Psalms 37:19

KJV

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall not be ashamed {H954} in the evil {H7451} time {H6256}: and in the days {H3117} of famine {H7459} they shall be satisfied {H7646}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will not be distressed when times are hard; when famine comes, they will have plenty.

Berean Standard Bible

In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

American Standard Version

They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:19 offers a profound assurance of divine protection and unwavering provision for those who live righteously, particularly when confronted with periods of severe adversity and widespread scarcity. This verse promises that the faithful will not be humiliated or disgraced during times of crisis ("evil time") and will experience complete sufficiency ("satisfied") even when others suffer from extreme lack ("days of famine"). It underscores God's steadfast commitment to uphold and sustain His people, ensuring their ultimate security and vindication amidst the transient struggles of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, designed to encourage the righteous who might be perplexed or disheartened by the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the fleeting nature of the evildoer's triumph with the enduring blessedness and ultimate security of those who trust in the Lord. Verses like [Psalm 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord") ("Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness") establish a foundational call to a life of faith and obedience, rather than anxiety over injustice or material disparities. Verse 19 fits squarely within this overarching theme, serving as a specific promise of divine care that highlights the secure future of the righteous, standing in stark contrast to the eventual demise of the wicked described in passages like [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "evil time" and "days of famine" were not abstract concepts but very real and terrifying threats in ancient agrarian societies. Such periods could be brought about by natural disasters (like drought), warfare, economic collapse, or political instability, leading to widespread suffering, starvation, and social breakdown. In this context, "shame" (Hebrew: *bosh*) was a deeply feared social and personal disgrace, implying public humiliation, disappointment, or being found utterly wanting. For God to promise that His people would "not be ashamed" meant they would not be abandoned to despair or disgrace in the eyes of their community or, more importantly, in the eyes of God. The promise of being "satisfied" in such times would have been understood as a miraculous demonstration of divine favor and supernatural provision, directly linking God's faithfulness to physical sustenance and well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Psalm 37 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Provision and Security** is paramount, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to supply the needs of His faithful followers, even when all human resources fail. This theme resonates with the broader biblical truth that God is the ultimate provider, as seen in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"). Secondly, **Preservation from Shame** highlights God's vindication of the righteous; they will not be disgraced or proven wrong for their trust in Him, even when circumstances appear dire. While the wicked may boast in their temporary abundance, their end is destruction, whereas the righteous are upheld and ultimately inherit the earth, as promised in [Psalm 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"). Lastly, the verse underscores the stark **Contrast with the Wicked**, whose fleeting success is set against the enduring blessing and security of those who patiently wait on the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bosh'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, encompassing being put to confusion, disappointment, humiliation, or disgrace. In the context of Psalms 37:19, it signifies that God's people will not be left in a state of despair or public disgrace when adversity strikes. Their hope in God will not prove futile, and they will not be exposed as foolish for having trusted in Him. Rather, they will be vindicated and upheld.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _saba'_):** This word means to be full, to have enough, or to be completely supplied. It suggests more than mere survival; it implies a sufficiency and even abundance of provision, even amidst widespread scarcity. It speaks to a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment that comes from God's unfailing care, contrasting sharply with the gnawing hunger or spiritual emptiness experienced by those who rely on worldly resources.
* **Famine (Hebrew, _ra'ab'_):** While literally referring to a severe lack of food, "famine" in a poetic context like this can also metaphorically represent any extreme scarcity, distress, or spiritual drought. It signifies a time of profound need and vulnerability, making the promise of "satisfaction" all the more powerful as a testament to God's supernatural ability to provide beyond natural means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall not be ashamed in the evil time":** This clause promises divine preservation from disgrace and humiliation during periods of intense hardship and moral decay. The "evil time" refers to a season of calamity, distress, or widespread wickedness. Despite the chaos and potential for ruin, those who trust in the Lord will find their hope justified; they will not be put to shame, meaning their faith will be vindicated, and their integrity upheld by God. This speaks to a deep, internal security that transcends external circumstances.
* **"and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied":** This second clause extends the promise of divine care to include material and existential provision during times of extreme scarcity. "Days of famine" denote periods of severe lack, not just of food, but potentially of any vital resource. The assurance that they "shall be satisfied" implies that God will supernaturally meet their needs, providing sufficiency and contentment even when others are experiencing acute want. This highlights God's character as a faithful provider who sustains His people against all odds.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:19 effectively employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, to reinforce its message. Specifically, it uses **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates or expands upon the meaning of the first. "Evil time" is paralleled by "days of famine," both describing periods of intense adversity, while "shall not be ashamed" is paralleled by "shall be satisfied," both expressing God's positive intervention for the righteous. This repetition emphasizes the certainty and comprehensive nature of God's promise. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play, setting the secure fate of the righteous against the ultimate downfall of the wicked, a theme pervasive throughout Psalm 37. The term "famine" can also function as a form of **Metonymy**, where a specific hardship (lack of food) stands in for any severe lack or distress, broadening the scope of the promise to all forms of existential need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:19 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's covenant faithfulness and His character as Jehovah Jireh, "the Lord will provide." It underscores the theological principle that divine provision is not contingent on human abundance or favorable circumstances but flows from God's unchanging nature and His commitment to those who trust Him. This verse reinforces the idea that true security and satisfaction are found not in worldly possessions or societal standing, but in a steadfast relationship with the Creator. It speaks to a divine economy where God sustains His people through trials, demonstrating His power and love in ways that defy natural explanation, ultimately vindicating their faith and demonstrating His justice in a world often marked by apparent injustice.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by economic instability, social unrest, and personal anxieties, Psalms 37:19 stands as an enduring beacon of hope and a profound call to reorient our trust. It challenges the common human tendency to rely on material wealth, political systems, or personal ingenuity for security, redirecting our gaze to the ultimate source of all provision and stability: God Himself. For believers today, this verse encourages a posture of radical trust and spiritual resilience. When faced with our own "evil times"—whether personal crises, global pandemics, or spiritual droughts—it assures us that God will not abandon us to shame or want. It calls us to continue living righteously, pursuing justice and kindness, knowing that our ultimate satisfaction and vindication come from Him, not from the fleeting circumstances of the world. This promise empowers us to live generously, fearlessly, and with deep contentment, confident in God's unfailing care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my natural inclination to worry or rely on worldly resources during times of uncertainty?**
* **In what specific "evil times" or "days of famine" (literal or metaphorical) in my life do I most need to embrace the promise of God's provision and freedom from shame?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, allowing His promise of satisfaction to reshape my priorities and reduce my anxieties?**

