Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

PSALMS 107:30KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 107:30 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:30 mean?

Psalms 107:30 describes how people rejoice when the sea becomes calm and peaceful after a storm, and how God guides them safely to the place they longed to reach. The verse uses the image of sailors who are glad for quiet waters and thankful to arrive at their desired harbor.

In the context of Psalms 107, the psalmist is speaking to the people of Israel, recalling times when they were in distress and God rescued them. This verse is part of a section describing sailors caught in a violent storm, who cry out to God and are delivered. The verse highlights relief and gratitude when danger passes and God brings them to safety.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:30

  • "glad" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to rejoice or be joyful. Here, it emphasizes the deep relief and happiness the sailors feel after the storm ends.
  • "quiet" (שַׁעֲוָה, sha'ava): This word is often understood as "calm" or "still." It points to the peacefulness that follows chaos, underlining the contrast between the storm and the calm that God provides.
  • "bringeth" (נָחָה, nachah): This word means to lead or guide. The verse credits God with actively guiding the sailors, not just letting them drift to safety.
  • "desired" (חֵפֶץ, chefets): This word means something wished for or longed for. It shows that the haven is not just any port, but the place the sailors deeply wanted to reach.
  • "haven" (מָחוֹז, machoz): This word refers to a harbor or safe place. It paints a picture of safety and rest after a dangerous journey.

Why Psalms 107:30 matters

  • Psalms 107:30 clears up that the calm after the storm is not just luck or natural change, but something God brings about and guides people through.
  • The verse emphasizes that God responds to cries for help and leads people to the specific place they hope for, not just any solution.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is part of a pattern showing God’s faithfulness in different kinds of trouble, encouraging readers to remember and give thanks for God’s rescue.

Where else these words appear

“quiet” Hebrew H8367 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
  • Jonah 1:11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.
  • Jonah 1:12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

“desired” Hebrew H2656 · used in 38 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

“bringeth” Hebrew H5148 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
  • Psalms 77:20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

“glad” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.