Psalms 107:38 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:38 mean?

Psalms 107:38 says that God blesses His people so they become very numerous, and He does not let their livestock dwindle. This verse highlights God’s active role in increasing both the people and their animals, showing His care for their growth and well-being.

The psalmist is describing how God responds to those He has delivered and gathered from trouble, as seen throughout Psalm 107. The verse uses the image of multiplying people and protecting their cattle to show God’s practical blessings, especially important in an agricultural society where family size and livestock meant survival and prosperity.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:38

• "blesseth" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This Hebrew word means to bestow favor or to make prosper. Here, it emphasizes that the increase comes as a direct result of God’s positive action.
• "multiplied" (רָבָה, ravah): This word means to become many or to increase greatly. It stresses not just growth, but significant expansion.
• "greatly" (מְאֹד, me’od): This intensifier means "very" or "exceedingly," showing that the multiplication is not small or ordinary, but remarkable.
• "suffereth" / "decrease" (מָעַט, ma'at): Both words come from the same root, meaning to diminish or become few. The verse uses it to say God does not allow their cattle to become less, highlighting protection from loss.
• "cattle" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah): This word refers to domesticated animals, especially those important for food and work. Mentioning cattle underlines God’s care for every part of the people’s livelihood.

Why Psalms 107:38 matters

• Psalms 107:38 clarifies that God’s blessing is not only spiritual but also practical, affecting daily life and survival in tangible ways.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 107, where God repeatedly rescues and restores people after hardship, showing a pattern of deliverance followed by abundance.
• By mentioning both people and cattle, the verse shows that God’s care covers the whole community, not just individuals, and includes everything needed for a flourishing life.