Psalms 107:33 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:33 mean?

Psalms 107:33 says that God has the power to change the natural world, turning rivers into wilderness and watersprings into dry ground. This verse highlights God’s control over creation, showing that even life-giving water can be taken away by His will.

The psalm is a song of thanksgiving, likely sung by the people of Israel after returning from exile. The speaker is reflecting on how God can both bless and judge, using nature itself to show His power. In this part of the psalm, the focus is on God’s ability to bring hardship or loss, often as a response to people’s actions or as part of His greater plan.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:33

• "Turneth" (שָׂם, sām): This word means “to set,” “to place,” or “to make.” Here, it emphasizes that God actively causes the change, not just allowing it to happen.
• "Rivers" (נָהָר, nāhār): This word refers to flowing streams or rivers, often seen as sources of life and abundance in the ancient world.
• "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbār): This term means a desert or barren place, highlighting the dramatic shift from a fertile area to a lifeless one.
• "Watersprings" (מַיִם, mayim; מוֹצָא, motsā’): "Mayim" means water, and "motsā’" means a source or spring. Together, they describe places where water naturally flows out of the ground, essential for survival.
• "Ground" (עֲרָבָה, ‘ărāvāh): This word means dry or parched land, reinforcing the idea of complete dryness where there was once water.

Why Psalms 107:33 matters

• Psalms 107:33 clears up the idea that the natural world is outside of God’s influence; it shows that God can change even the most dependable parts of creation.
• The verse emphasizes God’s authority to both give and take away, which is a theme throughout Psalms 107 as the psalmist recounts times of both blessing and hardship.
• Understanding this verse helps the reader see the larger message of the psalm: God responds to people’s situations and actions, and His power is not limited by nature or circumstance.