King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:39 Mean?

Psalms 107:39 in the King James Version says “Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

Psalms 107:39 · KJV


Context

37

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

38

He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39

Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. wilderness: or, void place

41

Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. from: or, after


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes reversal of blessing through judgment. 'Again, they are minished and brought low' shows decrease after multiplication (v. 38). 'Minished' (maat, מָעַט) means to be or become small, few, diminished. 'Brought low' (shachach, שָׁחַח) means to be bowed down, humbled. 'Through oppression, affliction, and sorrow' lists causes: external pressure (otser, עֹצֶר), affliction (raah, רָעָה), and sorrow (yagon, יָגוֹן). This demonstrates the covenant curse cycle: blessing for obedience, cursing for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). God's people experience rise and fall corresponding to faithfulness. This warns against presuming on blessing—ongoing faithfulness is required.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history exemplified this cycle: blessing under faithful leadership, cursing under apostasy. Judges portrays repeated cycles of sin → oppression → repentance → deliverance. Even after exile's restoration, later generations again experienced decrease and oppression (under Greeks and Romans). The cycle warns each generation that covenant blessing isn't automatic inheritance but requires ongoing faithfulness. Churches and nations today experience similar patterns: blessing followed by apostasy leading to decline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the blessing-curse cycle demonstrate the necessity of ongoing covenant faithfulness?
  2. What 'oppression, affliction, and sorrow' result from turning from God today?
  3. How can churches avoid presuming on past blessings while drifting into unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיִּמְעֲט֥וּ1 of 5

Again they are minished

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

וַיָּשֹׁ֑חוּ2 of 5

and brought low

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

מֵעֹ֖צֶר3 of 5

through oppression

H6115

closure; also constraint

רָעָ֣ה4 of 5

affliction

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְיָגֽוֹן׃5 of 5

and sorrow

H3015

affliction


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 107:39 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 107:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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