### FAQ
**Does this promise mean believers will never experience hardship or lack?**

Answer: No, the promise in Psalms 37:19 does not guarantee an absence of hardship or material want. In fact, it explicitly addresses the "evil time" and "days of famine," acknowledging that believers *will* face such challenges. The promise is that *in* these times, they will not be put to shame (disgraced or disappointed in their hope) and will be satisfied (provided for sufficiently). God's provision might not always manifest as material abundance, but as sufficient grace, spiritual strength, and the meeting of essential needs in ways that demonstrate His faithfulness, even when circumstances are dire. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that believers are not exempt from suffering, but God is with them in it, sustaining them (e.g., [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Grace is Sufficient for You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the righteous one who perfectly trusted in the Father, even unto death, and was ultimately vindicated, never put to shame. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus bore the ultimate shame and curse of humanity on the cross, enduring the deepest possible "evil time" so that those who believe in Him would never be put to shame before God (cf. [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")). He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering eternal satisfaction to all who come to Him, ensuring that those who feed on Him will never hunger or thirst again, even in spiritual "famine." Through His atoning work, believers are united with Him, sharing in His victory over sin, death, and the power of shame. In Christ, we are assured of God's unfailing provision, not merely for physical sustenance, but for every spiritual need, guaranteeing that [God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs in Christ Jesus"), and that our hope in Him will never lead to disappointment.

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 33:19

To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Proverbs 10:3

The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

Job 5:20

In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

Job 5:22

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

Isaiah 33:16

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.