Psalms 107:9

KJV

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he satisfieth {H7646} the longing {H8264} soul {H5315}, and filleth {H4390} the hungry {H7457} soul {H5315} with goodness {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has satisfied the hungry, filled the starving with good.

Berean Standard Bible

For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

American Standard Version

For he satisfieth the longing soul, And the hungry soul he filleth with good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:9 profoundly declares God's inherent character as the benevolent Provider who actively engages with and completely fulfills the deepest needs of humanity. It serves as a foundational statement within a psalm of thanksgiving, articulating that the Lord's consistent deliverance and abundant provision for those in distress stem directly from His compassionate nature, satisfying the soul's most profound yearnings and filling its emptiness with His boundless goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a majestic psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a repeated four-fold pattern that celebrates God's deliverance of various groups from distinct forms of distress. Each section (e.g., [wanderers in the wilderness](/psalms/107-4 "Psalm 107:4-9 - God Delivers Wanderers"), [prisoners in darkness](/psalms/107-10 "Psalm 107:10-16 - God Delivers Prisoners"), [fools afflicted by their own sin](/psalms/107-17 "Psalm 107:17-22 - God Delivers the Afflicted"), and [mariners facing storms](/psalms/107-23 "Psalm 107:23-32 - God Delivers Mariners")) describes a desperate situation, the people crying out to the Lord, His subsequent deliverance, and a concluding call to praise Him for His goodness and wonderful works. Verse 9 functions as a summarizing principle, explaining *why* God acts in such a delivering and providing manner—because it is His very nature to satisfy and fill the needy soul. It undergirds the entire psalm, providing the theological rationale for the repeated refrain "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for public worship or a communal thanksgiving ceremony, Psalm 107 reflects the common experiences and vulnerabilities of ancient Near Eastern life. Travel in the wilderness was fraught with danger, imprisonment was a harsh reality, and seafaring was perilous. The concept of "hunger" and "longing" would have resonated deeply in a society where sustenance was often precarious and life offered many hardships. The "goodness" (Hebrew: *tov*) with which God fills is not merely moral rectitude but encompasses all that is beneficial, prosperous, pleasant, and abundant—a holistic well-being that would have been highly valued in an agrarian society dependent on divine favor for survival and flourishing. This psalm would have served as a powerful reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, a source of comfort and encouragement in a challenging world.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 107 and the broader book of Psalms. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Compassion and Responsiveness**, emphasizing God's attentive ear and active hand in response to human need, as seen repeatedly when the distressed "cry out to the Lord" ([Psalms 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "Psalm 107:6 - Crying Out in Trouble"), [Psalms 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalm 107:13 - Crying Out from Darkness"), [Psalms 107:19](/psalms/107-19 "Psalm 107:19 - Crying Out in Affliction"), [Psalms 107:28](/psalms/107-28 "Psalm 107:28 - Crying Out in Storms")). It also underscores **God's Abundant Provision and Satisfaction**, portraying Him as the ultimate source of fulfillment for both physical and spiritual hunger, providing not just sustenance but "goodness" in its richest sense. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Unchanging Goodness**, portraying His actions as flowing from His inherent character, aligning with other declarations of divine benevolence found throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalms 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See God's Goodness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satisfieth (Hebrew, _śāḇaʿ_):** This verb means "to be sated," "to be filled," or "to have enough." It conveys a sense of complete and abundant fulfillment, not merely a partial alleviation of need. It implies that the hunger or longing is entirely removed, leaving no room for further desire in that specific area. The satisfaction provided by God is comprehensive and lasting.
* **Longing (Hebrew, _šôqēqāh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to run eagerly," "to pant after," or "to yearn," this term describes a soul that is intensely desirous, craving something deeply and often with a sense of urgency or desperation. It speaks to an internal, emotional, or spiritual yearning, a profound emptiness that seeks completion.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** A foundational and rich Hebrew concept, *ṭôḇ* encompasses far more than just moral excellence. It refers to that which is pleasant, beneficial, prosperous, excellent, beautiful, and complete. When God fills with "goodness," it implies a holistic provision that brings well-being, flourishing, and all that is truly beneficial for the soul, reflecting God's own perfect character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he satisfieth the longing soul":** This clause introduces the divine agent ("He," referring to the Lord) as the one who actively and completely fulfills the deepest, most intense yearnings of the human spirit. The "longing soul" represents an inner emptiness, a profound desire for meaning, purpose, peace, or spiritual connection that the world cannot provide. God is presented as the unique source capable of sating this profound, often existential, hunger.
* **"and filleth the hungry soul with goodness":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing and expanding upon the initial statement. "Filleth" echoes "satisfieth," emphasizing a complete replenishment. The "hungry soul" speaks to a more explicit sense of lack or emptiness, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The crucial addition here is "with goodness," specifying the quality and nature of God's provision. It's not just any filling, but one that is inherently beneficial, wholesome, and reflective of God's own benevolent character, bringing true flourishing and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where the second line or clause reiterates and often expands upon the idea of the first. "Satisfieth the longing soul" is paralleled by "filleth the hungry soul with goodness," with "longing" and "hungry" representing similar states of need, and "satisfieth" and "filleth" denoting the same divine action of providing. The addition of "with goodness" in the second clause enriches the meaning, specifying the quality of God's provision. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human-like actions (satisfying, filling) to God, making His divine care relatable and understandable. The imagery of a **Hungry Soul** and **Longing Soul** creates a vivid and empathetic picture of profound human need, making God's response all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:9 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering character as a benevolent and responsive Provider. It underscores the theological truth that God is not distant or indifferent to the human condition, but intimately involved, actively seeking to meet the deepest needs of His creation. This verse highlights His covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His goodness is not contingent on human merit but flows from His very nature. It reminds us that true satisfaction and fulfillment are found exclusively in Him, challenging the human tendency to seek contentment in worldly pursuits. The "goodness" with which He fills implies a holistic well-being—spiritual, emotional, and even physical—that transcends mere survival and leads to flourishing.

* [Psalms 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:9 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual compass for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by insatiable desires, spiritual emptiness, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting satisfactions, this verse anchors us in the unchanging truth that God alone can truly satisfy our "longing souls" and fill our "hungry souls with goodness." It calls us to honestly assess the areas of our lives where we feel a deep yearning or a profound lack—whether it's for peace, purpose, justice, love, or spiritual intimacy—and to bring those needs directly before God. It challenges us to shift our gaze from temporary solutions to the eternal Source of all good things, fostering a posture of dependence, trust, and gratitude. Recognizing that God's goodness is comprehensive, encompassing all that is beneficial for our well-being, empowers us to approach Him with confidence, knowing He delights in providing richly for His children. This verse invites us to experience the deep contentment that comes from resting in His provision, rather than striving endlessly for self-fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "longing soul" mean to you personally, and what specific longings are you currently bringing before God?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "filling your hungry soul with goodness," both spiritually and practically?**
* **How does the promise of God's satisfaction challenge the world's pervasive message that true fulfillment comes from material possessions or achievements?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of dependence on God for your deepest needs, rather than relying on your own efforts or external sources?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a "longing soul" and a "hungry soul" in this verse?**
Answer: While closely related and often used in parallel, the "longing soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh shoqeqah*) typically implies a deep, eager yearning or craving, often for something abstract like purpose, comfort, or spiritual connection. It suggests an intense inner desire. The "hungry soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh re'evah*), on the other hand, more directly refers to a state of profound lack or emptiness, similar to physical hunger, but applied to the soul's need for sustenance. Both terms highlight a profound human need that only God can truly satisfy, emphasizing different facets of spiritual and existential emptiness.

**Is God's "goodness" in this verse only about spiritual blessings?**
Answer: No, God's "goodness" (Hebrew: *tov*) in this context is comprehensive. While it certainly includes spiritual blessings like peace, righteousness, and a relationship with Him, *tov* also encompasses all that is beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, and excellent in a holistic sense. In the context of Psalm 107, where God delivers from physical dangers like wilderness wandering, imprisonment, and storms, "goodness" would also imply physical provision, safety, health, and general well-being. Therefore, God fills our souls with His goodness in every dimension of our lives—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, according to His perfect will and wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's goodness and the complete satisfaction for every longing and hungry soul. While the psalm speaks of God's provision for physical and immediate needs, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one who truly satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. He declared, "[I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")." He also promised "[living water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")" to those who believe in Him, ensuring that "[whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")". The "goodness" with which God fills is perfectly manifested in Christ, who is God's ultimate gift to humanity, providing not just sustenance but eternal life and abundant grace ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus addresses the most fundamental hunger of the human soul—the hunger for reconciliation with God and forgiveness of sins ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). He is the one who gives rest to the weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), satisfying the soul's deepest longing for peace, purpose, and belonging. Thus, in Christ, the promise of Psalms 107:9 is fully realized, offering a divine provision that transcends earthly needs and leads to eternal, overflowing goodness.

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

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Jeremiah 31:25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Psalms 34:10

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

Luke 1:53

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Psalms 146:7

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.