King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:27 Mean?

Psalms 105:27 in the King James Version says “They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. his: Heb. words of his signs — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. his: Heb. words of his signs

Psalms 105:27 · KJV


Context

25

He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.

26

He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.

27

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. his: Heb. words of his signs

28

He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.

29

He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses and Aaron performed God's 'signs' (dibrei othot, literally 'words of signs') and 'wonders in the land of Ham.' The plagues demonstrated God's power over Egypt and its gods. 'Signs' pointed beyond themselves to God's authority and purpose. 'Wonders' (mophetim) induced awe. These miraculous demonstrations validated Moses' divine commission and revealed God's supremacy. Christ performed signs (John 2:11) pointing to His identity. The Reformed understanding of miracles sees them as God authenticating His messengers and message, not as ends in themselves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ten plagues (Exod 7-12) systematically demonstrated Yahweh's superiority over Egyptian deities and Pharaoh's claimed divinity. Each plague attacked specific aspects of Egyptian religion and economy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's signs and wonders in Scripture strengthen your faith in His power and purposes?
  2. What 'signs' has God given in your life that point others to His reality and authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שָֽׂמוּ1 of 7

They shewed

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בָ֭ם2 of 7
H0
דִּבְרֵ֣י3 of 7
H1697

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

אֹתוֹתָ֑יו4 of 7

his signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וּ֝מֹפְתִ֗ים5 of 7

among them and wonders

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ6 of 7

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חָֽם׃7 of 7

of Ham

H2526

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country


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 105:27 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 105:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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