King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:17 Mean?

Psalms 107:17 in the King James Version says “Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 107:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

19

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the third rescue scenario: healing from sickness. 'Fools because of their transgression' connects sickness to sin. 'Fools' (ewil, אֱוִיל) means senseless or morally deficient, not intellectually limited. 'Transgression' (pesha, פֶּשַׁע) means rebellion or covenant-breaking. 'And because of their iniquities, are afflicted' uses innah (עָנָה), meaning to be bowed down, afflicted, or humbled. While not all sickness results from personal sin (John 9:3), this scenario depicts cases where foolish rebellion brought affliction. Sin has consequences, including physical suffering, demonstrating the interconnection of spiritual and physical realities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel experienced this pattern: covenant-breaking brought plague, pestilence, and disease as covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:21-22, 27-29, 35). Leviticus 26:14-16 warned that disobedience would bring 'consumption and fever.' Numbers 11, 16, and 25 record plagues following rebellion. For post-exilic readers, this explained suffering as consequence of ancestral sin while also offering hope of healing through crying out to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between sin and suffering/sickness in Scripture?
  2. How should we understand cases where foolishness leads to affliction?
  3. When is it appropriate to see sickness as consequence of sin versus other causes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
אֱ֭וִלִים1 of 5

“Fools”

H191

(figuratively) silly

מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ2 of 5

“because”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

פִּשְׁעָ֑ם3 of 5

“of their transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וּֽ֝מֵעֲוֹ֥נֹתֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 5

“and because of their iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

יִתְעַנּֽוּ׃5 of 5

“are afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

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 107:17 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 107:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 3:39Proverbs 1:22Psalms 38:1-8Psalms 14:1Isaiah 65:6-7Proverbs 7:7

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