King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:12 Mean?

Psalms 107:12 in the King James Version says “Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

Psalms 107:12 · KJV


Context

10

Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

11

Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

12

Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

13

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

14

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the consequence of rebellion. 'Therefore he brought down their heart with labour' means God humbled them through hardship. 'Brought down' (kana, כָּנַע) means to humble, subdue, or bring low. 'Their heart' indicates inner pride was targeted. 'With labour' (amal, עָמָל) means toil, trouble, or misery. 'They fell down, and there was none to help' depicts total collapse without human rescue. Rebellion leads to humiliation and helplessness. God sometimes orchestrates circumstances to break human pride and create desperation that drives us to cry out. Humbling is severe mercy—bringing low to bring to Himself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exile humbled proud Israel—from independent kingdom to captive servants. Jeremiah prophesied this humbling as discipline: 'I will correct thee in measure' (Jeremiah 30:11). The 'labour' included literal toil as captives and the grief of loss. This humbling prepared hearts for return and repentance. Similarly, God humbles believers to break self-sufficiency and create dependency on Him alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use hardship and 'labour' to humble prideful hearts?
  2. Why is humbling sometimes necessary before deliverance can come?
  3. In what ways has God 'brought down your heart' to drive you to depend on Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיַּכְנַ֣ע1 of 6

Therefore he brought down

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

בֶּעָמָ֣ל2 of 6

with labour

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

לִבָּ֑ם3 of 6

their heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כָּ֝שְׁל֗וּ4 of 6

they fell down

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

וְאֵ֣ין5 of 6
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֹזֵֽר׃6 of 6

and there was none to help

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid


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 107:12 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 107:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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