King James Version

What Does Psalms 68:6 Mean?

Psalms 68:6 in the King James Version says “God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a d...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 68 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. in families: Heb. in a house”

Psalms 68:6 · KJV

Context

4

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. in families: Heb. in a house

7

O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's care for society's most vulnerable—the fatherless, widows, and prisoners—reveals His character as defender of the powerless. 'Father of the fatherless' shows God's personal involvement, not merely distant compassion. 'Judge of the widows' indicates His role as protector and advocate in legal matters. 'Setteth the solitary in families' demonstrates restorative justice, bringing the isolated into community. Yet 'the rebellious dwell in a dry land' warns that rejecting God means forfeiting His provision and blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mosaic law repeatedly commanded care for orphans, widows, and foreigners (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). God's character as defender of the vulnerable established the ethical foundation for Israel's social justice laws.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's special concern for the vulnerable challenge your priorities and resource allocation?
  2. In what practical ways can the church function as 'family' for the solitary and marginalized?
  3. What warning does the image of rebels dwelling in 'dry land' convey about life apart from God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀1 of 11

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מ֘וֹשִׁ֤יב2 of 11

“setteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְחִידִ֨ים׀3 of 11

“the solitary”

H3173

properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)

בַּ֗יְתָה4 of 11

“in families”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מוֹצִ֣יא5 of 11

“he bringeth out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֲ֭סִירִים6 of 11

“those which are bound”

H615

bound, i.e., a captive

בַּכּוֹשָׁר֑וֹת7 of 11

“with chains”

H3574

prosperity; in plural freedom

אַ֥ךְ8 of 11
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

ס֝וֹרֲרִ֗ים9 of 11

“but the rebellious”

H5637

to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory

שָׁכְנ֥וּ10 of 11

“dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

צְחִיחָֽה׃11 of 11

“in a dry”

H6707

a parched region, i.e., the desert

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 68:6 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 68:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 113:9Psalms 69:33Psalms 107:10Isaiah 61:1Psalms 107:14Psalms 146:7

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