Psalms 104:11

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 104:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.
Psalms 104:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 104

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They give drink to every beast of the field, etc.] These fountains, springs, and rivers, afford water for all the beasts of the field; who are therefore said to honour and praise the Lord on account of it, (<234319>Isaiah 43:19,20). The wild asses quench their thirst; or “break” f1448 it. Those creatures that live in dry and desert places, and are themselves dry and thirsty; and though so stupid as they be, yet provision of water is made for them, and they are directed where to seek for it, and find it; (see <183905>Job 39:5,6). And if God takes care of the beasts of the field, even the most wild and stupid, will he not take care of his own people? He will, and does. He opens rivers in high…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They give drink to every beast of the field - All are thus kept alive. The wild beasts that roam at large, find water thus provided for them. The wild donkeys quench their thirst - Margin, as in Hebrew, “break.” The meaning is, that the most wild and ungovernable of beasts - those which are farthest from the habits of domesticated animals, and the most independent of any aid derived from man, find abundance everywhere. On the word rendered “wild asses,” and on the habits of the animals here referred to, see the notes at Job 11:12. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wild asses - Stupid creatures, and yet plentifully provided for by the Divine providence. Psalms 104:13”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“104:11-18 The psalmist celebrates animal, plant, and human life, as well as the Lord’s abundant provision for all of it (Gen 1:9-30).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“They give: Psa 145:16 the wild: Job 39:5-8 quench: Heb. break Psalms 104:12”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification