Psalms 105:33 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:33 mean?

Psalms 105:33 describes how God struck down the vines, fig trees, and other trees in the land, breaking them as a sign of judgment. This verse recalls one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt, showing His power to destroy even the fruitful and valuable plants of the land.

The psalm is recounting the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, with the speaker reminding the people of God’s mighty acts. In this verse, the focus is on the devastation of Egypt’s agriculture during the plagues, emphasizing that not just crops but also trees—symbols of stability and prosperity—were ruined. This detail highlights the thoroughness of God’s actions in freeing His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:33

• "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or hit with force. Here, it shows that the damage was sudden and powerful, not a slow decay.
• "vines" (גֶּפֶן, gephen): Refers specifically to grapevines, which were important for food and drink. Their destruction would have been a major blow to the land’s resources.
• "fig trees" (תְּאֵנָה, te'enah): Fig trees were another valuable crop, so their loss meant further hardship.
• "brake" (שָׁבַר, shāvar): This word means to break or shatter. It suggests the trees were not just damaged but completely ruined.
• "trees" (עֵץ, 'etz): A general term for trees, showing that the destruction was widespread, not limited to just vines or figs.
• "coasts" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means borders or territory, indicating that the destruction reached across the whole land, not just in one area.

Why Psalms 105:33 matters

• Psalms 105:33 clarifies that the plagues affected not only crops but also the very trees of Egypt, showing the depth of the devastation.
• The verse emphasizes God’s control over nature and His ability to act decisively in history, reinforcing the message of His power to save His people.
• By mentioning the destruction of both vines and fig trees, the verse connects to other Old Testament passages where these plants symbolize prosperity, making the loss even more significant.