King James Version

What Does Psalms 59:15 Mean?

Psalms 59:15 in the King James Version says “Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. for meat: Heb. to eat and grudge: or, if they...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. for meat: Heb. to eat and grudge: or, if they be not satisfied, then they will stay all night”

Psalms 59:15 · KJV

Context

13

Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

14

And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

15

Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. for meat: Heb. to eat and grudge: or, if they be not satisfied, then they will stay all night

16

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The dogs now 'wander up and down for meat' depicts frustrated scavengers finding no prey. 'Grudge if they be not satisfied' (Hebrew 'lun'—murmur/complain/stay all night) shows persistent discontent. This portrays the wicked's essential futility—their efforts yield nothing substantial, anticipating Jesus's words about laboring for food that perishes (John 6:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The image of dogs wandering hungry evokes both literal scavengers in ancient cities and metaphorically depicts Saul's men's fruitless search. David's escape left them empty-handed despite their efforts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the insatiable nature of wickedness reveal about sin's character?
  2. How does the righteous's satisfaction in God contrast with the wicked's perpetual hunger?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֵ֭מָּה1 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יְנִוע֣וּן2 of 7

“Let them wander up and down”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

לֶאֱכֹ֑ל3 of 7

“for meat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אִם4 of 7
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א5 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּ6 of 7

“if they be not satisfied”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּלִֽינוּ׃7 of 7

“and grudge”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

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 59:15 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 59:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 15:23Psalms 109:10Lamentations 5:9Job 30:1-7Isaiah 8:21Matthew 24:7-8

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