King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:24 Mean?

Psalms 107:24 in the King James Version says “These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.

Psalms 107:24 · KJV


Context

22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. rejoicing: Heb. singing

23

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

24

These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.

25

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. raiseth: Heb. maketh to stand

26

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes what mariners witness. 'These see the works of the LORD' means mariners have unique perspective on God's power. 'See' (raah, רָאָה) emphasizes eyewitness observation. 'And his wonders in the deep' uses pala (פָּלָא), meaning wonderful, extraordinary, or miraculous deeds. 'In the deep' (metsulah, מְצוּלָה) means the depths or abyss. Those who venture into ocean depths witness God's wonders unavailable to land-dwellers. This teaches that different life circumstances reveal different aspects of God's character and power. Those who risk 'great waters' see wonders others miss.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 104:24-26 celebrates God's works in the sea: 'This great and wide sea...there go the ships.' Job 38:16 asks, 'Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?' The ocean's vastness and power reveal God's majesty. For the disciples (many fishermen), experiencing Jesus calm the storm revealed His divine authority over creation (Mark 4:41: 'What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?').

Reflection Questions

  1. How do different life experiences reveal different aspects of God's character?
  2. What 'wonders in the deep' do those who venture into difficult circumstances witness?
  3. In what ways does facing natural forces reveal God's power and majesty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הֵ֣מָּה1 of 6
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רָ֭אוּ2 of 6

These see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מַעֲשֵׂ֣י3 of 6

the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 6

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְ֝נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗יו5 of 6

and his wonders

H6381

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

בִּמְצוּלָֽה׃6 of 6

in the deep

H4688

a deep place (of water or mud)


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 107:24 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 107:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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