Psalms 34:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The young lions {H3715} do lack {H7326}, and suffer hunger {H7456}: but they that seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068} shall not want {H2637} any good {H2896} thing.

Complete Jewish Bible

Young lions can be needy, they can go hungry, but those who seek ADONAI lack nothing good.

Berean Standard Bible

Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

American Standard Version

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; But they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 34:10 presents a profound theological contrast, declaring that while even the most formidable and self-sufficient creatures, epitomized by young lions, can experience lack and hunger, those who diligently and earnestly seek the Lord will never be deprived of any truly good thing. This verse stands as a powerful assurance of God's comprehensive, faithful, and holistic provision for His devoted followers, underscoring the boundless sufficiency of divine care over the inherent limitations of natural strength, worldly resources, or human striving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, offering praise and instruction after a period of intense personal distress. The superscription explicitly links it to David's desperate flight from Saul, specifically when he feigned madness before Achish, king of Gath (referred to as Abimelech, likely a royal title, in the Psalm), as recounted in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10-15 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Escape from Gath"). The psalm opens with David's resolve to bless the Lord continually ([Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - David's Praise for Deliverance")), moving into his personal testimony of seeking the Lord and being delivered from all his fears ([Psalms 34:4](/psalms/34-4 "Psalm 34:4 - God Answers David's Cry")). This personal experience then broadens into an exhortation for others to "taste and see that the LORD is good" ([Psalms 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Invitation to Experience God's Goodness")) and to "fear the LORD" ([Psalms 34:9](/psalms/34-9 "Psalm 34:9 - Exhortation to Fear the Lord")). Verse 10 builds directly upon this call to trust and fear God, providing a vivid illustration of the security found in divine provision compared to the insecurity of natural strength.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "young lions" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîrîm_) would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience. Lions were apex predators, widely recognized symbols of immense strength, ferocity, and self-sufficiency, often associated with royalty, power, and the ability to secure one's own sustenance through hunting prowess (e.g., [Proverbs 30:30](/proverbs/30-30 "Proverbs 30:30 - The Lion, Mighty Among Beasts")). The notion that even these formidable creatures could "lack and suffer hunger" would have been a striking and counter-intuitive statement, powerfully illustrating the ultimate limits of natural power and the inherent precariousness of life in a world where food scarcity and vulnerability were ever-present threats. David's own experience, a future king reduced to feigning madness to survive, would have underscored this reality. The concept of "seeking the LORD" (Hebrew: _dârash YHWH_) was not merely a passive spiritual inclination but an active, diligent, and often costly pursuit involving prayer, obedience to the Mosaic Law, reliance on God's covenant faithfulness, and seeking His presence, often at the Tabernacle or later, the Temple.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 34:10 significantly contributes to several overarching biblical themes. Foremost is **Divine Providence and Provision**, emphasizing God's active and comprehensive care for His people, ensuring their needs are met not necessarily with excess, but with sufficiency and what is truly good. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")) to Jesus' teachings on God's care for birds and lilies ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")). Another crucial theme is **Trust and Dependence on God**, contrasting human self-reliance and worldly strength with humble, active reliance on the Almighty. The psalm consistently calls for individuals to "fear the LORD" ([Psalms 34:9](/psalms/34-9 "Psalm 34:9 - Fear the Lord")) and to seek Him, promising blessing and deliverance in return. This aligns with the wisdom tradition in books like Proverbs, which frequently juxtapose the fate of the righteous and the wicked, and the prophetic call to return to the Lord for true well-being, as seen in [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6-7 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found"). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the natural order is subject to His ultimate control and that His faithful ones are under His special, unwavering protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Young lions (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_):** From H3715, this term refers to a specific stage of a lion's life—a young, vigorous, and often ravenous animal. In ancient Near Eastern culture, lions were the epitome of power, independence, and the ability to secure their own sustenance through brute force and hunting prowess. The use of "young lions" intensifies the contrast, suggesting creatures at the peak of their strength and predatory skill. The assertion that even they "lack and suffer hunger" profoundly emphasizes the ultimate limitations of natural strength and self-sufficiency in providing consistent security and provision.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** From H1875, this primitive root means "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." It implies a diligent, earnest, and continuous pursuit, not a casual inquiry. It denotes a committed orientation of one's life towards God, involving active prayer, obedience to His commands, meditation on His Word, and active reliance on His presence and will. This pursuit signifies a relational posture of dependence and devotion, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of life and provision.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):: From H2896, this word is an adjective meaning "good in the widest sense," also used as a noun. It encompasses all that is truly beneficial, necessary, wholesome, and morally excellent for one's well-being. This includes not only physical necessities but also spiritual blessings, wisdom, peace, guidance, and ultimately, salvation. It does not promise material wealth without effort, but rather a holistic provision that aligns with God's perfect will and sustains His people in every circumstance, ensuring their ultimate flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger:"** This initial clause establishes a powerful, almost paradoxical, image. It sets the stage by presenting the natural world's epitome of strength and self-sufficiency—the young lion—as vulnerable to the fundamental experiences of scarcity and hunger. This serves as a potent metaphor for any form of worldly power, human ingenuity, or self-reliance, no matter how formidable; it ultimately proves insufficient to guarantee complete provision or freedom from want. It highlights the inherent limitations of creation apart from the Creator, underscoring that even the most capable creatures can face deprivation.
* **"but they that seek the LORD":** This clause introduces a stark and pivotal contrast, marked by the adversative conjunction "but." It shifts the focus dramatically from the natural realm to the spiritual, identifying a specific group: those who actively, diligently, and earnestly pursue a relationship with Yahweh (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel. This "seeking" is not passive but implies a life dedicated to knowing, obeying, and trusting God, making Him the central focus and priority of one's existence. It speaks to a posture of humble dependence and devotion.
* **"shall not want any good [thing].":** This concluding clause delivers the profound and comprehensive promise. In direct opposition to the "lacking and suffering hunger" of the self-reliant, those who seek the Lord are assured of complete and holistic provision. The phrase "shall not want" (Hebrew: _lo' yaḥsərû_) means "they will not lack" or "they will not be deprived." The addition of "any good thing" (Hebrew: _kol-ṭôḇ_) emphasizes the completeness of God's care, extending beyond mere physical sustenance to encompass all that is truly beneficial for one's life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—according to God's perfect wisdom, timing, and love. It signifies a divine guarantee of sufficiency and well-being for those who prioritize Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 34:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and comforting message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning and structure. It juxtaposes the "young lions" who "lack, and suffer hunger" with "they that seek the LORD" who "shall not want any good thing." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference between relying on natural strength (which is inherently limited and fallible) and trusting in divine provision (which is boundless and unfailing). **Metaphor** is also powerfully utilized, with "young lions" serving as a vivid and culturally potent representation of worldly power, self-sufficiency, and brute strength. By showing even these formidable creatures experiencing want, the metaphor effectively underscores the ultimate inadequacy of any source of security apart from God. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a clear form of **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the second part of the verse presents a contrasting idea to the first, reinforcing the central theological truth through opposition. The structure "A (negative outcome for the strong) but B (positive outcome for the faithful)" creates a memorable, impactful, and easily digestible statement of divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 34:10 is a profound declaration of God's providential care and the blessedness of those who live in faithful dependence upon Him. It underscores the biblical truth that true security and sufficiency are found not in human strength, worldly resources, or self-reliance, but in a diligent and devoted pursuit of the Lord. This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Provider, who sustains His creation and specifically cares for His covenant people. It challenges the human tendency to trust in visible, tangible power and redirects faith towards the unseen, yet unfailing, hand of God. The promise of "not wanting any good thing" speaks to a holistic provision, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, all dispensed according to God's perfect wisdom and love, ensuring that His children are truly sustained in all circumstances.

