Psalm 107:23 kjv
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Psalm 107:23 nkjv
Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters,
Psalm 107:23 niv
Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.
Psalm 107:23 esv
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
Psalm 107:23 nlt
Some went off to sea in ships,
plying the trade routes of the world.
Psalm 107 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 14:21 | Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove... | God's control over Red Sea for deliverance |
| Job 9:8 | who alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea; | Divine power over the sea |
| Job 38:8 | Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb,... | God's sovereignty in creation |
| Ps 29:3-4 | The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders... | God's powerful voice over chaotic waters |
| Ps 65:7 | who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves... | God calms the seas |
| Ps 89:9 | You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. | Lord's absolute control over ocean storms |
| Ps 93:3-4 | The floods have lifted up, O Lord... The Lord on high is mightier than... | God's power surpasses the might of waters |
| Ps 104:25-26 | Here is the sea, vast and wide, with its countless creatures... | Sea as part of God's creation for human use |
| Ps 107:28 | Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them... | Direct parallel: calling out to God in distress |
| Isa 43:16 | Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters | God making way through waters, power to save |
| Jon 1:4-15 | But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea... | God sends/controls sea storms for His purpose |
| Mk 4:39 | He woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” | Jesus' divine authority over storms |
| Mt 8:27 | And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this... wind and sea obey him?” | Jesus' authority acknowledged |
| Lk 5:4-7 | ...launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch... | Illustrates going to sea for livelihood |
| Lk 8:24 | He rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they subsided, and there was a calm. | Christ's power to calm the storm |
| Acts 27:14-44 | But soon a tempestuous wind... God saved us... | Shipwreck, divine intervention/protection at sea |
| 1 Cor 10:1-2 | Our fathers were all under the cloud... passed through the sea... | Red Sea crossing as a type, God's guidance |
| Jas 4:13-16 | Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such... | Prudence in business, acknowledging God's will |
| Rev 21:1 | Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and... no more sea. | Future state of peace, no chaotic element |
| Heb 2:10 | ...bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation... | God bringing many safely through perils of life |
| Rom 8:37-39 | No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him... | God's deliverance in all situations, even life's "storms" |
Psalm 107 verses
Psalm 107 23 Meaning
Psalm 107:23 introduces a fourth distinct group of people for whom the Lord's steadfast love is demonstrated: those who engage in maritime trade. It depicts individuals who venture onto vast and often perilous waters in ships, pursuing their livelihood or commerce. This verse establishes the setting for their subsequent distress (a great storm) and the powerful deliverance they experience through crying out to God, underscoring human vulnerability and divine sovereignty over the elements.
Psalm 107 23 Context
Psalm 107 stands as a powerful call to thanksgiving, highlighting God's enduring loving-kindness in delivering various groups from their specific forms of distress. The psalm begins with a general exhortation for the redeemed to declare God's goodness. It then presents four distinct scenarios of suffering and divine intervention, each following a pattern: a description of human affliction, their desperate cry to the Lord, the Lord's merciful deliverance, and a concluding exhortation to give thanks. Verse 23 initiates the fourth scenario, focusing on those whose livelihood or journeys take them into the inherent dangers of the vast sea. This specific context immediately precedes the detailed account of a tumultuous storm (vv. 24-27), the sailors' profound fear and desperate plea (v. 28), and the Lord's dramatic calming of the waters (v. 29), culminating in their safe arrival (v. 30) and the usual call to praise (vv. 31-32). Historically, while Israel was not primarily a seafaring nation, they were surrounded by cultures heavily involved in maritime trade, and the unpredictable nature of the sea was well understood as a powerful force beyond human control, thus making God's power over it a profound demonstration of His absolute sovereignty.
Psalm 107 23 Word analysis
- Some (יוֹרְדֵי - yoredê): Literally "those who go down." This highlights a distinct group of individuals. The verb "to go down" (yarad) suggests a descent, moving from the stability of land to the uncertain, often volatile environment of the sea.
- went down (יוֹרְדֵי - yoredê): As a participle, "those going down" or "who descend," emphasizing their ongoing or habitual activity rather than a single event. It captures the essence of their life and occupation.
- to the sea (הַיָּם - haYam): The definite article "the" points to the vast, known expanse of ocean. In ancient thought, the sea was often associated with chaos, mystery, and uncontrollable forces, in contrast to the ordered land.
- in ships (בָּאֳנִיּוֹת - ba'oniyōt): Their mode of transport, an emblem of human ingenuity attempting to navigate the formidable "great waters." Ships represent both their livelihood and their fragile protection against the elements.
- doing (עֹשֵׂי - ʿosê): Participle, "those doing" or "who carry out." Denotes active engagement, purposeful activity. It’s not accidental presence, but deliberate pursuit.
- business (מְלָאכָה - mlaḵâ): This word means "work," "labor," or "occupation." It indicates that their presence on the sea is not for leisure but for their livelihood, for commerce or trade. This detail underscores their dependence on these ventures.
- on the great (בְּמַיִם - b'mayim, רַבִּים - rabim): "in waters," and "many" or "great." This phrase collectively describes the immense and powerful nature of the open sea. It highlights the significant scale and potential danger of their workplace, emphasizing the hazardous environment they operate within.
- waters (מַיִם - mayim): Plural "waters" often referring to vast bodies of water. Coupled with "great," it powerfully conveys the immensity and potential ferocity of the ocean, against which human strength is minuscule.
Psalm 107 23 Bonus section
The phrase "going down to the sea" reflects an ancient worldview where the sea was considered a lower, often threatening realm compared to the stable land. This imagery is consistent throughout scripture where "down" often signifies peril or descent into chaos, death, or judgment, further heightening the sense of vulnerability for those undertaking such voyages. The mention of "business" emphasizes the practical, real-world struggles of people; it’s not an abstract spiritual lesson but applies to tangible human endeavors and vulnerabilities within a perilous creation. This highlights God's involvement in all aspects of life, not just the "sacred." This section also sets the stage for a demonstration of Yahweh's unique power over chaos, directly challenging any ancient pagan beliefs that deified sea-gods or other deities of natural phenomena, proving His supreme and singular authority.
Psalm 107 23 Commentary
Psalm 107:23 serves as the introduction to the final illustrative group within this thanksgiving psalm, those who travel the sea. It paints a picture of courageous, yet vulnerable, individuals whose very sustenance depends on navigating the perilous ocean for "business." This mundane, yet dangerous, occupation sets the stage for a dramatic encounter with God's sovereignty. The seemingly routine act of "going down to the sea in ships" transforms into a profound demonstration of absolute human dependence on a powerful, benevolent Creator. The "great waters" foreshadow the impending storm and accentuate the magnitude of the Lord's subsequent deliverance, establishing Him as the unchallenged master over nature's wildest forces, to whom even the most seasoned mariners must appeal in their deepest distress. It exemplifies how common life pursuits can quickly bring one to the brink of crisis, prompting a recognition of divine providence and spurring heartfelt gratitude. For example, similar to how unexpected storms disrupt ocean voyages, sudden financial downturns or health crises can disrupt life's "business," pushing individuals to cry out to God for help and experience His rescuing hand.