Old Testament
Psalms 59:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let them wander up and down for food, and grudge if they are not satisfied.
Compare translations
Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
What Psalms 59:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist describes the fate of those who oppose him, suggesting that they will be left in a state of desperation and dissatisfaction. The imagery of wandering for food illustrates their aimlessness and lack of fulfillment. The term 'grudge' indicates their bitterness and resentment when their needs are not met. This reflects a broader theme of divine justice, where the wicked face consequences for their actions. The psalmist contrasts their plight with his own trust in God, emphasizing that while the wicked may seek satisfaction, they will ultimately find none. This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of pursuing selfish desires without regard for righteousness, highlighting the emptiness that often accompanies such pursuits. It also underscores the importance of relying on God for true fulfillment rather than seeking it through worldly means.
How to apply Psalms 59:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own pursuits and motivations. Are we seeking fulfillment in ways that align with God's will? It reminds us that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with God, not from worldly desires. We should strive to find contentment in Him rather than in fleeting pleasures.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 59:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 59:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 59:15 mean?
Psalms 59:15 describes the fate of those who oppose the psalmist, indicating they will wander aimlessly in search of food and feel bitterness when their needs are unmet. This reflects a theme of divine justice, showing that the wicked will face consequences for their actions.
What is the meaning of 'wander up and down for food' in Psalms 59:15?
The phrase 'wander up and down for food' illustrates the aimlessness and desperation of the wicked as they seek satisfaction but find none. It emphasizes their lack of fulfillment and the futility of their pursuits.
How does Psalms 59:15 relate to divine justice?
Psalms 59:15 relates to divine justice by showing that those who oppose righteousness will ultimately experience desperation and dissatisfaction. It serves as a reminder that wicked actions lead to negative outcomes.
What themes are present in Psalms 59:15?
Key themes in Psalms 59:15 include divine justice, wickedness, desperation, bitterness, and the importance of trust in God for true fulfillment. It underscores the emptiness of pursuing selfish desires.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.