King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:38 Mean?

Psalms 106:38 in the King James Version says “And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Can...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.”

Psalms 106:38 · KJV

Context

36

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

38

And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

39

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

40

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands on child sacrifice's horror. 'They shed innocent blood' emphasizes the victims' innocence. 'Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters' personalizes the tragedy—these were their own children. 'Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan' identifies the false gods as Canaanite deities like Molech, Baal, and Asherah. 'And the land was polluted with blood' uses chaneph (חָנֵף), meaning profaned, defiled, or polluted. Bloodshed pollutes land, crying out for justice (Genesis 4:10; Numbers 35:33-34). Israel's land became defiled through murder, especially of innocent children, requiring purging through judgment (exile). Innocent blood demands justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah denounced child sacrifice, declaring God never commanded it nor did it enter His mind (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5). The prophets identified it as a primary reason for exile. God's patience endured this abomination for generations before bringing judgment. The pollution of the land parallels how Adam's sin corrupted creation (Genesis 3:17-18; Romans 8:20-22). Only exile and restoration could purge the land's defilement, pointing to Christ's blood that ultimately cleanses from all sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does innocent bloodshed defile a land and cry out for justice?
  2. What contemporary shedding of innocent blood pollutes our land?
  3. How does Christ's innocent blood shed on the cross cleanse defilement and satisfy justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּֽשְׁפְּכ֨וּ1 of 13

“And shed”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

בַּדָּמִֽים׃2 of 13

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נָקִ֡י3 of 13

“innocent”

H5355

innocent

בַּדָּמִֽים׃4 of 13

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בְּנֵ֘יהֶ֤ם5 of 13

“of their sons”

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

וּֽבְנוֹתֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 13

“and of their daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

זִ֭בְּחוּ8 of 13

“whom they sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַעֲצַבֵּ֣י9 of 13

“unto the idols”

H6091

an (idolatrous) image

כְנָ֑עַן10 of 13

“of Canaan”

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

וַתֶּחֱנַ֥ף11 of 13

“was polluted”

H2610

to soil, especially in a moral sense

הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ12 of 13

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּדָּמִֽים׃13 of 13

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

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 106:38 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 106:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 35:33Isaiah 26:21Deuteronomy 21:92 Kings 21:16Isaiah 24:5Ezekiel 7:23

Places in This Verse

CanaanRegion · Modern: Canaan · 32.77°N, 35.33°E101 verses across 16 books
View all places in Psalms 106 →

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