Psalm 107 10

Psalm 107:10 kjv

Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

Psalm 107:10 nkjv

Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons?

Psalm 107:10 niv

Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains,

Psalm 107:10 esv

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons,

Psalm 107:10 nlt

Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom,
imprisoned in iron chains of misery.

Psalm 107 verses

Psalm 107 10 Meaning

Psalm 107:10 describes a profound state of distress and confinement. It speaks of individuals trapped in an existence marked by profound spiritual, moral, or literal darkness, akin to the despair associated with death itself. They are depicted as bound by suffering and oppressive, inescapable circumstances, symbolizing a severe state of affliction, helplessness, and limited freedom, often due to their own rebellion against God's word, as further explained in subsequent verses of the Psalm.

Psalm 107 10 Context

Psalm 107 is a majestic hymn of thanksgiving that recounts God's steadfast love and miraculous deliverance of His people from various distressing circumstances. It showcases four distinct scenarios where individuals cry out to the Lord and are subsequently delivered: wanderers lost in the wilderness (vv. 4-9), prisoners bound in affliction (vv. 10-16), those afflicted by illness due to foolish behavior (vv. 17-22), and sailors caught in severe storms (vv. 23-32). Each section follows a common pattern: people in dire trouble, crying out to the Lord, the Lord delivering them, and the call to praise God for His goodness.

Verse 10 introduces the second group: those who "sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron." The immediate context provided by verses 11-12 reveals why this group is in such a plight: "Because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed down their hearts with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help." This indicates that their deep affliction and bondage are direct consequences of their rebellion against God's divine guidance. Historically, this could refer to exiles in Babylon or those in literal prisons for offenses against God's laws, or even metaphorically to spiritual captivity due to sin. The psalm emphasizes that even in such deserved states, God hears their cries and extends His powerful hand to set them free.

Psalm 107 10 Word analysis

• Such as sit (Yoševim, יֹשְׁבִים): This word implies not just a momentary position, but a settled or continuous state. They are abiding in this condition, suggesting deep-seated, prolonged entrapment.
• in darkness (Choshek, חֹשֶׁךְ): Literal darkness but frequently metaphorical in Hebrew thought for spiritual blindness, ignorance, sin, chaos (Gen 1:2), despair, distress, and absence of divine light or blessing. It is the antithesis of God's illuminating presence.
• and in the shadow of death (Tzalmavet, צַלְמָוֶת): A highly evocative compound word, meaning "deepest shadow" or "gloom of death." It signifies extreme danger, despair, life-threatening peril, or a place where hope is completely absent. It can refer to the very brink of the grave or a place utterly devoid of life and joy. The term intensifies "darkness," painting a picture of overwhelming, oppressive hopelessness.
• being bound (Asirei, אֲסִירֵי): Literally "prisoners" or "those who are bound." This points to a state of being captives, under duress, lacking freedom. This could be literal chains or metaphorical bonds of sin, habit, or circumstances that restrict movement or well-being. It indicates a severe constraint on their will and actions.
• in affliction (Oni, עֳנִי): This term denotes misery, suffering, distress, humiliation, and oppression. It describes the subjective experience of the bound individual – their painful state of being, whether physical or emotional. It speaks to a deep, debilitating suffering.
• and iron (Barzel, בַּרְזֶל): Represents the instrument of bondage. Iron chains imply a harsh, strong, and seemingly unbreakable form of confinement. It conveys the severity, permanence, and physical nature of their imprisonment, leaving little to no room for escape without external intervention.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: This phrase emphasizes the depth of their spiritual and existential crisis. "Sitting" implies a settled, entrenched condition. The combined "darkness and shadow of death" describe a realm of utter hopelessness, despair, and vulnerability, removed from life-giving light and freedom. It's a place not just physically dark but spiritually suffocating.
• being bound in affliction and iron: This group of words clarifies the nature of their captivity. It is a literal and experiential reality. They are not merely in distress, but actively constrained ("bound") by the weight of their suffering ("affliction") which is as tangible and inescapable as metal chains ("iron"). This highlights both the internal agony and the external, unyielding forces trapping them.

Psalm 107 10 Bonus section

The state described in Ps 107:10 is not inherently arbitrary; for the specific group depicted (and revealed in Ps 107:11-12), it is a consequence of "rebell[ing] against the words of God and despis[ing] the counsel of the Most High." This highlights a key biblical principle: actions have consequences, and defying divine wisdom often leads to self-inflicted spiritual, emotional, or even physical bondage. However, the Psalm's message is ultimately one of hope: even in such deserved judgment, God's steadfast love (חסד, chesed) persists, and when these suffering individuals "cried to the LORD in their trouble," He heard them and saved them from their distress. This demonstrates the profound mercy of God, who offers release from bondage to those who acknowledge their plight and call upon Him.

Psalm 107 10 Commentary

Psalm 107:10 offers a stark depiction of profound human despair and confinement. It speaks to a universal human experience of being trapped by forces, both external and internal, that overwhelm. The "darkness and shadow of death" are not merely the absence of light but a pervasive state of hopelessness, fear, and spiritual deadness. This imagery transcends physical prisons, pointing to a spiritual condition where one is estranged from divine light and life, often as a result of their own deliberate rejection of God's ways (as expanded in vv. 11-12).

The phrase "bound in affliction and iron" vividly portrays a state of powerlessness and misery. "Affliction" speaks to the internal suffering, the deep anguish of being miserable, while "iron" emphasizes the unyielding, oppressive external circumstances, the unyielding chains of consequence or oppression. It’s a metaphor for any situation that holds people captive: the destructive habits of sin, the grip of addiction, the weight of overwhelming guilt, the bitterness of resentment, political tyranny, or any condition where human effort proves utterly inadequate for deliverance. This verse underscores the reality of human brokenness and the dire consequences of turning away from the source of life and light. Yet, it sets the stage for God's extraordinary intervention, showcasing His desire and power to redeem even the most desperate situations.