TRV
Translation
King James Version
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Complete Jewish Bible
he contents you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
Berean Standard Bible
who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
American Standard Version
Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.
World English Bible Messianic
who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Which satisfieth thy mouth with good things: and thy youth is renued like the eagles.
Young's Literal Translation
Who is satisfying with good thy desire, Renew itself as an eagle doth thy youth.
In the KJVVerse 15,555 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 103 verses 1–5
1 ¶ A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
David is here communing with his own heart, and he is no fool that thus talks to himself and excites his own soul to that which is good. Observe,
I. How he stirs up himself to the duty of praise, Psa 103:1, Psa 103:2. 1. It is the Lord that is to be blessed and spoken well of; for he is the fountain of all good, whatever are the channels or cisterns; it is to his name, his holy name, that we are to consecrate our praise, giving thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 2. It is the soul that is to be employed in blessing God, and all that is within us. We make nothing of our religious performances if we do not make heart-work of them, if that which is within us, nay, if all that is within us, be not engaged in them. The work requires the inward man, the whole man, and all little enough. 3. In order to our return of praises to God, there must be a grateful remembrance of the mercies we have received from him: Forget not all his benefits. If we do not give thanks for them, we do forget them; and that is unjust as well as unkind, since in all God's favours there is so much that is memorable. "O my soul! to thy shame be it spoken, thou hast forgotten many of his benefits; but surely thou wilt not forget them all, for thou shouldst not have forgotten any."
II. How he furnishes himself with abundant matter for praise, and that which is very affecting: "Come, my soul, consider what God has done for thee." 1. "He has pardoned thy sins (Psa 103:3); he has forgiven, and does forgive, all thy iniquities." This is mentioned first because by the pardon of sin that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favour of God, which bestows good things on us. Think what the provocation was; it was iniquity, and yet pardoned; how many the provocations were, and yet all pardoned. He has forgiven all our trespasses. It is a continued act; he is still forgiving, as we are still sinning and repenting. 2. "He has cured thy sickness." The corruption of nature is the sickness of the soul; it is its disorder, and threatens its death. This is cured in sanctification; when sin is mortified, the disease is healed; though complicated, it is all healed. Our crimes were capital, but God saves our lives by pardoning them; our diseases were mortal, but God saves our lives by healing them. These two go together; for, as for God, his work is perfect and not done by halves; if God take away the guilt of sin by pardoning mercy, he will break the power of it by renewing grace. Where Christ is made righteousness to any soul he is made sanctification, Co1 1:30. 3. "He has rescued thee from danger." A man may be in peril of life, not only by his crimes, or his diseases, but by the power of his enemies; and therefore here also we experience the divine goodness: Who redeemed thy life from destruction (Psa 103:4), from the destroyer, from hell (so the Chaldee), from the second death. The redemption of the soul is precious; we cannot compass it, and therefore are the more indebted to divine grace that has wrought it out, to him who has obtained eternal redemption for us. See Job 33:24, Job 33:28. 4. "He has not only saved thee from death and ruin, but has made thee truly and completely happy, with honour, pleasure, and long life." (1.) "He has given thee true honour and great honour, no less than a crown: He crowns thee with his lovingkindness and tender mercies;" and what greater dignity is a poor soul capable of than to be advanced into the love and favour of God? This honour have all his saints. What is the crown of glory but God's favour? (2.) "He has given thee true pleasure: He satisfies thy mouth with good things" (Psa 103:5); it is only the favour and grace of God that can give satisfaction to a soul, can suit its capacities, supply its needs, and answer to its desires. Nothing but divine wisdom can undertake to fill its treasures (Pro 8:21); other things will surfeit, but not satiate, Ecc 6:7; Isa 55:2. (3.) "He has given thee a prospect and pledge of long life: Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." The eagle is long-lived, and, as naturalists say, when she is nearly 100 years old, casts all her feathers (as indeed she changes them in a great measure every year at moulting time), and fresh ones come, so that she becomes young again. When God, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, recovers his people from their decays, and fills them with new life and joy, which is to them an earnest of eternal life and joy, then they may be said to return to the days of their youth, Job 33:25.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
The Six Days of Creation
