They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

PSALMS 104:11KJV
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Psalms 104:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:11 mean?

Psalms 104:11 describes how God provides water for all the animals in the wild, including the wild donkeys, so they can satisfy their thirst. The verse highlights the care and provision shown to every creature, not just people.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood to be David) is speaking about God’s ongoing work in creation. The verse sits in a section that describes how God supplies the earth with water, making sure even the animals in the open fields have what they need. This is part of a larger celebration of God’s wisdom and generosity in sustaining all life.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:11

  • "drink" (שָׁקָה, shaqah): This word means to give something to drink or to water. Here, it emphasizes the active way water is supplied to the animals, not just passively available.
  • "beast" (חַיָּה, chayyah): This word refers to living creatures, especially wild animals, highlighting that God’s care extends beyond domesticated animals.
  • "asses" (פֶּרֶא, pere’): This word specifically means wild donkeys, animals known for living in dry, remote places. Mentioning them underlines that even the most overlooked or distant creatures are cared for.
  • "quench" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word often means to break or shatter, but in this context, it is used poetically for quenching thirst, suggesting a complete and satisfying relief.
  • "thirst" (צָמָא, tsama’): This word means thirst or dryness, pointing to a basic, urgent need that is fully met.

Why Psalms 104:11 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that God’s care is limited to humans or to certain animals; it shows that every creature, even wild and untamed ones, is included in God’s provision.
  • By mentioning wild donkeys, the verse emphasizes that God’s attention reaches even those animals that live far from settled places, in the harshest environments.
  • This verse fits into the wider passage, which describes the natural world as a system cared for and sustained by God, inviting the reader to see creation as a testimony to God’s wisdom and generosity.

Where else these words appear

“asses” Hebrew H6501 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
  • Job 24:5 Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.
  • Jeremiah 2:24 A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.

“thirst” Hebrew H6772 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 17:3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
  • Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

“drink” Hebrew H8248 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
  • Genesis 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
  • Psalms 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

“quench” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: