Old Testament
Psalms 81:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses a longing to provide for His people abundantly.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
He would have fed them also with the finest of the wheat, and with honey out of the rock I would have satisfied you."
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses a longing to provide for His people abundantly. The imagery of 'the finest of the wheat' symbolizes the best nourishment, while 'honey out of the rock' suggests unexpected sweetness and blessings from hard places. This reflects God's desire to satisfy and nurture His people, offering them not just basic needs but the richest provisions. The verse highlights the contrast between what God wanted to give and the people's failure to listen and follow Him. It serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from obedience and trust in God, emphasizing that He is willing to provide for us in ways we might not expect, even in difficult circumstances. The mention of honey from a rock illustrates how God can bring sweetness and joy from the most unlikely sources, reinforcing His power and care for His creation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 81:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide for our needs, even in challenging situations. It reminds us to remain open to His blessings, which may come in unexpected forms. By being obedient and faithful, we can experience the fullness of what God desires to give us.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 81:16 mean?
Psalms 81:16 expresses God's desire to provide abundantly for His people, symbolized by 'the finest of the wheat' and 'honey out of the rock.' It highlights God's longing to satisfy and nurture, contrasting His generous intentions with the people's failure to listen and follow Him.
What is the meaning of 'honey out of the rock' in Psalms 81:16?
The phrase 'honey out of the rock' in Psalms 81:16 symbolizes unexpected blessings and sweetness that can come from difficult or hard situations. It illustrates God's ability to provide joy and nourishment even in the most unlikely circumstances.
How does Psalms 81:16 relate to God's provision?
Psalms 81:16 relates to God's provision by illustrating His willingness to offer the best nourishment and unexpected blessings. It reassures believers that God can meet their needs in surprising ways, even during challenging times.
What themes are present in Psalms 81:16?
The themes present in Psalms 81:16 include divine provision, obedience, blessings, nourishment, God's care, and unexpected gifts. These themes highlight the relationship between God's generosity and the importance of following Him.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
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