King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:6 Mean?

Psalms 107:6 in the King James Version says “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 107:6 · KJV

Salvation

Context

4

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6

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

7

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Read Psalms 107 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the cry for help and God's response. 'Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble' shows extremity drives prayer. 'Cried' (tsaaq, צָעַק) means to cry out, call for help, shout in distress—desperate, loud prayer. 'In their trouble' (tsar, צַר) means in distress, anguish, or tight place. Trouble compresses us into crying out. 'And he delivered them out of their distresses' uses natsal (נָצַל), meaning to snatch away, rescue, deliver. God's response is immediate and effective—He rescues from the very distresses that caused the cry. This pattern (distress → cry → deliverance) appears throughout Scripture, teaching that God responds to desperate prayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This pattern appears throughout Israel's history: Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25), wilderness wandering, Judges cycle, exile. Each time, God heard their cry and delivered. The psalm establishes this as a pattern of God's character—He responds to the cry of the desperate. For the church, this assures us that in distress, crying to God brings deliverance (though the form and timing may differ from expectations).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God often allow distress before bringing deliverance?
  2. How does desperate crying to God differ from casual or comfortable prayer?
  3. In what ways has God delivered you out of distresses when you cried to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ1 of 7

“Then they cried”

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)

מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 7

“them out of their distresses”

H4691

narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

יַצִּילֵֽם׃7 of 7

“and he delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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 107:6 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 107:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 50:15Psalms 91:15Jeremiah 29:12-14Hebrews 4:15-16Psalms 107:19Psalms 107:13

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