* [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Need")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 34:10 offers immense encouragement and a clear, counter-cultural directive for believers today. In a world that often values self-sufficiency, personal strength, and material accumulation as the ultimate markers of success and security, this verse provides a radical alternative. It challenges us to honestly assess where our ultimate trust and hope for provision truly lie. Do we, like the "young lions," strive to secure our own well-being through our own efforts, accumulated resources, or reliance on worldly systems, which are inherently finite and vulnerable to failure and decay? Or do we cultivate a life of diligent "seeking the LORD," prioritizing our relationship with Him through consistent prayer, obedient adherence to His Word, and active reliance on His boundless resources and sovereign wisdom? This verse assures us that when we make God the absolute center of our lives and trust implicitly in His benevolent care, He will ensure that we truly lack no "good thing" necessary for our holistic flourishing. This promise fosters a spirit of profound contentment, deep peace, and freedom from anxiety, reminding us that our ultimate well-being is secured not by our own striving, but by the faithful, loving hand of our heavenly Father, who knows and provides for our every true need, both seen and unseen.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find yourself tempted to rely more on your own strength or worldly resources than on God's divine provision?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more diligently "seek the LORD" in your daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active pursuit?**
* **How does the promise of "not wanting any good thing" challenge your anxieties about the future, financial stability, or unmet personal needs?**
* **Can you identify a time in your life when God provided for you in a way that clearly demonstrated His faithfulness, even when circumstances seemed bleak or beyond your natural expectations?**

### FAQ
**Does "shall not want any good thing" promise material wealth to believers?**

Answer: No, the promise "shall not want any good thing" in Psalms 34:10 does not guarantee material wealth or an absence of all difficulty and hardship. Instead, it speaks to a comprehensive, holistic provision that aligns with God's perfect will and what is truly beneficial for His children. The "good thing" (Hebrew: _kol-ṭôḇ_) encompasses spiritual blessings, wisdom, peace, guidance, and the necessities of life, all supplied in due time and measure, rather than an overflowing of riches or luxury. The context of the psalm, written by David in a time of desperate flight and vulnerability ([1 Samuel 21](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David's Flight from Saul")), indicates that God's provision can manifest even amidst scarcity and adversity, ensuring sufficiency and well-being rather than opulence. This aligns with other New Testament scriptures like [Matthew 6:25-33](/matthew/6-25-33 "Matthew 6:25-33 - Do Not Worry About Your Life"), where Jesus teaches against anxiety over material needs, promising that God knows what we need and will provide when we prioritize seeking His kingdom and righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 34:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's perfect provision and the one through whom all "good things" are truly bestowed. While the Old Testament promise speaks of God's care for those who seek Him, Christ reveals the full scope of what it means to "seek the LORD" and precisely what "good things" God desires to give. Jesus himself is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies and ensures that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who leads His sheep to green pastures, ensuring they "shall not want" ([Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provided the ultimate "good thing"—salvation, reconciliation with God, and eternal life, addressing humanity's deepest spiritual lack and greatest need. Furthermore, as believers are united with Christ by faith, they become heirs to all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and are assured that God, who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will also graciously give us all things with Him ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gives All Things Through Christ")). Thus, the promise of Psalms 34:10 is not merely about physical sustenance, but about the comprehensive, spiritual, and eternal provision found exclusively in a life yielded to and sustained by Christ, in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Matthew 6:32

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Psalms 104:21

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Luke 1:53

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

Job 4:10

The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

Job 4:11

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.