Psalms 107:5

KJV

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hungry {H7457} and thirsty {H6771}, their soul {H5315} fainted {H5848} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were hungry and thirsty, their life was ebbing away.

Berean Standard Bible

They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them.

American Standard Version

Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:5 profoundly captures the dire state of those in extreme distress, depicting a scene of utter physical deprivation and inner collapse. The vivid imagery of being "hungry and thirsty" coupled with the soul "fainting" portrays a comprehensive vulnerability that precedes a desperate cry for divine intervention. This verse serves as a poignant prelude to God's compassionate response and miraculous deliverance, emphasizing the depth of human helplessness and the absolute necessity of divine rescue when all earthly hope is extinguished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 107 is a magnificent communal psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a recurring pattern of distress, crying out to the Lord, God's deliverance, and a call to give thanks. The psalm recounts four distinct scenarios of human suffering and divine salvation. Verses 4-9 introduce the first group: those who "wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in" ([Psalms 107:4](/psalms/107-4 "Psalms 107:4 - Wandering in the Wilderness")). Verse 5 specifically details their dire condition – a situation of profound physical and spiritual exhaustion – which then directly leads to their cry to the Lord in [Psalms 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "Psalms 107:6 - Crying Out to the Lord"). This narrative progression highlights the depth of human helplessness and the necessity of God's intervention when all other hope is lost, setting the stage for the subsequent celebration of His steadfast love.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of wandering, hunger, and thirst in a desolate wilderness would have resonated deeply with ancient Israelites, recalling their foundational experience of the Exodus and the forty years in the desert. This was a period marked by profound reliance on God for daily sustenance, as seen in the provision of manna and water from the rock ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")). Beyond this specific historical memory, the ancient Near East was characterized by vast, arid regions where travel was perilous. Lack of water and food was a constant threat, and finding a "city to dwell in" or even a hospitable oasis was a matter of survival. The concept of hospitality was therefore paramount, and the suffering described in this verse speaks to a complete lack of such provision, placing the wanderers in an acutely vulnerable and life-threatening situation, far from any human aid or comfort.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 107 and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Extreme Vulnerability and Deprivation**, depicting the most basic human needs unmet, signifying not mere discomfort but a life-threatening situation of utter physical destitution. This vulnerability is often a prerequisite for divine intervention, as seen in the wilderness wanderings of Israel where God miraculously provided for His people ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")). Furthermore, the phrase "their soul fainted in them" introduces the theme of **Profound Inner Despair**, moving beyond physical weakness to a deep spiritual and emotional collapse. This highlights the comprehensive nature of human suffering and the need for a holistic deliverance. Finally, the verse serves as a critical element in **Setting the Stage for Deliverance**, illustrating the depth of human helplessness and the complete inability of the distressed to save themselves. By highlighting such extreme need, the psalm magnifies the glory of God as the sole deliverer and provider, emphasizing that His intervention is often most evident when human resources are entirely depleted, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hungry (Hebrew, _ra'eb_):** This adjective denotes a state of severe hunger, often implying starvation or extreme lack of food. It goes beyond mere appetite to describe a physical condition of deprivation that threatens life. In biblical contexts, hunger is frequently associated with testing, judgment, or a profound need that only God can satisfy, as seen in the wilderness narratives.
* **Thirsty (Hebrew, _tsame'_):** Similar to "hungry," this adjective describes intense thirst, indicating a desperate need for water. In arid regions, water scarcity was a matter of life and death, and the experience of thirst could quickly lead to physical collapse and death. Spiritually, thirst often symbolizes a deep longing for God or His word, as found in [Psalms 42:2](/psalms/42-2 "Psalms 42:2 - Thirst for God").
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_):** This multifaceted Hebrew noun refers to the entire living being, encompassing life, breath, self, person, appetite, emotion, and inner being. It is not merely a spiritual component but the totality of one's existence. When the _nephesh_ is described as "fainting," it signifies a comprehensive collapse affecting the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the person.
* **Fainted (Hebrew, _'ataph_):** The verb here means to be feeble, to grow faint, to be overwhelmed, or to cover oneself (as in a shroud, implying despair or death). It conveys a sense of utter weakness and surrender, not just mild fatigue but a complete giving way. When applied to the "soul" (_nephesh_), it emphasizes the profound and debilitating nature of their distress, affecting not just their bodies but their very inner being, leading to a state of spiritual and emotional prostration and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hungry and thirsty":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a scene of profound physical deprivation. It describes the most basic human needs being unmet, signifying a life-threatening situation. The dual mention emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their physical suffering, suggesting prolonged exposure to harsh conditions without sustenance.
* **"their soul fainted in them":** This clause moves beyond mere physical discomfort to describe a deep internal collapse. The "soul" (_nephesh_), representing the entire being—mind, will, emotions, and spirit—is depicted as losing strength and succumbing to overwhelming weariness and despair. This signifies not just physical fatigue but a profound emotional and spiritual prostration, indicating a loss of hope and vitality from within. It suggests that the external physical hardship has led to an internal, existential crisis.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of suffering. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of physical deprivation ("hungry and thirsty") that is immediately relatable and evokes empathy. The phrase "their soul fainted in them" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the human action of fainting to the abstract concept of the "soul" or inner being, thereby emphasizing the profound and comprehensive nature of their internal collapse. This is also a form of **Synecdoche**, where the "soul" represents the entire person, indicating that the distress affects every aspect of their existence. The verse also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of their weakness to underscore the extremity of their need, thereby magnifying the subsequent divine intervention. Furthermore, the two clauses exhibit a form of **Cause and Effect**, where the physical hunger and thirst are the cause, leading to the effect of the soul fainting, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:5 resonates deeply with the biblical theme of human dependence on God, particularly in moments of extreme vulnerability. It echoes the wilderness narratives where God's people were brought to the brink of starvation and thirst to teach them reliance on His miraculous provision ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")). This verse underscores the theological truth that human weakness and desperation often serve as the prelude to divine revelation and intervention. When the soul faints, it is a stark reminder that human strength and resources are finite, paving the way for God to demonstrate His infinite power and compassion. The experience of profound need becomes an invitation to cry out to the only One who can truly satisfy and restore, highlighting God's role as the ultimate Sustainer and Deliverer, who hears the cries of the helpless and provides for their deepest needs.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Strength to the Faint")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:5 offers a profound mirror for the human experience, reminding us that life inevitably presents challenges that can leave us feeling "hungry and thirsty," not only physically but emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. There are seasons when our "soul faints within us," moments of profound depletion, despondency, or spiritual weariness where our inner reserves are completely exhausted. This verse encourages us to acknowledge these moments of vulnerability without shame, recognizing them as a universal aspect of the human condition. It teaches us that such extreme need is not an end but often a crucial turning point, a divinely orchestrated moment that strips away self-reliance and prepares us to look beyond ourselves. It is in these moments of utter weakness that we are most primed to cry out to God, recognizing His omnipotence and our complete dependence on His grace and provision. This vulnerability becomes an invitation to experience God's power made perfect in weakness, finding in Him the ultimate source of sustenance, strength, and hope for our fainting souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "hungry and thirsty," whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **When has your "soul fainted" within you, and what did that experience teach you about your own limitations and God's sufficiency?**
* **How does recognizing your profound need encourage you to cry out to the Lord, rather than relying on your own strength or other earthly sources?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the "soul" to faint, and how does this relate to physical hunger and thirst?**

