King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:31 Mean?

Psalms 105:31 in the King James Version says “He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.

Psalms 105:31 · KJV


Context

29

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

30

Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.

31

He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.

32

He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. them: Heb. their rain hail

33

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse combines the fourth plague (flies, Exodus 8:20-32) and the third plague (lice, Exodus 8:16-19). The phrase 'He spake' emphasizes the power of God's word—His mere command brings judgment. The Hebrew amar (אָמַר) for 'spake' parallels creation language ('God said, and it was so'), showing that the same word that creates can also judge. 'Divers sorts of flies' translates arov (עָרֹב), likely meaning swarms of biting insects. The comprehensive nature ('all their coasts') demonstrates that God's judgments are thorough and inescapable. This verse teaches that God's word is sovereign in judgment as in blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These plagues demonstrated God's control over nature against Egyptian deities. The fly plague may have challenged Khepri, the beetle-god, while lice defiled Egyptian priests who required bodily purity for temple service. Magicians could not replicate the lice plague, leading them to declare 'This is the finger of God' (Exodus 8:19)—an acknowledgment of Yahweh's superior power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the power of God's spoken word teach us about Scripture's authority?
  2. How do God's judgments reveal the futility of false religion and idolatry?
  3. In what ways does God's word both create and judge in our lives today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אָ֭מַר1 of 6

He spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיָּבֹ֣א2 of 6

and there came

H935

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

עָרֹ֑ב3 of 6

divers sorts of flies

H6157

a mosquito (from its swarming)

כִּ֝נִּ֗ים4 of 6

and lice

H3654

a gnat

בְּכָל5 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבוּלָֽם׃6 of 6

in all their coasts

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed


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 105:31 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 105:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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