Psalms 106:47 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:47 mean?

Psalms 106:47 is a prayer asking God to rescue His people and bring them back together from among foreign nations, so that they can thank Him and celebrate His praise. The verse expresses a longing for deliverance and a desire to worship God as a united people.

The speaker is the psalmist, representing the people of Israel, who have been scattered among other nations—likely because of exile or conquest. The verse comes near the end of a psalm recounting Israel’s history of disobedience and God’s mercy. Here, the people are asking God not only for physical rescue but also for restoration, so they can return to worshiping Him together.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:47

• "Save" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word means to deliver or rescue. The psalmist is not just asking for help, but for a complete act of salvation from trouble or danger.
• "Gather" (קָבַץ, qavats): This word means to collect or bring together. The request is for God to reunite those who have been scattered, emphasizing the hope for restored community.
• "Heathen" (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to nations or peoples other than Israel. The verse recognizes that God’s people are living among foreigners and longs for a return to their own land.
• "Triumph" (הִתְהַלֵּל, hithallel): This word carries the sense of boasting or rejoicing. The psalmist wants the people to be able to celebrate God’s praise openly and joyfully, not just quietly or in private.

Why Psalms 106:47 matters

• The verse shows that the desire for rescue is closely tied to the desire to worship God together, not just for personal safety or comfort.
• By asking to be gathered from among the nations, the verse highlights the reality of exile and the hope for restoration, which is a major theme in Israel’s history.
• The focus on giving thanks and triumphing in praise reminds readers that the ultimate goal of deliverance is to honor God, not just to escape hardship.