Psalm 59 15

Psalm 59:15 kjv

Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

Psalm 59:15 nkjv

They wander up and down for food, And howl if they are not satisfied.

Psalm 59:15 niv

They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.

Psalm 59:15 esv

They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill.

Psalm 59:15 nlt

They scavenge for food
but go to sleep unsatisfied.

Psalm 59 verses

Psalm 59 15 Meaning

Psalm 59:15 portrays the predicted or desired state of the psalmist's wicked enemies. They are depicted as desperate and perpetually unfulfilled, restlessly roaming in search of sustenance, akin to hungry dogs, and perpetually grumbling or growling because their desires are never truly satisfied. This verse contrasts their initial predatory power with a future state of desolation and frustration, emphasizing divine justice.

Psalm 59 15 Context

Psalm 59 is a Michtam of David, written "when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him" (1 Sam 19:11). It is an imprecatory psalm, a heartfelt cry to God for deliverance from treacherous and bloodthirsty enemies. David describes his foes in verses 6 and 14 as snarling dogs who roam the city at night, eagerly seeking to destroy him without cause. Verse 15 builds directly upon this vivid imagery, articulating David's plea or prophecy regarding the eventual desolation and frustration that will befall these malicious enemies. The verse implies a reversal of fortune, where the hunter becomes the eternally unsatisfied scavenger.

Psalm 59 15 Word analysis

• Let them wander (יְשׁוֹטְטוּ - yĕshōṭĕṭū from שׁוּט - shut): This verb means "to roam," "to rove," or "to go to and fro." Here, it expresses a ceaseless, aimless, and desperate movement. It's often used for a patrol (as in a guard or scout), but in this context, coupled with hunger, it conveys frantic searching rather than purposeful movement, indicating a state of homelessness and unrest. The jussive form (implied by "let them") indicates either an earnest prayer for divine judgment or a prophetic declaration of their inevitable fate.
• up and down: This phrase emphasizes the extensive, exhaustive, and fruitless nature of their search. It depicts them scurrying everywhere, never finding respite or satisfaction.
• for food (לֶאֱכֹל - le'ekol): The fundamental necessity for life. Their quest is for the most basic provision, highlighting their dire deprivation. The imagery directly connects to the previous verses where enemies are described as ravenous "dogs."
• and growl / and grudge / and howl (וְיָלִינוּ - vĕyālīnu from לון - lun): This is a significant word. The Hebrew verb lun primarily means "to stay overnight," "to lodge," but by extension, it developed the meaning "to grumble" or "to complain." In the context of the dog imagery (vv. 6, 14), "growl" or "howl" is an interpretive but fitting translation, conveying a state of bitter, persistent discontent and vexation stemming from dissatisfaction, akin to a hungry dog's whine or snarl. It suggests constant murmuring or lodging a complaint.
• if they are not satisfied (וְלֹא יִשְׂבְּעוּ - vĕlō' yisbeʿū from שָׂבַע - sāḇaʿ): This clause emphasizes the perpetual nature of their lack. They will constantly seek but never find true fulfillment or abundance. Their desire or craving (which previously may have been for violence or power) will be insatiable, resulting in perpetual hunger and discontent, highlighting the severity and precision of divine judgment.
• "Let them wander up and down for food": This phrase conveys the complete reversal of their fortunes. The ones who previously preyed on David with vicious intent will now be reduced to wandering scavengers, restless and without provision, symbolizing a life devoid of divine favor and peace.
• "and growl if they are not satisfied": This part signifies not only their physical deprivation but also their inner state of bitter frustration and complaint. They will forever pursue but never attain true contentment, a direct consequence of their unrighteous choices and opposition to God's chosen.

Psalm 59 15 Bonus section

The verse functions as an instance of divine poetic justice. Just as the wicked often live insatiably pursuing worldly gain or power, ultimately their greatest hunger will remain unquenched. This extends beyond physical sustenance to a spiritual truth: those who refuse to partake in the "Bread of Life" (Jesus Christ) will always remain in a state of spiritual famine, forever "wandering" in search of meaning and satisfaction that only God can provide. Their "growling" reflects not merely physical discomfort, but a deeper spiritual grumbling against the unfulfillment of a life lived apart from divine grace, a state often accompanied by internal agitation and an inability to find true rest (cf. Isa 57:20-21). This also echoes the biblical principle that what a man sows, that he will also reap (Gal 6:7). Their predatory acts lead to a judgment where they themselves become perpetual beggars for what they can never truly obtain.

Psalm 59 15 Commentary

Psalm 59:15 is a potent declaration of the justice of God. It presents a stark contrast to the aggressive and confident malice of David's enemies described earlier in the psalm. Likening them to perpetually hungry, scavenging dogs, the verse forecasts their fate: constant, aimless searching for provision without ever reaching true satisfaction. This imagery highlights that those who oppose God and His people will ultimately find themselves devoid of peace, contentment, or lasting prosperity. Their spiritual and material appetites, distorted by wickedness, will become a source of endless torment, demonstrating that the wages of sin include a gnawing, unfulfilled existence. This is a severe divine retribution where their former power gives way to desperate, discontented want.