King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:11 Mean?

Psalms 106:11 in the King James Version says “And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

Psalms 106:11 · KJV


Context

9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

10

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

11

And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

12

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

13

They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the drowning of Pharaoh's army. 'The waters covered their enemies' refers to the sea returning after Israel crossed (Exodus 14:26-28). 'There was not one of them left' emphasizes total destruction—Egypt's military power was completely annihilated. This demonstrates divine justice: those who pursued God's people to destroy them were themselves destroyed. The totality of judgment ('not one') shows God's thorough protection of His redeemed. This prefigures the final judgment, when all enemies of God's people will be definitively defeated (Revelation 19:11-21). It also illustrates substitutionary atonement: the judgment that could have fallen on rebellious Israel fell instead on their pursuers, just as Christ bore the judgment believers deserved.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pharaoh's army represented the world's most powerful military force in that era. Their complete destruction demonstrated that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment or prevent His redemptive purposes. Israel witnessed their former oppressors' bodies washed ashore (Exodus 14:30), providing visible confirmation of total victory. This became a recurring theme in Israel's worship: the God who drowned Pharaoh's army can defeat any enemy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the total destruction of Israel's pursuers teach about God's commitment to His people?
  2. How does this verse prefigure the final defeat of all God's enemies?
  3. In what ways does God's past deliverance give confidence for present and future spiritual battles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְכַסּוּ1 of 7

covered

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

מַ֥יִם2 of 7

And the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

צָרֵיהֶ֑ם3 of 7

their enemies

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

אֶחָ֥ד4 of 7

there was not one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵ֝הֶ֗ם5 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נוֹתָֽר׃7 of 7

of them left

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve


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 106:11 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 106:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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