Psalms 145:16

Authorized King James Version

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Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Original Language Analysis

פּוֹתֵ֥חַ Thou openest H6605
פּוֹתֵ֥חַ Thou openest
Strong's: H6605
Word #: 1 of 7
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדֶ֑ךָ thine hand H3027
יָדֶ֑ךָ thine hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 3 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וּמַשְׂבִּ֖יעַ and satisfiest H7646
וּמַשְׂבִּ֖יעַ and satisfiest
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 4 of 7
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
לְכָל H3605
לְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַ֣י of every living thing H2416
חַ֣י of every living thing
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 6 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
רָצֽוֹן׃ the desire H7522
רָצֽוֹן׃ the desire
Strong's: H7522
Word #: 7 of 7
delight (especially as shown)

Analysis & Commentary

Thou openest thine hand (פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת־יָדֶךָ, poteach et-yadekha)—the divine hand opened in generosity, not clenched in withholding. The Hebrew participle suggests continuous, habitual action: God is perpetually opening His hand. This recalls Deuteronomy 15:8, where Israel was commanded to 'open thine hand wide' to the poor.

Satisfiest the desire (וּמַשְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל־חַי רָצוֹן, umasbia l'khol-chai ratzon)—the verb saba means to satisfy fully, to satiate. Ratzon denotes not mere appetite but legitimate desire, even delight. Jesus taught this principle: 'your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things' (Matthew 6:32). Paul echoes it: 'my God shall supply all your need' (Philippians 4:19). God satisfies every living thing (לְכָל־חַי, l'khol-chai)—not just humanity, but all creatures dependent on divine providence.

Historical Context

Psalm 145 is David's final alphabetic acrostic psalm, a hymn of universal praise. Written near the end of his life, it reflects mature theology about God's kingdom and providence. The verse was so cherished that Jewish tradition incorporated it into daily prayers (Ashrei), recited three times daily. The rabbis taught that whoever says Psalm 145 three times a day is assured of the world to come.

Questions for Reflection