King James Version

What Does Psalms 36:8 Mean?

Psalms 36:8 in the King James Version says “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy ple...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. abundantly: Heb. watered”

Psalms 36:8 · KJV

Context

6

Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. the: Heb. the mountains of God

7

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. excellent: Heb. precious

8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. abundantly: Heb. watered

9

For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

10

O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. continue: Heb. draw out at length

Read Psalms 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abundance satisfaction with 'the fatness of thy house' refers to temple worship where sacrificial portions provided celebratory meals. The 'river of thy pleasures' (Hebrew 'eden,' delight) may allude to Eden's rivers, suggesting that worship restores paradise lost. God doesn't merely provide necessity but lavish delight, abundance beyond need. This counters the wicked's self-centered pursuit of pleasure (v. 4) with God-centered satisfaction that truly fulfills, anticipating Jesus's promise of abundant life (John 10:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship included fellowship offerings where worshipers ate portions of sacrifices, celebrating God's provision in His presence. These sacred meals previewed the eschatological banquet (Isaiah 25:6, Revelation 19:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does worship provide deeper satisfaction than worldly pleasures?
  2. What does it look like to drink from 'the river of God's pleasures' in daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִ֭רְוְיֻן1 of 6

“They shall be abundantly satisfied”

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

מִדֶּ֣שֶׁן2 of 6

“with the fatness”

H1880

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

בֵּיתֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

“of thy house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְנַ֖חַל4 of 6

“of the river”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

עֲדָנֶ֣יךָ5 of 6

“of thy pleasures”

H5730

pleasure

תַשְׁקֵֽם׃6 of 6

“and thou shalt make them drink”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

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 36:8 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 36:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 16:11Psalms 65:4Isaiah 58:11Jeremiah 31:12-14Isaiah 25:6Psalms 63:5

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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