Psalms 105:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:15 mean?

Psalms 105:15 is a warning from God not to harm or mistreat those He has chosen and set apart, specifically referring to His "anointed" and His prophets. The verse quotes God as saying that no one should touch or do harm to these special people.

In the context of Psalms 105, the psalmist is recounting Israel’s history and God’s faithfulness to the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The verse recalls a time when God protected these early leaders and messengers, even as they traveled as strangers among foreign nations. The focus is on God’s care and the special status He gave to those He called for His purposes.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:15

• "Touch" (נָגַע, nagaʿ): This word often means to physically touch or strike, but it can also mean to harm or interfere with someone. Here, it emphasizes that God’s chosen ones are not to be mistreated or attacked.
• "Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This term means "one who is anointed with oil," signifying someone set apart for a special role by God. In this verse, it likely refers to the patriarchs, not just later kings or priests.
• "Prophets" (נָבִיא, navi): This word means "one who speaks on behalf of God." In the context of the patriarchs, it highlights that God viewed them as His spokespeople, even before the era of famous prophets.
• "Harm" (רָעַע, raʿa): This word means to do evil or cause trouble. The verse makes it clear that God forbids any kind of injury or wrongdoing against His chosen representatives.

Why Psalms 105:15 matters

• Psalms 105:15 is sometimes misunderstood as applying only to kings or modern religious leaders, but in context, it refers to the patriarchs and early prophets—showing God’s protection over all He calls, not just official rulers.
• The verse highlights God’s active role in safeguarding His people, even when they were few and vulnerable, which is a key theme in the surrounding psalm.
• Understanding the original Hebrew words helps clarify that "anointed" and "prophets" here are broader than later, more formal titles, and that the warning is about any kind of harm, not just physical violence.