Answer: For the "soul" (Hebrew: _nephesh_, representing the entire inner being—mind, emotions, will, and spirit) to faint means to experience a profound internal collapse, a deep weariness that goes beyond mere physical fatigue. While the verse begins with physical hunger and thirst, the fainting of the soul indicates that the physical deprivation has led to an overwhelming sense of despair, hopelessness, and spiritual prostration. It suggests that prolonged physical suffering can deplete one's inner vitality, leading to a comprehensive breakdown of one's will to endure. This holistic portrayal emphasizes that human beings are not just bodies but integrated wholes, and extreme physical distress inevitably impacts the inner person, leading to a spiritual and emotional crisis that only divine intervention can address, as seen when God provides rest and renewal for the weary ([Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Strength to the Faint")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's compassionate response to a fainting humanity. The imagery of "hungry and thirsty" souls resonates with Christ's identification with the suffering and marginalized, and His profound empathy for those in desperate need ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35 - Jesus Identifies with the Needy")). He himself experienced hunger and thirst in the wilderness temptation ([Matthew 4:2](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")) and on the cross ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus Thirsts on the Cross")), demonstrating His solidarity with our human frailty. More profoundly, Jesus declares Himself to be the ultimate satisfaction for every fainting soul, proclaiming, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the living water that quenches spiritual thirst, offering eternal life to those who drink of Him ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Through His atoning work, Christ provides not just physical sustenance, but the spiritual nourishment and rest that revives the soul, transforming despair into hope and weakness into strength, truly fulfilling the promise of divine deliverance for all who cry out to Him.

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

Mark 8:2

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

Mark 8:3

And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

Isaiah 44:12

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

1 Samuel 30:11

And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water;

1 Samuel 30:12

And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk [any] water, three days and three nights.

Judges 15:18

¶ And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

Judges 15:19

But God clave an hollow place that [was] in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which [is] in Lehi unto this day.