Psalms 34:10

Authorized King James Version

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כְּ֭פִירִים

H3715

The young lions

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

רָשׁ֣וּ

H7326

do lack

to be destitute

וְרָעֵ֑בוּ

H7456

and suffer hunger

to hunger

וְדֹרְשֵׁ֥י

H1875

but they that seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַחְסְר֥וּ

H2637

shall not want

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

טֽוֹב׃

H2896

any good

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

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the suffering and persecution theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?