Psalms 107:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִ֭שְׂבִּיעַ For he satisfieth H7646
הִ֭שְׂבִּיעַ For he satisfieth
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 2 of 8
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ soul H5315
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
שֹׁקֵקָ֑ה the longing H8264
שֹׁקֵקָ֑ה the longing
Strong's: H8264
Word #: 4 of 8
to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ soul H5315
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 5 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
רְ֝עֵבָה the hungry H7457
רְ֝עֵבָה the hungry
Strong's: H7457
Word #: 6 of 8
hungry (more or less intensely)
מִלֵּא and filleth H4390
מִלֵּא and filleth
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 7 of 8
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
טֽוֹב׃ with goodness H2896
טֽוֹב׃ with goodness
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 8 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis & Commentary

This verse explains what God's 'wonderful works' (v. 8) include. 'For he satisfieth the longing soul' uses shaqaq (שָׁקַק), meaning panting or longing soul—deep, desperate desire. God satisfies this thirst. 'And filleth the hungry soul with goodness' uses male (מָלֵא), to fill full. God doesn't partially satisfy but completely fills with His goodness (tov, טוֹב). This declares God's sufficiency—He fully satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus applied this to Himself: He is the bread of life; whoever comes will never hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Only God can satisfy the soul's deepest longings; everything else leaves emptiness.

Historical Context

Israel's wilderness experience proved God satisfies: He provided manna and water, sustaining 2 million people for 40 years. For returning exiles, God satisfied their longing for home. Spiritually, this testifies that God alone satisfies the human soul, created for relationship with Him. Augustine's famous quote captures this: 'Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.'

Questions for Reflection