Psalms 34:10

What does Psalms 34:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 34:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 34:10 means

This verse vividly illustrates the promise of divine provision for those who fear the Lord by contrasting it with the deprivation experienced by the powerful. "Young lions" represent strength, self-sufficiency, and aggressive hunting, yet even they can "lack, and suffer hunger." In stark opposition, those who "seek Jehovah" will experience no lack of "any good thing." This emphasizes that human strength and worldly efforts are ultimately insufficient, while those who diligently pursue God will find all their true needs met by His bountiful hand. It underscores God's reliable and superior provision.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; But they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; But they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The young lions are in need and have no food; but those who are looking to the Lord will have every good thing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Young lions have lacked and been hungry, And those seeking Jehovah lack not any good,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

All my bones shall say: Lord, who is like to thee? Who deliverest the poor from the hand of them that are stronger than he; the needy and the poor from them that strip him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The young lions are in need and suffer hunger; but they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good.

Context

Building on the promise of no want for those who fear the Lord in verse 9, this verse offers a striking contrast. It uses the powerful image of young lions to highlight that worldly strength cannot guarantee provision, while those who seek God are assured of having every good thing. This powerful illustration serves as a foundational teaching, leading into David's direct instruction for the "children" in the verses that follow.

v.9Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.

v.10This passage

v.11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 1:51

    He hath showed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.

  • Psalms 84:11

    For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield: Jehovah will give grace and glory; No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

  • Job 4:10

    The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

  • Psalms 104:21

    The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God.

  • Matthew 6:32

    For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Psalms 34:10.