King James Version
What Does Psalms 124:5 Mean?
“Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.”
Psalms 124:5 · KJV
Context
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.
6
Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe hypothetical destruction intensifies: 'Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.' The phrase 'proud waters' personifies the flood, giving it moral character - arrogant, self-exalting, contemptuous. This combines physical threat (flood) with spiritual/moral dimension (pride). Waters aren't merely natural disaster but represent proud enemies who seek to overwhelm God's people. The repetition 'gone over our soul' from verse 4 creates emphasis through parallelism. The escalation from 'waters' (v. 4) to 'proud waters' (v. 5) suggests increasing intensity or perhaps distinguishes ordinary threats from especially arrogant opposition. The verse completes the hypothetical destruction section, having used two metaphors (swallowing, drowning) to describe what would have happened without divine intervention.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The description of enemies as 'proud waters' fits recurring biblical pattern where Israel's oppressors are characterized by arrogance (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon). These nations didn't merely threaten physically but religiously - claiming superiority over Israel's God. The waters' pride represents ideological/spiritual assault, not just military threat. This makes divine intervention both practical deliverance and theological vindication.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for waters to be 'proud,' and how does this differ from ordinary flood imagery?
- How do physical threats often carry spiritual/ideological dimensions?
- In what ways do believers face 'proud' opposition that seeks to overwhelm through arrogance?
- Why does Scripture repeatedly connect pride with opposition to God's people?
- How does God's deliverance from 'proud waters' humble human arrogance?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsעָבַ֣ר2 of 6
“had gone over”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַל3 of 6
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ4 of 6
“our soul”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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 124:5 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 124:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge