King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:14 Mean?

Psalms 105:14 in the King James Version says “He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

Psalms 105:14 · KJV


Context

12

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.

13

When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;

14

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

15

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

16

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'suffered no man to do them wrong' and 'reproved kings for their sakes.' Despite the patriarchs' vulnerability, God actively protected them from harm. He didn't merely observe but intervened on their behalf, even confronting powerful monarchs. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness protects the weak against the strong. Specific instances include Pharaoh and Abimelech (Gen 12:17, 20:3-7). Christ promised that His sheep hear His voice and no one can snatch them from His hand (John 10:27-29). The Reformed doctrine of preservation recognizes God's active protection of His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis records multiple instances of God protecting the patriarchs: warning Pharaoh and Abimelech in dreams about Sarah, preventing harm to Isaac, and protecting Jacob from Laban and Esau.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God protected you from harm or opposition that you may not have even recognized?
  2. What does God's willingness to reprove kings teach about His commitment to defend His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לֹֽא1 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִנִּ֣יחַ2 of 7

He suffered

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

אָדָ֣ם3 of 7

no man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לְעָשְׁקָ֑ם4 of 7

to do them wrong

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

וַיּ֖וֹכַח5 of 7

yea he reproved

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְלָכִֽים׃7 of 7

kings

H4428

a king


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 105:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 105:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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