Psalms 106:40 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:40 mean?

Psalms 106:40 says that God’s anger was stirred up against His own people because of their actions, to the point that He rejected or turned away from them, even though they were His special possession. This verse highlights a moment when God’s relationship with Israel was deeply strained due to their unfaithfulness.

The psalm is a prayer recalling Israel’s history, spoken by someone reflecting on the nation’s repeated failures and God’s responses. Here, the focus is on a time when the people’s behavior led God to feel such strong displeasure that He “abhorred” (deeply rejected) His own “inheritance” (the people He had chosen). This sets up the seriousness of their disobedience and the consequences that followed.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:40

• wrath (אַף, ʾaf): This word often refers to anger, but in Hebrew it also literally means “nose” or “nostrils,” painting a vivid picture of someone breathing hard in anger. Here, it emphasizes the intensity of God’s response.
• kindled (חָרָה, charah): This verb means “to burn” or “to be kindled,” describing anger flaring up like a fire. It shows that God’s anger was not mild but was ignited by the people’s actions.
• abhorred (מָאַס, ma’as): This word means “to reject” or “to despise.” It’s a strong term, showing that God’s rejection of His people was not casual but deeply felt.
• inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): In the Old Testament, this word often refers to land or property passed down, but here it means the people of Israel themselves, whom God had chosen as His own treasured possession.

Why Psalms 106:40 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that God’s anger is arbitrary; it comes as a response to persistent disobedience and betrayal by His people, not as a random outburst.
• The strong language used (“abhorred his own inheritance”) shows just how serious Israel’s unfaithfulness was, helping readers grasp the depth of the broken relationship.
• In the wider context of Psalm 106, this moment is part of a cycle: God’s people fail, God responds in anger, but the psalm also remembers God’s mercy and willingness to restore. This verse marks the low point before hope returns.