Psalms 107:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:11 mean?

Psalms 107:11 explains that people suffered because they rebelled against what God said and rejected the advice or guidance of the Most High. The verse points to a cause-and-effect relationship: their hardship came from turning away from God’s words and counsel.

The psalm is recounting why certain groups experienced trouble, with the speaker describing people who ignored God’s instructions and dismissed His wisdom. This verse is part of a larger section where the psalmist reflects on the consequences of ignoring God and the importance of listening to Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:11

• "rebelled" (מָרָה, marah): This word means to be stubborn or disobedient, often with the sense of deliberately going against authority. Here, it highlights a willful turning away from God’s commands.
• "contemned" (נָאַץ, naats): This word means to despise or treat with disdain. It shows not just ignoring, but actively looking down on God’s advice, emphasizing the seriousness of their rejection.
• "counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word refers to advice, guidance, or plans. It stresses that what was rejected was not just a rule, but God’s wise direction for life.
• "High" (עֶלְיוֹן, Elyon): This is a title for God meaning “Most High,” underlining His supreme authority and wisdom, making the rejection even more significant.

Why Psalms 107:11 matters

• The verse clarifies that suffering described in this part of the psalm is not random but is directly connected to people’s choices to reject God’s words and guidance.
• It emphasizes the seriousness of not just ignoring but actively scorning God’s wisdom, which is presented as a deliberate and weighty decision.
• This verse connects to the psalm’s larger theme: people often find themselves in trouble because of their own actions, but the psalm also shows that God is willing to respond with help when people turn back to Him.