However, rightly so, a man has not many, but two feet; for four feet belong to wild animals and beasts, and two to birds. Therefore, a man is like a bird, who seeks lofty things with his sight and flies with a certain stroke of the senses' keenness. And therefore it is said about him: Your youth will be renewed like the eagle's; because he is closer to heavenly things and higher than eagles, who can say: But our conversation is in heaven.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Repentance 2.2.8
And that the writer was speaking of baptism is evident from the very words in which it is stated that it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were fallen, inasmuch as we are renewed by means of the laver of baptism, whereby we are born again, as Paul says: “For we are buried with him through baptism into death, that, as Christ rose from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we, too, should walk in newness of life.” And in another place: “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new person that is created after God.” And elsewhere again: “Your youth shall be renewed like the eagle,” because the phoenix after death is born again from its ashes, as we being dead in sin are through the sacrament of baptism born again to God and created anew. So, then, here as elsewhere, he teaches one baptism. “One faith,” he says, “one baptism.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
DEATH AS A GOOD 5:16
But let us speak of death as common to all people. Why should we be afraid of it, when it generally does not harm the soul? For it is written, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Now through death the soul is freed, while it separates itself from the dwelling place of the body and divests itself of the wrappings of disquiet. And so let us too, while we are in the body, following the way of death, raise up our bodies from this fleshly couch and arise from the tomb, as it were. Let us withdraw from the bond of the body and leave all things whatsoever that are of earth, so that when the adversary comes he may find nothing of his in us. Let us strive for the eternal and fly up to the divine on the wings of love and the oars of charity. Let us rise up from here, that is, from the things of the age and those of the world. For the Lord has said, “Arise, let us go from here,” teaching that each one should arise from the earth, raise up his soul that lies on the ground, lift it to the things that are above and call forth his eagle, the eagle of whom it is said, “Your youth will be renewed like the eagle’s.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 103
After the battle, then, I shall be crowned; after the crown, what shall I do? "He who satisfies your longing with good things" [Psalm 103:5]....Seek your own good, O soul. For one thing is good to one creature, another to another, and all creatures have a certain good of their own, to the completeness and perfection of their nature. There is a difference as to what is essential to each imperfect thing, in order that it may be made perfect; seek for your own good. "There is none good but One, that is, God." [Matthew 19:17] The highest good is your good. What then is wanting unto him to whom the highest good is good? For there are inferior goods, which are good to different creatures respectively. What, brethren, is good unto the cattle, save to fill the belly, to prevent want, to sleep, to indulge themselves, to exist, to be in health, to propagate? This is good to them: and within certain bounds it has an allotted measure of good, granted by God, the Creator of all things. Do you seek such a good as this? God gives also this: but do not pursue it alone. Can you, a coheir of Christ, rejoice in fellowship with cattle? Raise your hope to the good of all goods. He will be your good, by whom thou in your kind hast been made good, and by whom all things in their kind were made good. For God made all things very good....
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Confessions 11.9
He is the Beginning, O God, in which you made heaven and earth. In this wonderful way you spoke and created them in your Word, in your Son, who is your strength, your wisdom and your truth.Who can understand this mystery or explain it to others? What is that light whose gentle beams now and again strike through to my heart, causing me to shudder in awe yet firing me with their warmth? I shudder to feel how different I am for it: yet in so far as I am like it, I am aglow with its fire. It is the light of Wisdom, Wisdom itself, which at times shines on me, parting my clouds. But when I weakly fall away from its light, those clouds envelop me again in the dense mantle of darkness that I bear for my punishment. For "my strength ebbs away for very misery," so that I cannot sustain my blessings. And so I shall remain until you, O Lord, who "have pardoned all my sins," also "heal all my mortal ills." For you will "rescue my life from deadly peril, crown me with the blessings of your mercy, content all my desire for good, restore my youth as the eagle's plumage is restored." "Our salvation is founded on the hope of something," and in endurance we await the fulfillment of your promises. Let those who are able listen to your fulfillment of your promises. Let those who are able listen to your voice speaking to their hearts. Trusting in your inspired words, I shall cry out, "What diversity, Lord, in your creatures! What wisdom has designed them all!" The Beginning is Wisdom, and Wisdom is the Beginning in which you made heaven and earth.
