Psalms 37:25
Psalms 37:25 in Multiple Translations
I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.
I have been young, and now am old, but I have not seen the good man without help, or his children looking for bread.
Once I was young, and now I've grown old, yet I've never seen those who do right abandoned, nor their children having to beg for bread.
I haue beene yong, and am olde: yet I sawe neuer the righteous forsaken, nor his seede begging bread.
Young I have been, I have also become old, And I have not seen the righteous forsaken, And his seed seeking bread.
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
I was young previously, and now I am an old man, but in all those years, I have never seen righteous/godly people being abandoned by Yahweh, nor have I seen that their children needed to beg for food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 37:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֤עַר
הָיִ֗יתִי
גַּם
זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי
וְֽ/לֹא
רָ֭אִיתִי
צַדִּ֣יק
נֶעֱזָ֑ב
וְ֝/זַרְע֗/וֹ
מְבַקֶּשׁ
לָֽחֶם
נַ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
הָיִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
רָ֭אִיתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
נֶעֱזָ֑ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Niphal
וְ֝/זַרְע֗/וֹ
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:25
נַ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
הָיִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָ֭אִיתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
נֶעֱזָ֑ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Niphal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
וְ֝/זַרְע֗/וֹ
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
מְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:25
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
- Sermons on Psalms 37:25
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
23The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
24Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.
25I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.
26They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. 27Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 13:5 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” |
| 2 | Psalms 37:28 | For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. |
| 3 | Psalms 112:2 | His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 12:22 | Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. |
| 5 | Psalms 25:13 | His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 4:9 | persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. |
| 7 | Psalms 94:14 | For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. |
| 8 | Psalms 71:18 | Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. |
| 9 | Joshua 1:5 | No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. |
| 10 | Luke 1:53–55 | He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” |
Psalms 37:25 Summary
[Psalms 37:25 is a promise that God will always care for and provide for those who trust in Him. This means that even when we are young or old, God will never leave us or abandon us. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' This verse is a reminder that we can trust in God's goodness and provision, and that He will always be with us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the righteous to never be abandoned?
According to Psalms 37:25, this means that God is always with and caring for those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalms 23:4 where it says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'
Is this verse promising that Christians will never experience hardship?
No, this verse is not promising a life free of hardship, but rather that God will provide for and care for His people even in difficult times, as seen in Philippians 4:19 which says 'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.'
What is the significance of the phrase 'their children begging for bread'?
This phrase emphasizes the idea that God's provision extends not just to the individual, but also to their family, as seen in Psalms 103:17 which says 'But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.'
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeking to live a life of righteousness and faith, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 which says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have seen God provide for you in the past, and how can you trust Him to continue providing for you in the future?
- How can you live a life of righteousness and faith, and what are some practical steps you can take to trust in God's sovereignty?
- What are some fears or worries you have about your own provision or the provision of your family, and how can you bring those to God in prayer?
- How can you share the hope and promise of this verse with others who may be struggling with fear or doubt about their own provision?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:25
I have been young, and [now] am old,.... The psalmist makes mention of his age, which takes in the whole compass of his life, to command attention to what he was about to say; which was founded upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:25
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. I have been young ... righteous forsaken - i:e., forsaken utterly (cf. Psalms 37:28).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
This assertion seems to be contradicted by many experiences; nor can it be denied, that both good men and their children have sometimes been reduced to great want. Quest. How then is this true? Answ. 1. Some render the last clause thus, nor (did I ever see) his seed, ( to wit, forsaken, as was now said,) though begging bread. So the sense is, I have seen him brought to beggary, yet even then God did not forsake him. But this sense agrees not with the context nor scope, which is to show the plenty and prosperity where with God blesseth him. 2. This is to be understood of the seed of the righteous treading in their fathers’ steps, from which if they degenerate, they lose all their privileges, as many places of Scripture witness. 3. Some few exceptions do not destroy the truth of a general proposition. 4. These temporal promises were more express and particular to the Jews in the times of the Old Testament, than to Christians in the New, and therefore were more literally fulfilled. 5.
He speaks not of any kind of wanting, or desiring, or receiving relief from others, for so David himself did, 25:8; but of the customary practice and trade of begging, which was threatened as a curse to the disobedient, Deuteronomy 28$ . 6. Not begging, to wit, in vain; or so as to be forsaken, as was now expressed, and may very well be here understood; or so as to be sustained or relieved by others. 7. David speaks only of his own experience, which if since that time it be contradicted by other men’ s experiences, it is no more than what happens in all the concernments of human life.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.Ver. 25. I have been young, &c.] Here he recordeth an experiment of his (such as whereof Psalms 119:1-176 is mostly made up), and if other men’ s experiences agree not altogether with his, it is no wonder; kings use not to mind beggars. Or he might only mean vagrants; according to that, "Let their children be vagabonds, and beg their bread." Good men may be compelled to crave their bread, as David himself did of Ahimelech, the high priest; as Elijah did of the widow of Sarepta; as those pauperes de Lugduno, and many others have lived upon alms. But seldom or never have good people needed to crave relief of the ungodly. Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken] Left he may be for a time, as the lion leaveth his whelps till they are almost famished, and have well-nigh killed themselves with roaring, to make them more hardy and valiant, but never forsaken, no, though he beg his bread; because God hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." The righteous is never forsaken, nor his seed too, said Mr Perkins. God may cast godly parents into want, but their godly children shall surely he blessed. Others understand by righteous here, merciful men, who give alms for the love of God, and therefore come not to poverty, Psalms 112:5; Psalms 112:9 Proverbs 11:24-25 Psalms 41:1. See Mr Bradford’ s sweet letter to Mr John Hall and his wife, prisoners for the gospel (Acts and Mon. 1495).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
Verse 25. I have been young, and now am old] I believe this to be literally true in all cases. I am now grey-headed myself; I have travelled in different countries, and have had many opportunities of seeing and conversing with religious people in all situations in life; and I have not, to my knowledge, seen one instance to the contrary. I have seen no righteous man forsaken, nor any children of the righteous begging their bread. God puts this honour upon all that fear him; and thus careful is he of them, and of their posterity.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:25
21–31. God’s care for the righteous.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:25
I have been young - The idea in this whole passage is, “I myself have passed through a long life. I have had an opportunity of observation, wide and extended.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:25
25. I have been young, etc.—Undoubtedly the psalmist here gives the result of personal observation as an old man.
Sermons on Psalms 37:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Protection in the Coming Storm by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience growing up during the Great Depression and the lessons he learned about relying on God during times of trouble. He references |
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Proverbs 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become ri |
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Prepare Now to Face Tomorrow’s Fears by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the dilemma faced by believers when they encounter challenges that seem insurmountable. He emphasizes the importance of choosing to believe G |
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02 New Wine in New Wineskins Life and Fellowship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life modeled after Jesus, focusing on the divine life and fellowship that comes from being saved by His life. It highlights the ne |
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Self-Denial - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the call to discipleship by Jesus Christ, focusing on denying oneself, taking up the cross daily, and following Him. It highlights the importance of self-den |
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17 - God's Exacting Provision by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of building a community of people with a common purpose. They express their enjoyment in connecting with individuals who have beco |