who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about God satisfying our physical needs; the Hebrew word translated as "mouth" can also mean "desire" or even "soul" itself. So, it's about God filling our deepest longings and our very being with goodness, which in turn renews us from the inside out, not just physically but spiritually, like the resilient eagle.
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with a passionate call for the singer's entire being to bless God and to remember all His benefits. The verses immediately preceding this one list these benefits: forgiveness of sins, healing from all diseases, redemption from destruction, and being crowned with steadfast love and mercy. This verse then culminates the unfolding praise by highlighting God's provision and the resulting renewal of strength.
Ever feel like your 'cup' is half empty? David reminds us that God doesn't just top us off; He overflows us with good things.
The verse begins with God 'satisfying' us. This isn't about mere basic needs being met. Think of a lavish feast, a table overflowing with the best. The Hebrew word used here, 'adi', is debated – some see it as 'mouth', others as 'ornament' or even 'age'. Regardless of the precise translation, the core idea is profound abundance. God satisfies our deepest longings and desires, providing not just what we need, but what brings joy and flourishing. It’s about a deep contentment that comes from His rich provision, filling us to the brim.
Why the eagle? This powerful bird symbolizes a kind of enduring vitality that God promises for His people.
The image of youth being 'renewed like the eagle's' is striking. While ancient speculation abounded about eagles literally becoming young again, the psalmist likely used the eagle as a symbol of enduring strength and vigor, especially in old age. Eagles are known for their long life and maintained power. This isn't just about physical strength, but a spiritual and emotional renewal. It means that even as our bodies age and weaken, God can infuse us with a fresh, resilient vitality – a 'youth' of spirit, zeal, and purpose, allowing us to continue serving and living fully for Him.
Ask a follow-up
This passage directly parallels the image of renewed strength like an eagle's, explicitly linking it to those who wait on the Lord and suggesting spiritual and energetic revival.
Psalm 92:10This verse speaks of God anointing the believer with fresh oil and granting them strength, echoing the theme of renewed vigor and vitality that Psalm 103:5 celebrates.
Lamentations 3:22-23While not using the eagle imagery, this passage highlights the steadfast love and fresh mercies of God each morning, showing a consistent, renewing faithfulness that undergirds the satisfaction and renewal mentioned in Psalm 103:5.
2 Corinthians 4:16This New Testament passage speaks of the 'inner self' being renewed day by day, even as the outer self wastes away, offering a spiritual perspective on the renewal of strength and youth that Psalm 103:5 describes.
calvinPsalms 103:1-5: "<<A Psalm of David.>> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
- Bless Jehovah, O my soul! and all my inward parts, bless his holy name. 2. Bless Jehovah, O my soul! and forget not any of his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from the grave; who crowneth [163] thee with mercy and compassions; 5. Who satisfieth [or filleth] thy mouth with good: thy youth shall be renewed as…
ellicottPsalms 103:5: "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
(5) Mouth. —On the Hebrew word thus rendered, see Psalm 32:9 . The word there adopted (“trappings,” or “ornaments”) would Commend itself here, from the evident allusion in the next clause to the moulting of the bird, and its appearance in new plumage, if the expression “to satisfy ornament with good” were in any way intelligible. The LXX. and Vulg. have “desire; the Syriac “body;” but the C…
This verse isn't just about God satisfying our physical needs; the Hebrew word translated as "mouth" can also mean "desire" or even "soul" itself. So, it's about God filling our deepest longings and our very being with goodness, which in turn renews us from the inside out, not just physically but spiritually, like the resilient eagle.
This psalm begins with a passionate call for the singer's entire being to bless God and to remember all His benefits. The verses immediately preceding this one list these benefits: forgiveness of sins, healing from all diseases, redemption from destruction, and being crowned with steadfast love and mercy. This verse then culminates the unfolding praise by highlighting God's provision and the resulting renewal of strength.
This psalm begins with a passionate call for the singer's entire being to bless God and to remember all His benefits. The verses immediately preceding this one list these benefits: forgiveness of sins, healing from all diseases, redemption from destruction, and being crowned with steadfast love and mercy. This verse then culminates the unfolding praise by highlighting God's provision and the resulting renewal of strength.
"who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." — This verse isn't just about God satisfying our physical needs; the Hebrew word translated as "mouth" can also mean "desire" or even "soul" itself. So, it's about God filling our deepest longings and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026