King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:15 Mean?

Psalms 106:15 in the King James Version says “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Psalms 106:15 · KJV


Context

13

They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat

14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. lusted: Heb. lusted a lust

15

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

16

They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

17

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's response to Israel's lustful demand for meat. 'He gave them their request' shows God granted what they craved—quail in abundance (Numbers 11:31-32). 'But sent leanness into their soul' uses razon (רָזוֹן), meaning leanness, wasting, or emaciation. While their bellies were filled, their souls were starved. This teaches a sobering principle: God sometimes grants sinful desires as judgment, allowing people to experience the emptiness of what they crave. Getting what we want apart from God's will brings spiritual death, not satisfaction. This verse warns against demanding our desires and illustrates that true judgment sometimes means receiving what we sinfully crave.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After Israel's complaint, God sent quail so abundantly that it piled up 'two cubits high' around the camp (Numbers 11:31). The people gathered greedily for two days. But 'while the flesh was yet between their teeth,' God struck them with plague and many died (Numbers 11:33). Their graves at Kibroth-hattaavah testified that lust kills. Paul references this event as a warning to Christians (1 Corinthians 10:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does receiving what we sinfully desire sometimes constitute divine judgment?
  2. What is 'leanness of soul' and how does it differ from physical or material poverty?
  3. In what areas might you be choosing satisfaction of desires over spiritual health?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן1 of 6

And he gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֭הֶם2 of 6
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שֶׁאֱלָתָ֑ם3 of 6

them their request

H7596

a petition; by implication, a loan

וַיְשַׁלַּ֖ח4 of 6

but sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

רָז֣וֹן5 of 6

leanness

H7332

thinness

בְּנַפְשָֽׁם׃6 of 6

into their soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 106:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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