King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:15 Mean?

Psalms 107:15 in the King James Version says “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:15 · KJV


Context

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.

15

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

16

For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the second occurrence of the refrain (see v. 8). Following the prisoners' deliverance, it again calls for thanksgiving. The repetition after each rescue scenario emphasizes that God's wonderful works consistently deserve praise, regardless of which specific distress He delivers from. Whether wandering in wilderness or imprisoned in darkness, God's goodness shown in deliverance merits continuous thanksgiving. The refrain's recurrence also suggests corporate worship—possibly responsive reading where congregation repeats this line after hearing each testimony.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In post-exilic worship, this refrain may have been sung responsively as various groups testified to deliverance. The pattern (testimony → refrain) creates liturgical structure for corporate thanksgiving. This continues in Christian worship where testimony and praise alternate. Revelation depicts this pattern in heaven: redeemed from every nation sing 'Worthy is the Lamb,' declaring salvation (Revelation 5:9-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does corporate worship incorporate testimony and thanksgiving for God's deliverance?
  2. Why does Scripture repeatedly call for praise in response to God's works?
  3. What role should personal testimony of deliverance play in the church's worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יוֹד֣וּ1 of 6

Oh that men would praise

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לַיהוָ֣ה2 of 6

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

חַסְדּ֑וֹ3 of 6

for his goodness

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וְ֝נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗יו4 of 6

and for his wonderful works

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

לִבְנֵ֥י5 of 6

to the 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

אָדָֽם׃6 of 6

of men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)


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 107:15 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 107:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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