Psalms 37:25

KJV

I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have been young {H5288}, and now am old {H2204}; yet have I not seen {H7200}{H8804)} the righteous {H6662} forsaken {H5800}{H8737)}, nor his seed {H2233} begging {H1245}{H8764)} bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have been young; now I am old; yet not once have I seen the righteous abandoned or his descendants begging for bread.

Berean Standard Bible

I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.

American Standard Version

I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 37:25 offers a profound personal testimony from King David, declaring his lifelong observation that God faithfully sustains the righteous and their descendants, preventing them from being utterly abandoned or left in ultimate destitution. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of divine providence, assuring believers that God’s unwavering commitment extends not only to their present needs but also to the well-being of future generations, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting prosperity of the wicked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, likely penned by David in his old age, offering counsel and encouragement to the godly who are often perplexed by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalm's overarching message is a repeated exhortation to "fret not" ([Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Fret Not")) over evildoers, but rather to trust in the Lord, delight in Him, and commit one's way to Him ([Psalm 37:3-5](/psalms/37-3-5 "Psalm 37:3-5 - Trust, Delight, and Commit")) because God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Verse 25 specifically reinforces this theme by providing a concrete, experiential example of God's faithfulness to those who live righteously, contrasting their enduring security with the eventual downfall of the ungodly, a theme woven throughout the psalm ([Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - The Wicked Wither"), [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed within the ancient Israelite context, this psalm reflects a society where personal and communal well-being were often seen as direct indicators of divine favor or disfavor, particularly under the Mosaic Covenant. "Begging bread" represented the absolute lowest rung of societal existence, a state of utter destitution and public shame, often associated with a curse or divine judgment. For a descendant to be in such a state would bring deep dishonor upon the family name. David's testimony, therefore, speaks powerfully to a culture that highly valued family lineage and generational continuity, assuring that God’s covenant faithfulness would protect the righteous and their "seed" from such a dire fate, reinforcing the concept of blessings extending through generations for obedience ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse directly contributes to several key themes prevalent in Psalm 37 and throughout the wisdom literature. It highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, asserting God's reliable care for His people, ensuring they are never truly abandoned. It underscores the **Security of the Righteous**, contrasting their lasting inheritance with the temporary success of the wicked, and emphasizing that true security comes from a relationship with God, not worldly possessions. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Generational Blessing**, affirming that God's care extends beyond the individual to their offspring, reinforcing the enduring legacy of a life lived in alignment with God's will. This personal testimony from David, spanning a lifetime of observation, lends immense weight to these theological truths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _'azab'_):** This Hebrew verb (עָזַב) means "to abandon, desert, leave completely, or let go." In this context, it signifies a total withdrawal of divine care and protection, leaving one utterly exposed and helpless. David's testimony is that God does not allow the righteous to experience this ultimate, complete abandonment, even in times of hardship or trial. It speaks to God's enduring presence and commitment.
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zera'_):** The Hebrew word (זֶרַע) literally means "seed," but is consistently used metaphorically to refer to "offspring" or "descendants." Its inclusion here emphasizes the generational aspect of God's faithfulness. David is not merely testifying to God's care for the individual righteous person, but also for their lineage, suggesting a continuity of divine blessing and provision across generations.
* **Begging (Hebrew, _biqqesh'_):** The verb (בִּקֵּשׁ) means "to seek, ask, beg, or require." When coupled with "bread," it paints a vivid picture of extreme destitution and public humiliation. The phrase "begging bread" denotes a state of utter poverty and dependency, where one is forced to solicit basic sustenance from others. David's observation is that the descendants of the righteous are spared this ultimate disgrace and deprivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have been young, and [now] am old;":** This opening clause establishes the speaker, King David, as a credible witness. It highlights the vast span of his life, from youth to old age, during which he has accumulated extensive experience and observation. This is not a theoretical or speculative statement, but a deeply personal, lived testimony, lending significant weight and authority to his subsequent declaration. It underscores the consistent nature of God's character revealed over a lifetime.
* **"yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,":** This is the core assertion of the verse. Despite a lifetime of observing human affairs, David testifies that he has never witnessed a truly righteous person—one who lives in right relationship with God and seeks His ways—being utterly abandoned by God. This does not preclude hardship or temporary difficulties, but rather guarantees that God's ultimate preserving hand and faithful presence will never depart from His devoted ones. God's care is constant and unfailing.
* **"nor his seed begging bread.":** This final clause extends the promise of divine provision beyond the individual righteous person to their descendants. It emphasizes that God's faithfulness is generational, ensuring that the offspring of the righteous will not be left in a state of extreme poverty or public destitution. This speaks to the enduring legacy of a life lived in accordance with God's will and the protective, providing nature of God's covenant with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personal Testimony**, as David recounts his lifelong observation ("I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen..."). This lends immense credibility and weight to his assertion, transforming a theological statement into a verifiable truth grounded in lived experience. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play, a pervasive theme throughout Psalm 37, where the enduring security and provision for the righteous are set against the fleeting prosperity and eventual downfall of the wicked. The phrase "begging bread" serves as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a specific, vivid image (begging for food) represents the broader concept of utter destitution, public shame, and complete lack of provision. This hyperbolic expression underscores the absolute nature of God's protective care against such a fate for the righteous and their lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and His providential care for those who are in right relationship with Him. It reassures believers that while trials and temporary difficulties may come, God's ultimate commitment to His people ensures they will not be utterly abandoned or left without basic sustenance. This promise is rooted in God's character as a loving Father and a faithful covenant keeper, demonstrating that His justice and goodness extend not only to the individual but also to the legacy they leave behind. It challenges the worldly notion of prosperity, redefining true security as reliance on God's unfailing provision rather than earthly riches, and encourages a long-term, eternal perspective on divine justice and blessing.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Hebrews 13:5-6](/hebrews/13-5-6 "Hebrews 13:5-6 - God Will Never Leave You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 37:25 offers profound comfort and a robust challenge to our contemporary anxieties. In a world often consumed by economic insecurity and concerns for the future of our children, David's testimony serves as an anchor, drawing our focus back to God's unchanging character. It invites us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's providence, reminding us that His care transcends immediate circumstances and temporal setbacks. This verse encourages us to live righteously, not as a means to earn favor, but as a response of faith, trusting that God will indeed uphold His promises for us and for our descendants. It prompts us to re-evaluate what true "security" means, shifting our perspective from fleeting material wealth to the enduring faithfulness of our Creator, who promises never to abandon those who seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's personal, lifelong testimony in this verse strengthen your confidence in God's faithfulness and provision?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "fret" or worry about provision, and how can the truth of Psalm 37:25 reorient your perspective?**
* **What does it mean to live as "the righteous" in a way that aligns with God's promise of never being forsaken?**
* **How does the promise concerning "his seed begging bread" influence your prayers and efforts for your own children or future generations?**

