King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:6 Mean?

Psalms 105:6 in the King James Version says “O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

Psalms 105:6 · KJV


Context

4

Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

5

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

6

O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

7

He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.

8

He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Addressing Abraham's seed and Jacob's children identifies Israel as covenant recipients. This grounds their identity in God's elective love, not their merit. Being Abraham's descendants carries covenant responsibilities and privileges. Paul later argues that true descendants are those of faith (Gal 3:7, 29), not merely biological lineage. Christ came as Abraham's seed (Gal 3:16) to fulfill covenant promises. The Reformed understanding of covenant theology recognizes continuity between Old and New Testament people of God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's identity centered on descent from Abraham through Jacob (Israel). God's covenant promises to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3, 15:1-21) formed the foundation of Israel's existence and hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding yourself as part of God's covenant people (through Christ) shape your identity?
  2. What responsibilities come with being adopted into Abraham's spiritual family?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זֶ֭רַע1 of 6

O ye seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אַבְרָהָ֣ם2 of 6

of Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

עַבְדּ֑וֹ3 of 6

his servant

H5650

a servant

בְּנֵ֖י4 of 6

ye children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יַעֲקֹ֣ב5 of 6

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

בְּחִירָֽיו׃6 of 6

his chosen

H972

select


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 105:6 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 105:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study