Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.

PSALMS 107:41KJV
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Psalms 107:41 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:41 mean?

Psalms 107:41 says that God lifts up people who are poor and suffering, protecting them from trouble and giving them many descendants, like a shepherd gathers a large flock. The verse highlights God's care for those in need, showing that He can change their situation and bless them with security and family.

The psalm is a song of thanksgiving, likely sung by Israelites remembering times of hardship and rescue. The speaker is reflecting on how God reverses fortunes: while some are brought low, the poor are raised up and given new hope. The image of "families like a flock" paints a picture of safety, growth, and belonging, echoing the shepherd theme common in the Psalms.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:41

  • "poor" (דַּל, dal, H34): This word often means someone who is weak, lowly, or without resources. The verse focuses on people who are vulnerable or overlooked.
  • "high" (שָׂגַב, sagav, H7682): This word means to set securely on high, out of danger. It emphasizes not just lifting up, but also protecting from harm.
  • "affliction" (עָנִי, oni, H6040): This word refers to misery, suffering, or oppression. The verse is about rescue from real hardship, not just a lack of wealth.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah, H4940): This word means family groups or clans. The verse suggests not just survival, but flourishing and community.
  • "flock" (צֹאן, tson, H6629): This word is used for sheep or flocks, a common symbol for God's people in the Psalms. It adds the idea of care and guidance.

Why Psalms 107:41 matters

  • Psalms 107:41 corrects the idea that the poor are always destined to remain in hardship; it shows that God can dramatically change someone's circumstances.
  • The verse highlights the theme of reversal found throughout the psalm: those who suffer can be restored, while those who are secure can be humbled.
  • The shepherd and flock imagery connects this verse to other psalms (like Psalm 23), reinforcing the idea of God as a caring protector who gathers and grows His people.

Where else these words appear

“high” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“affliction” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
  • Psalms 88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

“poor” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.