King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:28 Mean?

Psalms 107:28 in the King James Version says “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 107:28 · KJV

Context

26

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

27

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. are: Heb. all their wisdom is swallowed up

28

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

29

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Read Psalms 107 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the pattern (cf. vv. 6, 13, 19). 'Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble' shows that when mariners reach wits' end, they turn to God. Extremity drives prayer. 'And he bringeth them out of their distresses' uses yatsa (יָצָא), to bring out or deliver—exodus language. God rescues from the very distresses that drove them to cry out. The pattern's fourth repetition emphasizes its universality: whether lost in wilderness, imprisoned in darkness, sick unto death, or drowning in storm—crying to God brings deliverance. This is bedrock truth: God responds to those who call on Him in trouble.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Scripture, desperate sailors cry to God and are saved: Jonah's sailors (Jonah 1:14-16), disciples in the storm (Matthew 8:25; Mark 4:38; Luke 8:24), Paul's shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25). Each time, prayer brought divine intervention. The pattern teaches every generation that God is sovereign over natural forces and faithful to deliver those who cry to Him. This assurance grounds confidence in God's providence through life's storms.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the repeated pattern across diverse distresses teach about God's character?
  2. How should knowing God responds to desperate prayer affect our response to crises?
  3. Why is crying to God in trouble the most rational response, not the last resort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ1 of 7

“Then they cry”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֶל2 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְ֭הוָה3 of 7

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

בַּצַּ֣ר4 of 7

“in their trouble”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

לָהֶ֑ם5 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּֽ֝מִמְּצֽוּקֹתֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 7

“of their distresses”

H4691

narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

יוֹצִיאֵֽם׃7 of 7

“and he bringeth them out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 107:28 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 107:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:19Matthew 8:25Psalms 107:13Acts 27:23-25Psalms 107:6Jonah 1:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 107 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 107 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes