King James Version
What Does Psalms 124:3 Mean?
“Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:”
Psalms 124:3 · KJV
Context
1
A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3
Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5
Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe imagined catastrophe is described: 'Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us.' The word 'then' draws the inevitable conclusion - without God, destruction would have followed. The imagery 'swallowed us up quick' (alive) suggests sudden, complete consumption, like a monster devouring prey whole. The Hebrew 'chay' (quick/alive) emphasizes they would have been consumed while still living - not merely defeated but obliterated. The phrase 'when their wrath was kindled' pictures rage as fire, burning hot against Israel. Enemies weren't merely strategic opponents but consumed with fury. This verse escalates the threat from attack (v. 2) to annihilation - total, immediate destruction. The vivid imagery makes divine deliverance more remarkable by emphasizing how close Israel came to complete destruction.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Israel faced several near-annihilation moments: Egyptian slavery, Amalekite attacks (Exodus 17), Assyrian invasion, Babylonian conquest, Persian Haman's plot (Esther), and others. The imagery of being 'swallowed alive' recalls Korah's judgment (Numbers 16:30-33) and anticipates Jonah's experience. The language reflects ancient Near Eastern combat where victors often attempted complete extermination of enemies.
Reflection Questions
- What does the imagery of being 'swallowed alive' communicate about the nature of the threat?
- How does recognizing enemy 'wrath' help us understand that opposition is often personal, not merely political?
- In what ways do believers today face threats of being 'swallowed up' by hostile forces?
- How does vividly imagining what would have happened without God deepen gratitude for deliverance?
- What New Testament passages describe spiritual threats in similar terms of consumption or destruction?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsחַיִּ֣ים2 of 6
“quick”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בְּלָע֑וּנוּ3 of 6
“they had swallowed us up”
H1104to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
בַּחֲר֖וֹת4 of 6
“was kindled”
H2734to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפָּ֣ם5 of 6
“when their wrath”
H639properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
בָּֽנוּ׃6 of 6
H0Study 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 124:3 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 124:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge