Psalms 145:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou openest {H6605} thine hand {H3027}, and satisfiest {H7646} the desire {H7522} of every living thing {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Berean Standard Bible

You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

American Standard Version

Thou openest thy hand, And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:16 is a profound declaration of God's boundless benevolence and universal provision, portraying Him as the ultimate Sustainer of all creation. It vividly depicts the Lord's active and generous involvement in meeting the needs and fulfilling the inherent longings of every living creature, underscoring His compassionate character and the comprehensive scope of His care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 stands as a magnificent psalm of praise, attributed to King David, and is unique in being one of the few acrostic psalms where each verse (or pair of verses) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though one verse, Nun, is missing in the Masoretic Text but present in the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls). This structured praise emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's attributes, moving from His majestic greatness and eternal kingdom (verses 1-13) to His compassionate care for all creation. Verse 16 specifically fits within a section (verses 14-20) that highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His creatures, His faithfulness to His promises, and His readiness to hear and answer those who call upon Him. It transitions from His general goodness to His specific, tangible provision, serving as a concrete example of His benevolent reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of divine provision was central to understanding the relationship between gods and humanity. Unlike the capricious deities of pagan mythologies, the God of Israel is consistently portrayed as a faithful and benevolent provider. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, dependent on rain, fertile land, and successful harvests, the "open hand" of God was a tangible reality experienced through the cycles of nature. The king, as God's representative, was also expected to be a provider for his people, reflecting the divine attribute. This verse would have resonated deeply with a people whose daily existence was intimately tied to the land and the direct provision of God, reinforcing their trust in His sustaining power. It also speaks to the broader ancient understanding of creation, where the Creator actively maintains His cosmos, not merely setting it in motion and then withdrawing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Universal Provision**, extending His care not just to humanity but to "every living thing," a theme echoed in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") where God creates and sustains all life, and further seen in passages like [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Cares for Birds") where Jesus points to God's care for the birds of the air. Secondly, the imagery of God's "open hand" highlights **Divine Generosity and Benevolence**. This is not a reluctant or limited giving, but an overflowing abundance, consistent with God's character as revealed in His covenant faithfulness and His desire to bless His creation. Finally, the verse speaks to **Fulfillment and Satisfaction**, indicating that God's provision is not merely sufficient for survival but leads to contentment and the fulfillment of inherent needs and desires. This theme resonates with the spiritual satisfaction found in God's presence, as described in [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **openest (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** From H6605, this primitive root means "to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve." In this context, it vividly describes God's action of unreservedly extending His hand, not merely partially opening it, but "opening wide," implying an abundant and unrestricted release of provision. It suggests a deliberate and generous act, contrasting with a closed or withholding posture.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)." Beyond the literal appendage, "hand" frequently signifies power, authority, means, and agency. God's "open hand" is thus a powerful anthropomorphic image for His active power and benevolent agency in providing for His creation. It is the instrument through which His will and abundant resources are dispensed.
* **satisfiest (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** From H7646, this primitive root means "to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, self, with)." This word implies more than just providing sustenance; it conveys a sense of complete fulfillment, contentment, and abundance that goes beyond mere survival. God's provision is not meager but is sufficient to bring genuine satisfaction and a sense of being "full."
* **living thing (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, this word means "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing)." The phrase "every living thing" (kol-chai) emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of God's provision, encompassing all forms of animate life, from the smallest creature to the largest, including humanity. It underscores God's role as the sustainer of the entire biosphere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou openest thine hand,"**: This clause presents a powerful anthropomorphic image of God. The "open hand" signifies an act of generous and unreserved giving. It contrasts with a clenched or closed hand, which would denote withholding or scarcity. Here, God is depicted as actively and willingly extending His power and resources to provide. This action is the source of all sustenance.
* **"and satisfiest the desire"**: Following the act of opening His hand, God proceeds to "satisfy." This implies not just meeting basic needs but fulfilling the inherent longings and requirements of His creatures to the point of contentment and fullness. The word "desire" (râtsôwn) here refers to the innate needs and natural appetites of living beings for sustenance, well-being, and flourishing. God's provision is perfectly aligned with these deep-seated requirements.
* **"of every living thing."**: This final clause emphasizes the universal and comprehensive scope of God's provision. It is not limited to a select few or even just humanity, but extends to all animate life on earth. This highlights God's sovereign care over the entirety of His creation, demonstrating His meticulous attention to detail and His benevolent concern for the welfare of all creatures He has made.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 145:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine provision. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human characteristics, specifically "Thou openest thine hand." This imagery makes the abstract concept of God's provision tangible and relatable, portraying Him as a loving and active giver. The phrase "every living thing" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Universalism**, emphasizing the vast and all-encompassing scope of God's care, extending beyond humanity to the entire animal kingdom. This broad declaration underscores the immensity of God's benevolent reach. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the visual of an "open hand" dispensing blessings and the sensory experience of "satisfying the desire," evoking a sense of fullness, contentment, and well-being. These devices combine to create a vivid and comforting picture of God as the ultimate, unfailing Sustainer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to God's character as the sovereign and benevolent Sustainer of all life. It underscores His active involvement in His creation, demonstrating that He is not a distant deity but one who intimately cares for the needs of every creature. The "open hand" signifies His limitless generosity and His delight in providing for His creation, flowing from His very nature of goodness and love. This divine provision is not merely about survival but about flourishing and satisfaction, reflecting God's desire for His creation to thrive. It challenges any notion of a God who is indifferent or limited in His capacity to provide, instead presenting Him as the ultimate source of all good things, on whom all life depends for its very existence and well-being.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Cares for Birds")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:16 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's unfailing provision. In a world often marked by anxiety over scarcity and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that our Creator is actively engaged in sustaining all life, from the largest creature to the smallest. For believers, it fosters a deep sense of gratitude and encourages a posture of dependence, knowing that if God cares for "every living thing," He will surely care for His children, who are made in His image and redeemed by His grace. This truth should alleviate our anxieties about daily needs, prompting us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, confident that all other things will be added to us. Moreover, recognizing God's boundless generosity should inspire us to reflect His character in our own lives, cultivating open hands to share our resources, time, and talents with others, especially those in need, becoming conduits of His provision in the world. It calls us to live with contentment, finding our ultimate satisfaction not in what we possess, but in the God who provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's "open hand" challenge my anxieties about future provision or scarcity?**
* **In what specific ways can I recognize and give thanks for God's provision in my daily life, beyond just material needs?**
* **If God satisfies the desire of "every living thing," how does this truth encourage me to trust Him with my deepest longings and spiritual needs?**
* **How can I, as a recipient of God's open hand, cultivate an "open hand" posture in my own life towards others?**

