King James Version

What Does Psalms 84:6 Mean?

Psalms 84:6 in the King James Version says “Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. Baca: or, mulberry trees make hi...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 84 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. Baca: or, mulberry trees make him a well, etc filleth: Heb. covereth”

Psalms 84:6 · KJV

Context

4

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

5

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6

Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. Baca: or, mulberry trees make him a well, etc filleth: Heb. covereth

7

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. strength to: or, company to company

8

O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. This enigmatic verse depicts pilgrims transforming barren terrain through faith and divine blessing. "Valley of Baca" (עֵמֶק הַבָּכָא/emek habaka) can mean "valley of weeping" or "valley of balsam trees." Either reading yields profound meaning: a place of sorrow transformed, or a dry valley made fruitful.

"Make it a well" (מַעְיָן יְשִׁיתוּהוּ/ma'yan yeshituhu) describes pilgrims creating water sources in waterless places. This isn't mere physical effort but spiritual transformation. Those journeying to God's house bring blessing even to difficult paths. Their faith transforms barrenness into fertility, tears into springs.

"The rain also filleth the pools" (גַּם־בְּרָכוֹת יַעְטֶה מוֹרֶה/gam-berachot ya'teh moreh) suggests divine cooperation with human faith. Moreh can mean early rain or teacher. God's blessing (rain) meets the pilgrim's effort (digging wells), filling pools in the desert. This anticipates Isaiah 35:6-7, where desert blossoms and water breaks forth for redeemed pilgrims, and ultimately the living water Christ offers (John 4:14, 7:38).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem from northern regions would traverse the arid Judean wilderness, a journey requiring multiple days through difficult terrain. The 'valley of Baca' may refer to a specific location or represent any difficult passage. Ancient pilgrimage involved hardship—heat, thirst, danger—yet worshipers transformed trials into testimony of God's faithfulness. The imagery of making wells recalls patriarchal narratives where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dug wells, marking God's provision (Genesis 21:30, 26:18-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'valleys of weeping' in your life might God be transforming into wells of blessing for others?
  2. How does this verse inform Christian perspective on suffering—can hardship become a source of life and refreshment?
  3. In what ways do you see the principle of human effort (making wells) and divine blessing (rain) working together in spiritual growth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עֹבְרֵ֤י׀1 of 9

“Who passing”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּעֵ֣מֶק2 of 9

“through the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

הַ֭בָּכָא3 of 9

“of Baca”

H1056

baca, a valley in palestine

מַעְיָ֣ן4 of 9

“it a well”

H4599

a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)

יְשִׁית֑וּהוּ5 of 9

“make”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

גַּם6 of 9
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּ֝רָכ֗וֹת7 of 9

“the pools”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

יַעְטֶ֥ה8 of 9

“also filleth”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

מוֹרֶֽה׃9 of 9

“the rain”

H4175

an archer; also teacher or teaching; also the early rain

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 84:6 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 84:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:17Romans 5:3-5Joel 2:23John 16:33Romans 8:37Psalms 68:9

Places in This Verse

Valley of BacaSpecial Place · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Psalms 84 →

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