King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:33 Mean?

Psalms 105:33 in the King James Version says “He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 105:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

35

And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing the hail plague's devastation. Vines and fig trees represented Egypt's agricultural wealth and stability. The verb 'smote' (nakah, נָכָה) means to strike, beat, or destroy—the same word used for divine judgment throughout Scripture. 'Brake' translates shabar (שָׁבַר), meaning to shatter or break in pieces. The completeness of destruction ('trees of their coasts') shows God's judgment was comprehensive, not selective. This teaches that when God judges, no human security or wealth can provide refuge. Egypt's economic infrastructure was systematically dismantled to demonstrate that prosperity comes from God alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Vines and fig trees symbolized peace and prosperity in ancient Near Eastern culture (1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4). Destroying these was an act of economic warfare, undermining Egypt's sense of security. For Israel recounting this history, it served as a warning: the same God who judged Egypt for oppression would judge them if they broke covenant (Deuteronomy 28:38-42).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'vines and fig trees' (symbols of prosperity) do we trust more than God?
  2. How does God's comprehensive judgment reveal the futility of earthly security?
  3. In what ways should God's economic judgments inform our view of wealth and stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיַּ֣ךְ1 of 6

He smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

גַּ֭פְנָם2 of 6

their vines

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וּתְאֵנָתָ֑ם3 of 6

also and their fig trees

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

וַ֝יְשַׁבֵּ֗ר4 of 6

and brake

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

עֵ֣ץ5 of 6

the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

גְּבוּלָֽם׃6 of 6

of 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 105:33 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 105:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study