Psalm 37 19

Psalm 37:19 kjv

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Psalm 37:19 nkjv

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Psalm 37:19 niv

In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

Psalm 37:19 esv

they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.

Psalm 37:19 nlt

They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 19 Meaning

Psalm 37:19 assures that the righteous, who trust in the Lord and follow His ways, will be divinely protected and provided for, especially during widespread and severe calamities. They will not experience the humiliation or suffering of deprivation when global or national crises unfold, even in extreme conditions like famine. Instead, while others suffer lack, the faithful will find themselves satisfied and well-supplied through God's faithful provision.

Psalm 37 19 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, presented as an acrostic (though imperfectly so). Its core theme addresses the ancient and enduring dilemma of why the wicked often appear to prosper while the righteous suffer. The psalm's repeated admonition is for the righteous not to "fret" or envy the wicked's transient success but instead to trust in the Lord, commit their way to Him, delight in Him, and patiently wait for His justice. The psalm asserts the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity and their eventual downfall, contrasted with the enduring inheritance and blessedness of the righteous. Verse 19 fits directly into this affirmation, providing a practical assurance that God's care extends even to fundamental physical needs, particularly during collective disaster, differentiating the destiny of the righteous from that of those who defy God.

Psalm 37 19 Word analysis

• They (הֵ֤ם - hēm): Refers to "those who are blessed by him," "the upright," and "the righteous," whose righteous walk and trust in the Lord have been established throughout the preceding verses of the psalm. This identifies the specific recipients of God's promise of protection and provision.
• shall not be put to shame (לֹא־יֵבֹ֖שׁוּ - lōʾ-yēḇōšû):
  • lōʾ (לֹא): A direct negation, meaning "not."
  • yēḇōšû (יֵבֹשׁוּ): From the Hebrew root būš (בּוּשׁ), meaning "to be ashamed," "to be disappointed," "to wither," or "to fail." In this context, it signifies that they will not suffer disgrace, humiliation, or experience their trust in God as vain. Their hopes and reliance on God will be fully vindicated and satisfied, preventing them from the public scorn or personal distress of extreme need. This goes beyond mere physical sustenance to encompass dignity and honor.
• in the evil time (בְּעֵ֣ת רָעָ֑ה - bəʿēt rāʿāh):
  • bəʿēt (בְּעֵת): "in time of," or "when."
  • rāʿāh (רָעָה): This is a comprehensive term for "evil," "bad," "calamity," "adversity," or "trouble." It denotes periods of significant, widespread distress, encompassing national disasters, economic collapse, war, or plague, indicating a time when societal order and typical support systems may break down.
• in the days of famine (וּבִימֵ֥י רְעָבֹֽון - ûḇîmê rəʿāḇōn):
  • û (וּ): The conjunction "and," linking this specific hardship to the broader "evil time."
  • bîmê (בִימֵי): "in the days of."
  • rəʿāḇōn (רְעָבֹון): A distinct term meaning "famine" or "hunger." This specifies a dire and common threat in the ancient world, representing an extreme form of calamity where basic sustenance is dangerously scarce. Its mention underscores the gravity of the "evil time" and highlights God's promise even in the most life-threatening circumstances.
• they shall have abundance (יִשְׂבָּֽעוּ - yiśbāʿû):
  • From the Hebrew root śābaʿ (שָׂבַע), which means "to be satisfied," "to be full," "to have plenty," or "to be satiated." This is stronger than merely "they shall survive" or "they will have enough." It implies a state of complete fullness and contentment, where needs are not just met but generously so, showcasing God's overflowing provision amidst widespread lack.

• "They shall not be put to shame": This phrase articulates God's commitment to vindicating the trust placed in Him by the righteous. It's a promise that their faith will not result in public dishonor or disappointment, especially when others might mock their reliance on God during hard times. This emphasizes the maintenance of their dignity and the faithfulness of God's covenant.
• "in the evil time; in the days of famine": This powerful parallelism magnifies the scope and severity of the adversity against which God's promise stands firm. "Evil time" is broad, encompassing general periods of distress, while "days of famine" specifies a particular, most dreaded form of existential crisis. Juxtaposing these two emphasizes that God's protection covers every facet of extreme hardship. It conveys the real-world threats that existed for ancient agricultural societies.
• "they shall have abundance": This concluding declaration serves as a direct, strong contrast to the scarcity implied by "days of famine." It underlines the exceptional nature of God's provision for His people. It's not just a promise of survival but of true satisfaction and plenitude, showcasing God's power to provide supernaturally when human systems fail and revealing the generosity of His care.

Psalm 37 19 Bonus section

• Polemics and Divine Distinctiveness: This verse subtly, yet significantly, counters common ancient Near Eastern pagan beliefs which often saw divine favor linked to ritual appeasement, political power, or temporary material success without necessary moral grounding. The Psalmist argues that YHWH, the God of Israel, uniquely provides for His morally upright people during universal hardship, highlighting His specific covenantal care and distinguishing the fate of the righteous from that of the unrighteous, a notion contrary to deities often depicted as uncaring during collective disasters.
• The Weight of Shame: In ancient culture, "shame" was a deeply dreaded social and personal consequence, often worse than physical pain. To "not be put to shame" was a profound blessing, implying the preservation of one's reputation, honor, and trust in the divine amidst public scrutiny and widespread suffering, affirming God's commitment to their dignity.
• Timeless Principle: While framed with ancient threats like famine, the principle of divine protection and provision during "evil times" is universal. It speaks to any crisis—economic depressions, wars, pandemics, or persecutions—affirming that God's steadfast care transcends specific circumstances and applies to all who consistently live by faith across generations.
• Beyond Material: While physical provision is central, the concept of "abundance" (śābaʿ) can extend to spiritual satisfaction. Even when physical needs might seem constrained, believers can experience a deep contentment, spiritual peace, wisdom, and inner strength that "satisfies" their soul in Christ (cf. John 6:35), enduring true fullness regardless of external scarcity.

Psalm 37 19 Commentary

Psalm 37:19 serves as a profound comfort and assurance to those whose lives are characterized by faith in the Lord. It directly counters the anxiety surrounding inevitable periods of societal or global distress, termed "evil time," and specifically the devastating reality of "famine." For the righteous, who have committed their way to God and trust in His provision, there is a dual promise. Firstly, they "shall not be put to shame," signifying that their steadfast reliance on God will not result in public disgrace, abandonment, or failed expectations; their faith will be visibly vindicated. Secondly, during these very periods of widespread scarcity, they "shall have abundance," meaning they will be thoroughly satisfied and experience complete provision, setting them distinctly apart from the general suffering. This verse powerfully illustrates God's active, personal, and supernatural care for His children, affirming that His faithfulness ensures not just survival, but true flourishing even amidst the most severe external pressures. It calls believers to unwavering trust in a God who not only saves but generously sustains.

• Example: When a national economic crisis leads to widespread job losses and business failures, an individual dedicated to the Lord might experience an unexpected job offer, a sudden financial gift, or discover a unique skill that provides ample income, protecting them from typical hardship.
• Example: During a severe drought leading to crop failures and water shortages in a region, a believing family might discover an untapped well on their property or receive generous aid through unexpected channels, allowing their needs to be fully met while others suffer.