### FAQ
**Does "every living thing" in this verse include humans, or is it primarily referring to animals?**

Answer: While the phrase "every living thing" (Hebrew: _kol-chai_) is broad and certainly encompasses all animate creation, including animals, it absolutely includes humanity. Throughout the Psalms, God's provision for both humanity and the animal kingdom is a recurring theme. As the pinnacle of His creation, made in His image, humans are certainly beneficiaries of God's "open hand." The verse highlights the universal scope of God's benevolent care, demonstrating that His sustaining power extends to all life, with humanity being a primary recipient of His intricate and loving provision, both physically and spiritually. For instance, [Matthew 6:26-33](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26-33 - Do Not Worry") explicitly connects God's care for birds to His even greater care for humans.

**How does God "open His hand" and satisfy desires in contemporary times?**

Answer: God continues to "open His hand" today through both natural and supernatural means. Naturally, His provision is seen in the consistent cycles of nature, the fertility of the earth, the rain that waters crops, and the intricate ecosystems that sustain life. Supernaturally, He provides through direct answers to prayer, unexpected opportunities, the generosity of others, and the wisdom He grants for managing resources. For believers, His provision extends beyond physical needs to spiritual satisfaction, offering peace, joy, and purpose through His Spirit. Ultimately, His greatest act of opening His hand is seen in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who provides eternal life and true spiritual fulfillment, as highlighted in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

**Is this verse a promise for material wealth or prosperity for believers?**

Answer: This verse primarily speaks to God's universal provision for the basic needs and desires that lead to sustenance and satisfaction for all living things. It emphasizes God's faithfulness as a Sustainer, not necessarily a guarantor of material wealth or prosperity in the modern sense. While God does bless His people, and material blessings can be part of that, the core message is about His reliable care for fundamental well-being and the fulfillment of inherent needs, leading to contentment. The "desire" (râtsôwn) here is more about the natural longing for life and sustenance, not necessarily for excessive riches. Believers are called to seek God's kingdom first, trusting that He will provide what is truly needed, as taught in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "open hand," through whom all of God's benevolent provision flows. Just as God satisfies the desire of every living thing, Jesus declared Himself to be the "bread of life" who truly satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger, promising that "whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the "living water" that quenches the soul's thirst, as offered to the Samaritan woman ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). In Christ, God's desire to provide is fully realized, not just for physical sustenance, but for eternal life and spiritual flourishing. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of God opening His hand, giving His Son to satisfy humanity's greatest need—redemption from sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through Him, believers receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), demonstrating that God's provision in Christ is abundant, comprehensive, and eternally satisfying.

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 104:28

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

Psalms 107:9

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

Psalms 132:15

I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Job 38:27

To satisfy the desolate and waste [ground]; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?