### FAQ
**Does "never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" mean righteous people will never experience poverty or hardship?**

Answer: No, this verse is not a blanket promise of earthly prosperity or an exemption from all forms of suffering or even temporary financial hardship. The Hebrew word for "forsaken" (_'azab'_) implies a complete, ultimate abandonment by God, leaving one to utter ruin. David's testimony is that God will never *ultimately* abandon the righteous or allow their descendants to fall into a state of complete and permanent destitution where they are forced to "beg bread" as a way of life, without any divine intervention or hope. Many righteous individuals throughout Scripture, like Job, experienced immense suffering and loss, and Jesus Himself warned His followers of persecution and hardship ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the World You Will Have Tribulation")). The promise is about God's enduring presence, ultimate provision, and faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring that the righteous will always be under His care, even if that care manifests differently than expected in a fallen world. It speaks to God's ultimate fidelity, not a guarantee against all temporal difficulties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 37:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, the righteous king, testifies to God's faithfulness based on his observations, but Jesus is the perfectly Righteous One ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous")), who, paradoxically, *was* forsaken on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")) so that those who believe in Him would *never* be forsaken. Through His sacrifice, Christ became the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) ensuring that His "seed"—all who are born again into His family ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")), the church—will never spiritually "beg bread" or suffer ultimate spiritual destitution. We are now the "righteous" by faith in Him ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")), inheriting an eternal provision and a secure future that far surpasses any earthly guarantee. Christ's resurrection is the ultimate proof that God does not abandon His righteous ones, and through Him, we are guaranteed God's unfailing presence and provision, both now and for eternity ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")).

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

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalms 37:28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalms 112:2

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Psalms 25:13

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

1 Samuel 12:22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Psalms 94:14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.