Psalms 22:26

KJV

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

The meek {H6035} shall eat {H398} and be satisfied {H7646}: they shall praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068} that seek {H1875} him: your heart {H3824} shall live {H2421} for ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek ADONAI will praise him; Your hearts will enjoy life forever.

Berean Standard Bible

The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!

American Standard Version

The meek shall eat and be satisfied; They shall praise Jehovah that seek after him: Let your heart live for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:26 serves as a pivotal declaration of hope and divine promise, emerging from the profound suffering depicted earlier in this Messianic psalm. It assures that those who are humble and earnestly seek the Lord will experience deep spiritual satisfaction, find abundant provision, and naturally respond with heartfelt praise, culminating in an enduring, vibrant spiritual life that transcends temporal bounds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a profound shift within [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross"). The psalm begins with the agonizing cry of dereliction in [verse 1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"), vividly portraying intense suffering and isolation, widely understood as prophetic of Christ's crucifixion. However, a dramatic turning point occurs around [verse 22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - Declaration of Praise"), where the psalmist transitions from lament to a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and a commitment to praise Him in the great congregation. [Psalm 22:26](/psalms/22-26 "Psalm 22:26 - The Meek Shall Be Satisfied") is situated firmly within this section of confident expectation and promised blessing (verses 22-31), which anticipates a future where all the ends of the earth remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations worship before Him, signifying a universal redemptive impact.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross"), emerged from the rich tapestry of ancient Israelite worship, lament, and thanksgiving. The concept of "the meek" (Hebrew: _‘anawim_) is crucial here, referring not merely to those who are economically poor, but more profoundly to those who are humble, afflicted, and dependent on God rather than on worldly power or self-sufficiency. In a society where social status and material wealth often dictated one's standing, the _‘anawim_ represented a counter-cultural posture of faith and reliance on divine justice and provision. The promise to "eat and be satisfied" would resonate deeply in an agrarian society where food security was paramount, symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also the spiritual abundance and covenant blessings that flow from a right relationship with Yahweh. This promise would evoke images of communal feasts and the satisfaction found in God's presence, echoing the themes of provision seen from [the wilderness wanderings](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness") to the promised land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **blessing of humility and dependence on God**, emphasizing that the "meek" – those who are lowly and trust in the Lord – are the recipients of His favor. This resonates with the Beatitudes, where Jesus declares that [the meek shall inherit the earth](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude of the Meek"). Secondly, it speaks to **divine provision and profound satisfaction**, promising that God will not only meet the needs of His faithful but will do so abundantly, leading to a deep, abiding contentment that transcends mere physical sustenance. This echoes the spiritual nourishment offered by God, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **reciprocal nature of seeking God and offering praise**, illustrating that genuine experience of God's goodness naturally elicits heartfelt adoration and thanksgiving. Finally, the declaration that "your heart shall live for ever" points to **enduring spiritual vitality and eternal life**, a promise of perpetual communion and joy in God's presence, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of [eternal life through faith in Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:3 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meek (Hebrew, _‘anawim'_):** The Hebrew term עֲנָוִים (_‘anawim_) refers to those who are humble, lowly, and often afflicted, yet who patiently trust in God. It implies a spiritual posture of dependence and submission to God's will, often in the face of adversity or oppression. Unlike mere poverty, _‘anawim_ denotes a spiritual quality of humility and reliance on divine justice and provision.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _śāba‘'_):** From the Hebrew root שָׂבַע (_śāba‘_), meaning to be full, sated, or completely content. This word conveys a deep, abiding fulfillment that goes beyond the temporary cessation of hunger. It suggests an abundance that leaves no desire unfulfilled, speaking to both physical and spiritual satiation provided by God.
* **Live for ever (Hebrew, _yechi la‘ad'_):** The phrase יְחִי לָעַד (_yechi la‘ad_) literally translates to "live to eternity" or "live forever." It speaks to perpetual life, enduring vitality, and an unending spiritual existence. In this context, it signifies a heart that finds its ultimate, vibrant, and unending life in God's presence and through His sustaining power, transcending the limitations of mortal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The meek shall eat and be satisfied:"** This clause promises divine provision and deep contentment to the humble and dependent. "Eating" signifies sustenance, while "being satisfied" points to a profound fulfillment that addresses not only physical hunger but also spiritual longing. It implies that God will abundantly supply all needs for those who posture themselves in humility before Him.
* **"they shall praise the LORD that seek him:"** This part highlights the natural and reciprocal outcome of experiencing God's provision and satisfaction. Those who earnestly "seek" the Lord—who diligently pursue a relationship with Him and His ways—will inevitably encounter His goodness, leading to an overflow of heartfelt praise and worship. It underscores that true worship flows from a lived experience of God's faithfulness.
* **"your heart shall live for ever."** This powerful declaration speaks to an enduring spiritual vitality and eternal hope. The "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_) represents the core of one's being, including intellect, will, and emotion. For it to "live for ever" signifies not merely prolonged existence, but a vibrant, unending life characterized by joy, peace, and communion with God, secured by His eternal covenant and ultimately fulfilled in the Messianic age.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a subtle form of **synthetic parallelism**, where the second and third clauses build upon and expand the meaning of the first. "Eat and be satisfied" (provision) is linked to "praise the LORD that seek him" (response to provision), which then culminates in "your heart shall live for ever" (the ultimate, enduring outcome of this divine-human relationship). This progression highlights a cause-and-effect relationship: humility and seeking lead to satisfaction, which in turn leads to praise and eternal life. The act of "eating and being satisfied" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual nourishment and profound fulfillment that God provides. It extends beyond mere physical sustenance to encompass a deep, soul-level contentment found only in Him. Similarly, "your heart shall live for ever" uses the **metaphor** of enduring life to convey perpetual spiritual vitality and eternal communion with God, rather than a literal biological immortality of the heart organ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:26 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as a faithful provider and sustainer, particularly for those who humble themselves before Him. It reiterates the covenant promise of blessing for obedience and trust, moving beyond mere material prosperity to encompass deep spiritual satisfaction and eternal life. This verse underscores that true blessedness is not found in worldly abundance or self-reliance, but in a profound relationship with Yahweh, where seeking Him leads to an overflowing of His grace and an enduring hope. It highlights a core theological truth: God delights in nourishing the humble and those who earnestly pursue Him, culminating in an eternal relationship of praise and vitality.

* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude of the Meek")
* [Psalm 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")
* [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - Invitation to Spiritual Sustenance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly chasing fleeting satisfactions and temporary highs, Psalms 22:26 offers a timeless counter-narrative, inviting us to find our deepest fulfillment in God alone. It challenges us to embrace a posture of humility, recognizing our dependence on divine provision rather than our own strength or worldly pursuits. This verse calls us to actively and continually seek the Lord, assuring us that such a pursuit is never in vain but leads to profound spiritual nourishment and an overflowing heart of praise. Furthermore, the promise of an "ever-living heart" provides immense comfort and hope, reminding us that our ultimate joy and vitality are secured in God, extending beyond the limitations of this earthly life. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing our present contentment and future hope to anchor our faith and inspire our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to embrace humility and rely on God's provision?**
* **How does the promise of "satisfaction" in God challenge your pursuit of worldly pleasures or achievements?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more diligently "seek the LORD" in your daily life, and how might that lead to increased praise?**
* **How does the assurance that "your heart shall live for ever" impact your perspective on current challenges and future hopes?**

### FAQ
**What does "the meek" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 22:26, "the meek" translates the Hebrew term _‘anawim_ (עֲנָוִים). This word refers to those who are humble, lowly, and often afflicted, but who demonstrate a profound dependence on God. It's not just about economic status, but a spiritual posture of humility and trust in the Lord's justice and provision, rather than relying on one's own strength or worldly power. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitude of the Meek"), where Jesus blesses the meek.

**How does "eat and be satisfied" relate to spiritual nourishment?**

Answer: While "eat and be satisfied" certainly implies physical provision, in a spiritual context, it signifies a deep, abiding fulfillment of the soul. Just as physical food sustains the body, God's presence, His Word, and His grace nourish the spirit, leading to profound contentment and peace that the world cannot offer. This spiritual sustenance is often linked to God's covenant blessings and His abundant provision for His people, similar to the "bread of life" spoken of by Jesus in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life").

**What is the significance of "your heart shall live for ever"?**

Answer: This phrase, "your heart shall live for ever," speaks to an enduring spiritual vitality and perpetual life. The "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_) in biblical thought represents the core of one's being—intellect, will, emotions. Thus, for the heart to "live for ever" means to experience an unending, vibrant life characterized by joy, peace, and communion with God. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of [eternal life](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life Defined") offered through Christ, where believers receive an indestructible spiritual life that transcends physical death and finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:26 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "meek" one, the suffering servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who perfectly embodied humility and dependence on God, even to the point of death on the cross, as prophetically detailed in the earlier verses of [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross"). It is through His sacrifice that the "meek" are truly able to "eat and be satisfied," for Jesus declared Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering spiritual sustenance that eternally satisfies those who come to Him. His finished work on the cross and triumphant resurrection enable all who "seek him" to truly "praise the LORD," for He is the one through whom all blessings flow and all access to the Father is granted ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Most significantly, Christ's resurrection is the guarantee that "your heart shall live for ever." Through His victory over death, believers are given [eternal life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") and an enduring spiritual vitality, ensuring that their hearts, made new in Him, will indeed live forever in communion with God, experiencing the unending joy and satisfaction secured by the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Guide Them")).

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 69:32

The humble shall see [this, and] be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

Psalms 40:16

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Psalms 105:3

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Psalms 105:4

Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

John 6:48

I am that bread of life.