm 107, which serves to explain why the delivered individuals should give thanks to the Lord (cf. Psa 107:8, 15, 21, 31). It reinforces God's attribute of providing in all situations.
• The phrase "longing soul" connects to the metaphor of spiritual thirst prevalent throughout Scripture, inviting parallels with the New Testament concept of thirsting for righteousness or for Christ himself as the "living water."
• The concept of tov (good) from God’s hand contrasts with worldly provisions that often bring fleeting satisfaction or even harm, emphasizing the lasting, wholesome nature of divine blessings.

Psalm 107 9 Commentary

Psalm 107:9 distills a profound truth about God's character and His interaction with humanity. Following a narrative of God delivering those lost and hungry in the wilderness (Ps 107:4-6), this verse serves as a universal declaration of His gracious nature. It speaks to both physical sustenance and deeper, spiritual needs. The "longing soul" (nephesh shoqeqah) signifies not merely physical thirst but a parched spirit yearning for purpose, comfort, or divine presence. Similarly, the "hungry soul" (nephesh re'evah) suggests a profound need beyond food—a spiritual emptiness or desire for truth and righteousness. God's response is not a temporary relief but a complete saturation ("satisfies," "fills") with "good things" (tov), implying a provision that is wholesome, beneficial, and leading to ultimate well-being. This verse offers an eternal promise of God's readiness to lavish His comprehensive goodness upon those who genuinely seek Him from a place of desperate need, assuring true and lasting contentment.