King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:43 Mean?

Psalms 107:43 in the King James Version says “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Psalms 107:43 · KJV


Context

41

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

42

The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

43

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This concluding verse summarizes the psalm's call. 'Whoso is wise, and will observe these things' identifies the audience: the wise who pay attention. 'Wise' (chakam, חָכָם) means skillful in living, not merely intellectual. 'Observe' (shamar, שָׁמַר) means to keep, guard, give heed to. 'Even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD' is the reward: comprehending God's covenant love. 'Lovingkindness' is chesed (חֶסֶד)—loyal, covenant love—the psalm's central theme (v. 1). Understanding chesed requires wisdom to observe God's works: His deliverances, judgments, restorations. The psalm's various scenarios all reveal this one truth: God's enduring covenant faithfulness. Wisdom discerns chesed in all God's providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This wisdom conclusion invites meditation on God's works across history. Israel's story—exodus, wilderness, conquest, kingdom, exile, return—all reveal chesed. For the church, observing God's redemptive acts from Genesis to Revelation reveals the consistent thread of covenant love culminating in Christ. Wisdom means seeing all history as disclosure of God's faithful, saving love. This requires attentive study of Scripture and reflection on God's works in creation, providence, and redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'wise' in observing God's works and providence?
  2. How do diverse experiences of deliverance reveal God's singular covenant love (<em>chesed</em>)?
  3. What role does meditation on Scripture and history play in understanding God's lovingkindness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִי1 of 7
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

חָכָ֥ם2 of 7

Whoso is wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וְיִשְׁמָר3 of 7

and will observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֵ֑לֶּה4 of 7
H428

these or those

וְ֝יִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֗וּ5 of 7

these things even they shall understand

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

חַֽסְדֵ֥י6 of 7

the lovingkindness

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 107:43 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 107:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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