Psalms 106:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:11 mean?

Psalms 106:11 describes how the waters completely covered the enemies of Israel, leaving not a single one remaining. This verse recalls a moment when God’s intervention resulted in the total defeat of those who opposed the Israelites.

The psalmist is speaking to the gathered people of Israel, recounting their history and God’s acts on their behalf. The specific situation refers to the crossing of the Red Sea, when the Egyptian army pursued the Israelites and was drowned. The verse emphasizes the completeness of the deliverance—none of the enemies survived, highlighting God’s power and protection.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:11

• "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): This word points to the literal waters of the sea, reminding readers of the physical event at the Red Sea.
• "covered" (כָּסָה, kasah): This verb means to cover over or overwhelm, stressing that the waters did not just touch but entirely engulfed the Egyptians.
• "enemies" (צָר, tsar): This word refers specifically to adversaries or those who are hostile, clarifying that it was the active pursuers of Israel who were destroyed.
• "one" (אֶחָד, echad): The use of this word underlines that not a single enemy escaped, reinforcing the totality of the event.
• "left" (יָתַר, yatar): This verb means to remain or be left over, emphasizing that the destruction was absolute with no survivors.

Why Psalms 106:11 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that the Egyptian army was only partly defeated; it stresses that the deliverance was total and final.
• The verse connects to the broader theme of Psalms 106, which is a recounting of God’s faithfulness and power in Israel’s history, even when the people themselves were unfaithful.
• By focusing on the complete covering and destruction of the enemies, the verse highlights the dramatic nature of God’s intervention and the security it brought to the Israelites.