Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

PSALMS 107:39KJV
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Psalms 107:39 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:39 mean?

Psalms 107:39 describes how people, even after times of blessing, can become few in number and humbled because of oppression, hardship, and deep sorrow. The verse highlights a reversal of fortune, showing that suffering and trouble can bring people low.

In this psalm, the writer is reflecting on how God’s people have experienced cycles of rescue and distress. The verse comes after a section where people were blessed and multiplied, but now they face reduction and humiliation due to outside pressures and inner troubles. The focus is on the reality that life’s circumstances can change, and suffering can come even after times of prosperity.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:39

  • "minished" (מָעַט, ma'at): This word means to become small or few, emphasizing a significant decrease in number or strength. It points to a loss or reduction, not just a minor setback.
  • "low" (שָׁחַח, shakhach): This word means to be brought low, humbled, or bowed down. It carries the sense of being pressed down by circumstances, not just feeling sad.
  • "oppression" (עֹצֶר, otser): This word refers to being held back, restrained, or oppressed by others. It suggests an outside force causing hardship.
  • "affliction" (רַע, ra): This is a broad word for evil, trouble, or calamity, showing that the suffering described is both serious and harmful.
  • "sorrow" (יָגוֹן, yagon): This word means deep grief or anguish, highlighting the emotional weight of what the people are experiencing.

Why Psalms 107:39 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the psalm is not only about deliverance and blessing but also honestly acknowledges times of loss and hardship, even for those who have previously experienced God’s help.
  • The verse emphasizes that suffering can come from both external oppression and internal distress, showing a full picture of human struggle.
  • In the context of Psalm 107, this verse helps the reader see the pattern of ups and downs in the lives of God’s people, preparing for the following verses that speak of God’s continued care and justice.

Where else these words appear

“oppression” Hebrew H6115 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
  • Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

“sorrow” Hebrew H3015 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
  • Psalms 31:10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
  • Jeremiah 8:18 When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.

“minished” Hebrew H4591 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

“low” Hebrew H7817 · used in 21 verses

  • Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
  • Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
  • Isaiah 2:17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.