King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:35 Mean?

Psalms 107:35 in the King James Version says “He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings . — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings .

Psalms 107:35 · KJV


Context

33

He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. barrenness: Heb. saltiness

35

He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings .

36

And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37

And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's restorative work, reversing verse 33. 'He turneth the wilderness into a standing water' shows transformation from barren to fertile. 'Wilderness' (midbar, מִדְבָּר) is desert wasteland. 'Standing water' (agam mayim, אֲגַם־מָיִם) is pool or lake—water source. 'And dry ground into watersprings' adds flowing water (motsa mayim, מוֹצָאֵי מָיִם), springs or fountains. This describes restoration after judgment, creating life from death, abundance from scarcity. Isaiah prophesied this restoration: 'I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water' (Isaiah 41:18). God's redemptive work reverses curse and restores blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's return from exile and land restoration fulfilled this. God promised 'I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert' (Isaiah 43:19). The restoration wasn't merely political but agricultural—the land would flourish again. Ezekiel's vision of water flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12), bringing life wherever it flows, pictures eschatological restoration. Revelation 22:1-2 completes this: the river of life in New Jerusalem, with trees bearing fruit monthly. Complete cosmic restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's transformation of wilderness to watersprings demonstrate redemptive power?
  2. What do water restoration prophecies teach about new creation and final restoration?
  3. How does ecological restoration serve as picture of spiritual regeneration and renewal?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יָשֵׂ֣ם1 of 8

He turneth

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

מִ֭דְבָּר2 of 8

the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

לַֽאֲגַם3 of 8

into a standing

H98

a marsh; hence a rush (as growing in swamps); hence a stockade of reeds

מָֽיִם׃4 of 8

into watersprings

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְאֶ֥רֶץ5 of 8

ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צִ֝יָּ֗ה6 of 8

and dry

H6723

aridity; concretely, a desert

לְמֹצָ֥אֵי7 of 8
H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

מָֽיִם׃8 of 8

into watersprings

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 107:35 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 107:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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