Psalm 145 15

Psalm 145:15 kjv

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

Psalm 145:15 nkjv

The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season.

Psalm 145:15 niv

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

Psalm 145:15 esv

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

Psalm 145:15 nlt

The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.

Psalm 145 verses

Psalm 145 15 Meaning

The verse declares God as the universal Sustainer of all living things. It illustrates that every creature, whether human or animal, looks to Him in expectation and dependence, and in His perfect timing, He faithfully provides their necessary sustenance. This highlights His omnipresence, sovereignty, and benevolent care for His entire creation.

Psalm 145 15 Context

Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise (Hebrew: Tehillah) by David, specifically celebrating the glorious attributes and works of God. It is an alphabetic acrostic, with each verse (or pair of verses in some versions) starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though one letter, Nun, is missing in the Masoretic Text but present in the Septuagint and some Qumran scrolls). The psalm progresses from extolling God's greatness and majesty (Psa 145:1-7) to highlighting His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness in governing His creation (Psa 145:8-13). Verses 14-20 specifically focus on God's active involvement in sustaining and hearing all living beings, while Psa 145:15 fits centrally within this theme of divine sustenance. The historical and cultural context for the original audience was one deeply dependent on nature for survival, making God's direct role in providing food and seasons a tangible and essential aspect of His character, in stark contrast to the often capricious and limited abilities attributed to pagan deities concerning provision and fertility.

Psalm 145 15 Word analysis

• The eyes of all: (Heb. עֵינֵי כֹל - ʿênê khōl).
  • עֵינֵי (ʿênê): "eyes." This refers not only to physical sight but metaphorically signifies focus, expectation, desire, and dependence.
  • כֹל (khōl): "all" or "every." This signifies universality, encompassing all living creatures, from humans to the smallest animals, indicating God's comprehensive care across creation.
• look to you: (Heb. אֵלֶיךָ יְשַׂבֵּרוּ - ʾēleykhā yĕśabbērû).
  • אֵלֶיךָ (ʾēleykhā): "to you," or "unto you." Emphasizes God as the specific, singular object of their attention and hope.
  • יְשַׂבֵּרוּ (yĕśabbērû): "they look expectantly," "they wait," "they hope." From the root שָׂבַר (ṣâvar), this word denotes an active, patient, and hopeful anticipation. It's not a passive waiting but a posture of trust and reliance. It means turning to someone as the ultimate source of help and sustenance.
• and you give them: (Heb. וְאַתָּה נוֹתֵן לָהֶם - wĕʾattāh nôtēn lāhem).
  • וְאַתָּה (wĕʾattāh): "and You." The "You" (ʾattāh) is emphatic, highlighting God's direct, personal, and active involvement as the sole Giver.
  • נוֹתֵן (nôtēn): "give." This is a participle, indicating a continuous or habitual action. God is constantly giving, not just a one-time provider.
  • לָהֶם (lāhem): "to them." Refers back to "all" from the beginning of the verse, encompassing all who look to Him.
• their food: (Heb. אֶת־אָכְלָם - ʾet-ʾākhlām).
  • אָכְלָם (ʾākhlām): "their eating," "their food" or "their sustenance." It signifies necessary provisions for life, addressing fundamental needs rather than just luxuries.
• at the proper time: (Heb. בְּעִתּוֹ - bĕʿittô).
  • בְּעִתּוֹ (bĕʿittô): "in its time" or "at its proper season/appointed time." This crucial phrase speaks to God's perfect wisdom, timing, and providence. It means God provides exactly when it is needed, highlighting His foresight and care, ensuring optimal benefit for the recipient.

Psalm 145 15 Bonus section

The acrostic nature of Psalm 145 emphasizes completeness in its praise of God; while the Nun line is missing in the Hebrew Masoretic Text, the Septuagint includes it, affirming "the Lord is faithful in all His words and holy in all His works." This overall design reinforces the idea that God's character and actions, including His universal provision, are perfectly complete and unwavering. This verse also serves as a subtle polemic against the polytheistic cults of surrounding nations, which relied on capricious deities like Baal for rain and fertile crops. Here, the One True God, Yahweh, is portrayed as the dependable and wise Sustainer of all life, highlighting His unique sovereignty and faithful care. This is reflected in other Scriptures contrasting idols that "cannot give food" or "send rain" (Jer 14:22, Hab 2:18-19) with the living God who does.

Psalm 145 15 Commentary

Psalm 145:15 offers a profound statement of divine providence. It paints a picture of creation in dependent posture, collectively turning to God with expectant eyes. This isn't a plea born of desperation, but a confident reliance on a known, good, and faithful Provider. The phrase "look to You" (יְשַׂבֵּרוּ) suggests an active waiting, full of hope, recognizing God as the singular source of life's necessities. In response, God demonstrates His consistent goodness by "giving" them "their food," a continuous action. Most remarkably, He gives it "at the proper time" (בְּעִתּוֹ). This emphasizes His perfect wisdom and control, ensuring that provision is delivered not merely when sought, but precisely when it is most opportune and beneficial. This truth serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, affirming that all life rests securely in the wise and benevolent hands of a Creator who meticulously cares for His entire world.