They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

PSALMS 36:8KJV
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Psalms 36:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:8 mean?

Psalms 36:8 describes how those who belong to God are abundantly provided for and deeply satisfied by what God offers, pictured as enjoying rich food from God’s house and drinking from a river filled with God’s delights. The verse uses vivid images to show the overflowing generosity and goodness found in God’s presence.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, reflecting on the difference between the wicked and those who trust in God. The verse comes in a section where David praises God’s steadfast love and care, using the imagery of a feast and a river to show how completely God meets the needs of His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:8

  • "satisfied" — רָוָה (ravah): This word means to be filled or saturated, often with the sense of being completely satisfied or refreshed. Here, it emphasizes that God’s people are not just given enough, but are filled to overflowing.
  • "fatness" — דֶּשֶׁן (deshen): This refers to the richest, most nourishing part, often used for the best food or the abundance of a feast. The “fatness of thy house” highlights the idea of God’s house as a place of abundance and blessing.
  • "drink" — שָׁקָה (shaqah): This word means to give to drink or to water. The verse says God Himself makes His people drink, stressing God’s active role in providing refreshment.
  • "river" — נָהָר (nahar): This is a large, flowing river, not just a small stream. The image of a river of pleasures suggests an endless, abundant supply.
  • "pleasures" — עֵדֶן (eden): This word means delights or pleasures, pointing to the joy and satisfaction found in God’s presence.

Why Psalms 36:8 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that God’s care is stingy or limited; the language is about abundance and overflowing goodness.
  • The imagery of a feast and a river connects to other places in the Bible where God’s presence is pictured as a place of life, joy, and satisfaction, helping the reader see a consistent theme.
  • This verse stands out in the psalm as a turning point from describing human wickedness to focusing on the security and joy found with God, highlighting the contrast between life apart from God and life with Him.

Where else these words appear

“pleasures” Hebrew H5730 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
  • 2 Samuel 1:24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
  • Jeremiah 51:34 Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out.

“satisfied” Hebrew H7301 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 65:10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.
  • Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

“fatness” Hebrew H1880 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 1:16 And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
  • Judges 9:9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
  • Psalms 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

“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 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.