King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:19 Mean?

Psalms 105:19 in the King James Version says “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

Psalms 105:19 · KJV


Context

17

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:

18

Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: he: Heb. his soul came into iron

19

Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

20

The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.

21

He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: substance: Heb. possession


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph remained imprisoned 'until the time that his word came,' when 'the word of the LORD tried him.' The 'word' likely refers to Joseph's prophetic dreams (Gen 37:5-10) that eventually came true. God's word tested Joseph through delayed fulfillment. This trial purified and prepared him. God's promises aren't always immediately fulfilled but their delay serves divine purposes. Christ endured a testing period (Heb 5:8) before entering glory. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty in suffering recognizes that trials test and purify faith (1 Pet 1:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph's dreams predicting his family's bowing to him (Gen 37:5-11) seemed impossible during his slavery and imprisonment. Yet God fulfilled them precisely, vindicated Joseph's faith through the trial's duration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled test and refine your faith?
  2. What unfulfilled promises from God are you trusting Him to accomplish in His timing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עַד1 of 7
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֵ֥ת2 of 7

Until the time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

בֹּֽא3 of 7

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דְבָר֑וֹ4 of 7

that his word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִמְרַ֖ת5 of 7

the word

H565

an utterance

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 7

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְרָפָֽתְהוּ׃7 of 7

tried

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)


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 105:19 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 105:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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