Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

PSALMS 107:17KJV
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Psalms 107:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:17 mean?

Psalms 107:17 says that people who act foolishly and do wrong bring suffering on themselves because of their own actions. The verse points out that their troubles are a direct result of their choices and wrongdoing.

The psalm is traditionally attributed to an anonymous worship leader or poet, speaking to the people of Israel. The setting is a reflection on times when people have wandered from God’s ways, and the verse highlights how suffering often follows personal rebellion or moral failure. This is part of a larger psalm that describes different groups of people in distress and how they respond.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:17

  • "Fools" (אֱוִילִים, 'ewilim): This word often refers to people who are not just lacking intelligence, but who ignore wisdom and make reckless choices. The verse singles out this kind of person as especially prone to self-caused trouble.
  • "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word means a willful rebellion or breaking away from what is right, not just a mistake. The verse emphasizes that the suffering comes from deliberate wrongdoing.
  • "Iniquities" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt or twisted behavior, highlighting the moral weight of their actions. It shows that the affliction is not random but connected to real moral failings.
  • "Afflicted" (עָנָה, anah): This word can mean being humbled, oppressed, or brought low. It suggests that the suffering is not just physical but can also include humiliation or hardship as a consequence.

Why Psalms 107:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that suffering described here is not accidental or undeserved, but a result of personal choices, which helps avoid blaming God for every hardship.
  • By using strong words for rebellion and iniquity, Psalms 107:17 highlights the seriousness of turning away from what is right, not just minor mistakes.
  • This verse fits into the psalm’s larger pattern, which shows different ways people get into trouble and sets up the theme of calling out to God for rescue.

Where else these words appear

“Fools” Hebrew H191 · used in 26 verses

  • Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
  • Proverbs 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
  • Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

“afflicted” Hebrew H6031 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
  • Psalms 105:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.