Psalms Chapter 37 · Verse 25

Authorized King James Version

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I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Original Language Analysis

נַ֤עַר׀ I have been young H5288
נַ֤עַר׀ I have been young
Strong's: H5288
Word #: 1 of 11
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הָיִ֗יתִי H1961
הָיִ֗יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גַּם H1571
גַּם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי and now am old H2204
זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי and now am old
Strong's: H2204
Word #: 4 of 11
to be old
וְֽלֹא H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָ֭אִיתִי yet have I not seen H7200
רָ֭אִיתִי yet have I not seen
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 6 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
צַדִּ֣יק the righteous H6662
צַדִּ֣יק the righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 7 of 11
just
נֶעֱזָ֑ב forsaken H5800
נֶעֱזָ֑ב forsaken
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 8 of 11
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
וְ֝זַרְע֗וֹ nor his seed H2233
וְ֝זַרְע֗וֹ nor his seed
Strong's: H2233
Word #: 9 of 11
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
מְבַקֶּשׁ begging H1245
מְבַקֶּשׁ begging
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 10 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
לָֽחֶם׃ bread H3899
לָֽחֶם׃ bread
Strong's: H3899
Word #: 11 of 11
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis & Commentary

I have been young, and now am old (נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם־זָקַנְתִּי, na'ar hayiti gam-zaqanti)—David's personal testimony spanning decades provides empirical weight to faith claims. Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (וְלֹא־רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ־לָחֶם, v'lo-ra'iti tsaddiq ne'ezav v'zaro mevaqesh-lachem)—azav (forsaken/abandoned) echoes Jesus's cry: "My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46). David never witnessed permanent abandonment of the genuinely righteous.

Critics cite Job and martyrs as counter-examples, but the verse addresses long-term covenant faithfulness, not temporary suffering. God's provision may be miraculous (Elijah fed by ravens, 1 Kings 17:6) or ordinary (daily work), but He sustains His own. Paul testified similarly: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Historical Context

David's testimony came after fugitive years (eating showbread at Nob, 1 Samuel 21) and kingship prosperity. His long view corrects short-term panic. Written likely in his 60s, reflecting on God's provision through famine, war, exile, and restoration.

Questions for Reflection