Psalms 104:28

KJV

[That] thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou givest {H5414} them they gather {H3950}: thou openest {H6605} thine hand {H3027}, they are filled {H7646} with good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you give it to them, they gather it; when you open your hand, they are well satisfied.

Berean Standard Bible

When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

American Standard Version

Thou givest unto them, they gather; Thou openest thy hand, they are satisfied with good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:28 offers a profound theological statement on God's active and benevolent sustenance of all living creatures. Situated within a majestic hymn celebrating the Creator's wisdom and power as displayed in the natural world, this verse specifically emphasizes the direct, continuous, and generous provision by which every living thing receives its daily needs. It highlights the absolute dependence of all life on the divine hand, underscoring that abundance, well-being, and flourishing are solely the result of God's overflowing goodness and unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, often viewed as a poetic meditation on the creation narrative found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The psalm systematically unfolds God's creative work, moving from the cosmic elements—heavens, light, waters—to the earth's foundations, the cycles of nature, and the teeming life within it. Verses 27-30 mark a significant shift in focus from God's initial act of creation to His ongoing role as Preserver and Sustainer. The preceding verses, such as [Psalms 104:25-27](/psalms/104-25-27 "Psalms 104:25-27 - God Sustains Sea Creatures and Land Animals"), describe the vastness of the sea and its myriad creatures, alongside the land animals that "wait upon" God for their food. Verse 28, therefore, functions as a pivotal summary of this divine sustenance, articulating the precise mechanism by which God's creatures receive their provision, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that speak to the fragility of life without God's sustaining breath and presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, daily life was inextricably linked to the rhythms of nature and the perceived favor of divine powers. Agricultural societies were acutely aware of their profound dependence on seasonal rains, fertile land, and the health of their livestock. Unlike the often capricious or demanding deities depicted in polytheistic cultures, the Israelite understanding, as eloquently expressed in this psalm, presented Yahweh as the singular, benevolent, and utterly reliable Sustainer of all life. The imagery of God "opening His hand" would have resonated deeply with a people whose very existence was a daily testament to divine provision, whether through the consistent return of the harvest, the abundance of wild game, or the life-giving rains. This context illuminates a worldview where divine involvement was not merely a historical event at creation but an active, moment-by-moment reality for all existence, fostering a deep sense of dependence and gratitude.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes woven throughout Psalm 104 and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, asserting God as the ultimate and sole source of all sustenance. He is not merely a distant creator but an intimately involved provider who actively gives life and nourishment to every creature, from the great sea creatures mentioned in [Psalms 104:25](/psalms/104-25 "Psalms 104:25 - The Great and Wide Sea") to the wild animals seeking their food in [Psalms 104:27](/psalms/104-27 "Psalms 104:27 - Animals Waiting on God"). Secondly, it highlights the **Absolute Dependence of Creation** on its Creator. All living things are portrayed as entirely reliant on God's active generosity; they "gather" only what He "gives," illustrating a passive reception of His active supply. This dependence is not a weakness but a fundamental aspect of the created order. Finally, the verse emphasizes **God's Abundance and Goodness**. When God "opens His hand," the result is not mere survival but being "filled with good," signifying a lavish, satisfying, and comprehensive provision that reflects the overflowing generosity and inherent goodness of the Creator, desiring the flourishing of all He has made.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **givest (Hebrew, _nâthan'_ H5414):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to give, put, make, appoint, bestow," and more. In Psalms 104:28, it signifies God's active, initiating, and continuous act of provision. It implies a deliberate and intentional dispensing of resources, highlighting God's role as the primary source from whom all sustenance flows. This word emphasizes divine generosity and the unceasing nature of God's giving.
* **openest (Hebrew, _pâthach'_ H6605) thine hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_ H3027):** This vivid anthropomorphic phrase pictures God extending His hand to dispense blessings. The verb `pâthach` means "to open wide," implying an unreserved, unhindered, and generous act. Coupled with `yâd` (hand), which can denote power, means, or direction, the phrase conveys a deliberate, intentional, and abundant release of resources. It suggests God's active engagement and boundless generosity in sustaining His creation, not a grudging or limited supply, but an overflowing outpouring.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_ H2896):** This rich Hebrew word extends far beyond simple moral goodness. In this context, it encompasses all that is beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, satisfying, and conducive to well-being and flourishing. To be "filled with good" means to be filled with prosperity, satisfaction, and all things necessary for a thriving existence. It reflects God's desire for His creation to not just survive, but to truly flourish and experience comprehensive well-being, demonstrating His inherent goodness and bountiful nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou givest them they gather:"** This clause establishes the fundamental dynamic of divine provision and creaturely reception. It clearly states that the origin of all sustenance is God's active "giving" (H5414). The creatures, in turn, "gather" (H3950) what is provided, indicating their natural instinct, effort, and responsiveness to collect the resources God has made available. This highlights both God's initiating generosity and the creature's responsive action, all within the framework of divine design and dependence.
* **"thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good."** This second clause elaborates on the nature and outcome of God's provision. The powerful image of God "opening His hand" (H6605, H3027) signifies a lavish, unreserved outpouring of blessings. The result is not just adequacy, but being "filled" (H7646) "with good" (H2896), conveying a sense of complete satisfaction, abundance, and comprehensive well-being. It underscores that God's provision is not minimal but overflowing, designed to bring flourishing and contentment to all living things, reflecting His character as a generous Provider.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:28 is rich in **Imagery** and **Anthropomorphism**. The most prominent device is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is depicted with human characteristics, specifically "opening His hand." This vivid image makes the abstract concept of divine provision tangible and relatable, conveying God's personal and active involvement in sustaining His creation. It evokes a sense of intimate care and boundless generosity. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism** in its structure, with the first clause ("That thou givest them they gather") setting up a cause-and-effect relationship that is then reinforced and expanded upon in the second clause ("thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good"). This structural repetition emphasizes the direct correlation between God's action and creation's well-being. The phrase "filled with good" also serves as a powerful instance of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, indicating not just enough, but an overflowing, comprehensive supply that meets every need, highlighting the lavishness of God's provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:28 serves as a foundational statement regarding God's role as the benevolent Sustainer of all life, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the daily sustenance of His creation, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and overflowing goodness. This divine provision extends beyond mere existence to a state of flourishing and satisfaction, reflecting God's desire for the well-being of all He has made. This verse invites humanity to recognize their own complete dependence on God for every good thing, fostering a spirit of trust and profound gratitude, and reminding us that all life is a gift from His generous hand.

* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Cares for the Birds")
* [Psalms 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15-16 "Psalms 145:15-16 - God Satisfies Every Living Thing")
* [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:28 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to reorient our perspective on daily life. It reminds us that our Heavenly Father is not only the Creator but also the active, moment-by-moment Sustainer of all existence, including our own lives. This truth should cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's provision, especially when we face uncertainties, anxieties about the future, or feel overwhelmed by our needs. Just as God meticulously provides for every creature, He promises to care for us, His beloved children, even more so, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 6:32](/matthew/6-32 "Matthew 6:32 - God Knows Your Needs"). This verse also serves as a powerful antidote to a spirit of self-sufficiency, calling us to acknowledge our complete dependence on God for every breath, every meal, and every good thing. It encourages a lifestyle of profound gratitude, recognizing that all abundance and well-being are gifts from His open hand. Furthermore, it challenges us to live with open hands ourselves, trusting that as we give what we have received, God will continue to provide, enabling us to be channels of His goodness to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "opening His hand" impact your understanding of His character and provision?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's provision, and how might this verse encourage you to rely more fully on Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's daily sustenance and to share His provision with others?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that humans have no responsibility in obtaining their sustenance?**

Answer: Not at all. The phrase "they gather" clearly indicates a responsive action on the part of creation. While God is the ultimate source who "gives" and "opens His hand," creatures are still depicted as actively collecting or utilizing what He provides. For humans, this translates into the principle of work and stewardship. God provides the resources (fertile land, rain, seeds, opportunities, skills), but humans are called to cultivate, sow, harvest, and manage these resources responsibly. This verse beautifully balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility, showing that our efforts are not independent but are always in response to and dependent upon God's prior and ongoing provision. It reminds us that even our ability to "gather" and work is a gift from His hand, enabling us to participate in His ongoing creative and sustaining work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's sustaining provision. Just as the Father sustains all creation, so too does Christ uphold "all things by the word of His power" as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things"). He is not merely a provider of physical sustenance but the "bread of life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who gives spiritual nourishment that truly fills and satisfies. The manna in the wilderness, mentioned in [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven") and referenced in the psalm's broader context of provision, foreshadowed Christ, the true bread from heaven who gives life to the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Through Him, we are not just "filled with good" in a temporal sense, but we receive abundant and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the one in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ is Before All Things")), ensuring that God's ongoing act of creation and sustenance is perfectly executed. Thus, the open hand of God, pouring out "good," is most perfectly revealed in the pierced hands of Christ, who gave Himself to provide ultimate spiritual and eternal good for all who believe, inviting us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 145:16

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