Maximus of TurinAD 465
SERMON 55:1
Brothers, let your holiness keep in mind that I recently preached this, namely that a person should be remolded into a younger age through righteousness, and though wearied by the weakness of old age he should be born again into childhood by the character of innocence in such a way that we may see old people become infants again by the mystery that intervenes, for there is a certain renewal in ceasing to be what you were and to take up what you had previously been. I say, there is renewal, which is also why neophytes receive their name, because in some newness they cast off the spots of oldness and have received the grace of innocence, as the apostle says, “Put off the old person with his deeds and put on the new person, who was created in the image of God.” Thus also holy David says, “Your youth will be renewed like that of an eagle.” He understands that the perishable things of our life can be revived through the grace of baptism and that that which had fallen by the oldness of sins can be renewed by a certain youthfulness. But that you may understand that the prophet is speaking about the grace of baptism, he compared the renewal itself to an eagle, a bird which is said to lead a long life by constantly changing its appearance and to grow young with a new set of wings when the old feathers are dying off, in such a way that it clothes itself with a revived newness of clothing as it puts off its old plumage. Thus we understand that it is not the limbs but rather the feathers of the eagle that feel old age. Therefore, it clothes itself anew, and as feathers sprout up anew, the old mother is turned back into a chick. Then she must be compared to chicks, since she with shining feathers must plan inexperienced flights and restrain her once experienced beatings of her wings as if she were a newborn, idle bird in the nest. For although she knows how to fly from her past practice, she nonetheless has little confidence because of the thinness of her feathers. Therefore, the holy psalmist prophesied this concerning the grace of baptism. Our neophytes, recently baptized, have (like eagles) put off the old skin and taken on the new clothing of holiness and are adorned with the revived grace of immortality as with light feathers, while their old blemishes die off, so that in them the dead sins of old age grow old, but life des not grow old, for like an eagle turned back into a chick, they have been called back to infancy. They know about how to live in this age, but they have the carefree state that comes from the healing of righteousness.
Fulgentius of RuspeAD 533
LETTER 7:4
Who does not see how impious and how sacrilegious it is if a person, who has been converted to good things through penance for his past evils, believes that there can be no forgiveness for any sin? What else is being done with these words than that the hand of the all-powerful physician is being pushed away by the vice of despair, from effecting human salvation? For the physician himself says, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” If our physician is an expert, he can cure all maladies. If God is merciful, he can forgive all sins. A goodness that does not conquer every evil is not a perfect goodness, nor is a medicine perfect for which any disease is incurable. It is written in the sacred writings, “Against wisdom, evil does not prevail”; and the omnipotence of our physician is made known by such words in the psalm: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” What, I ask, do we think cannot be forgiven us when the Lord forgives all our iniquities? Or what do we think cannot be healed in us, when the Lord heals all our diseases? Or how is there anything still lacking to the healed and justified person whose desire is satisfied with good things? Or how is he not believed to gain the benefit of complete forgiveness to whom a crown is given together with love and mercy? Therefore, let no one despairing of the physician remain in his infirmity; let no one, downplaying the mercy of God, waste away in iniquities. The apostle calls out that “Christ died for the ungodly.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 103:5 profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive provision and transformative power, portraying Him as the benevolent Sustainer who abundantly satisfies every deep longing and need. This divine satisfaction leads to a remarkable renewal of vitality and strength, likened to the majestic eagle's rejuvenation. Nestled within a psalm of fervent praise, this verse testifies to the Lord's enduring goodness, His active involvement in the well-being of His people, and His unique capacity to revitalize even the weary, granting them renewed vigor and purpose.