King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:27 Mean?

Psalms 106:27 in the King James Version says “To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall

Psalms 106:27 · KJV


Context

25

But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

26

Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall

27

To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall

28

They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

29

Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands God's oath of judgment beyond the wilderness generation. 'To overthrow their seed also among the nations' prophesies exile—Israel's descendants would be scattered among pagan nations. 'To scatter them in the lands' uses zarah (זָרָה), meaning to winnow, disperse, or scatter like chaff. This was fulfilled in the Assyrian exile (722 BC) and Babylonian captivity (586 BC), and later diaspora. God's covenant included generational blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28-30). The sins of one generation bring consequences on descendants, demonstrating the corporate nature of covenant and the seriousness of covenant-breaking.

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Historical & Cultural Context

While the immediate context is the wilderness generation's judgment, this verse prophetically extends to future exile as covenant curse. Deuteronomy 28:64-68 and Leviticus 26:33 warned of scattering among nations if Israel broke covenant. These warnings were fulfilled through Assyrian and Babylonian conquests. For post-exilic Israel reciting this psalm, it explained their recent exile as God fulfilling His oath of covenant curse for persistent idolatry and rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the sins of one generation affect subsequent generations?
  2. What does scattering among nations teach about the consequences of covenant-breaking?
  3. How should understanding generational covenant consequences affect our obedience today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וּלְהַפִּ֣יל1 of 5

To overthrow

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

זַ֭רְעָם2 of 5

their seed

H2233

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

בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם3 of 5

also among the nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּ֝לְזָרוֹתָ֗ם4 of 5

and to scatter

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

בָּאֲרָצֽוֹת׃5 of 5

them in the lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 106:27 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 106:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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