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs Simile and Imagery to convey its profound message. The central simile "like the eagle's" directly compares the renewal of one's youth (meaning vigor and vitality) to the perceived rejuvenation of an eagle. This comparison is rich with imagery, evoking the majestic flight, keen sight, and formidable strength of the eagle, thereby symbolizing a powerful, comprehensive, and almost supernatural restoration. The use of "mouth" as a recipient of "good things" can also be seen as a metonymy, where a part (mouth) stands for the whole person and their holistic needs and desires, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's provision. This combination of devices creates a vivid and memorable picture of divine sustenance leading to a profound and enduring revitalization.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 103:5 powerfully articulates God's character as the ultimate Sustainer and Restorer. Theologically, it affirms His active involvement in the daily lives of His people, not merely as a distant Creator but as an intimate Provider who delights in bestowing "good things." This satisfaction extends beyond the material, touching the very core of one's being, leading to a holistic renewal that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and physical vitality. The verse points to God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to uphold and invigorate those who trust in Him, transforming weariness into soaring strength. It reminds us that true and lasting renewal comes not from human effort but from divine grace, flowing from God's inexhaustible goodness and mercy, which are "new every morning" and never fail.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 103:5 offers profound encouragement and a wellspring of hope for believers navigating the weariness and challenges of life. It reminds us that our God is not only capable of creating but also of sustaining and restoring. When we feel depleted, aged by anxieties, or spiritually fatigued, this verse directs our gaze to the Lord as the inexhaustible source of revitalization. It invites us to trust in His generous provision, recognizing that His "good things" are comprehensive, addressing every facet of our being. This renewal may manifest as a fresh burst of spiritual energy, renewed physical strength, emotional healing, or a restored sense of purpose and joy. It calls us to actively wait on the Lord, to praise Him for His continuous work in our lives, and to confidently anticipate His transforming power, turning our weariness into renewed strength, enabling us to rise above our circumstances with the vigor and perspective of an eagle.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "youth is renewed" imply physical rejuvenation or something else?
Answer: While the imagery of the eagle suggests a physical restoration of vigor, the phrase "thy youth is renewed" in Psalms 103:5 should be understood holistically, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and mental vitality, not merely a reversal of chronological aging. It speaks to a renewal of strength, energy, and a fresh outlook, much like the qualities associated with youth. God's provision and renewal are comprehensive, addressing the entire person, enabling them to live with renewed purpose and strength regardless of physical age. This divine renewal is distinct from human attempts at anti-aging, focusing instead on a deep, internal revitalization that impacts one's entire being.
What is the significance of the "eagle" in this verse?
Answer: The eagle (Hebrew: nesher) is a powerful and majestic bird, often associated with strength, longevity, high flight, and keen vision in ancient cultures. Its significance in Psalms 103:5 lies in the ancient observation of its molting process, where it sheds old, worn feathers and grows new, vibrant ones. This natural phenomenon was perceived as a profound act of self-renewal, symbolizing a dramatic regaining of strength, vitality, and even a fresh perspective. Thus, being "renewed like the eagle's" signifies a profound, almost miraculous, restoration of vigor and power, enabling one to rise above difficulties with renewed strength and clarity, much like the promise found in Isaiah 40:31.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 103:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's "good things" and the inexhaustible source of eternal renewal. He is the Bread of Life who truly satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger, and the Living Water that quenches our spiritual thirst, ensuring that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again. Just as the psalm speaks of forgiveness of sins and healing of diseases in Psalms 103:3, Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, offers complete forgiveness and spiritual healing, making us new creations in Him. The renewal of "youth like the eagle's" points forward to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, giving life to our mortal bodies and continually renewing our minds and spirits (Romans 8:11; Romans 12:2). Ultimately, Christ's resurrection is the supreme act of renewal, guaranteeing our future bodily resurrection and the promise that He will one day make all things new, bringing about a complete and eternal restoration that far surpasses any earthly renewal, culminating in a new heaven and a new earth.