Psalm 107 42

Psalm 107:42 kjv

The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

Psalm 107:42 nkjv

The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth.

Psalm 107:42 niv

The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.

Psalm 107:42 esv

The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.

Psalm 107:42 nlt

The godly will see these things and be glad,
while the wicked are struck silent.

Psalm 107 verses

Psalm 107 42 Meaning

Psalm 107:42 reveals the divine response to God's just acts of delivering the needy and humbling the proud. When God executes His righteous judgments and intervenes in human affairs, those who are upright in heart observe His actions and are filled with joy. Conversely, all forms of wickedness are brought to a complete halt, silenced, and rendered speechless in the face of His undeniable power and justice. This signifies a profound vindication for the righteous and a decisive defeat for those who oppose God's ways.

Psalm 107 42 Context

Psalm 107 is a wisdom psalm, categorized as a thanksgiving psalm, and begins a new book within the Psalter (Psalms 107-150). It recounts the Lord's enduring steadfast love (chesed) in delivering His people from various distresses: wandering in the wilderness (vv. 4-9), imprisonment (vv. 10-16), sickness (vv. 17-22), and perils at sea (vv. 23-32). Each section follows a similar pattern: description of distress, cry for help, divine deliverance, and a call to give thanks. Verses 33-43, where verse 42 is situated, shift from specific scenarios to a more general portrayal of God's sovereign control over nature and human societies. It speaks of God bringing about dramatic reversals of fortune – transforming fertile land into desert, and desert into fertile land, humbling the mighty, and exalting the poor and lowly. Verse 42 serves as a conclusive summary of this display of divine justice: the righteous observe and rejoice in God's mighty acts, while wickedness is utterly silenced and exposed. The Psalm concludes with a call for wisdom, encouraging observation and understanding of God's steadfast love. Historically, the psalm could reflect Israel's experiences in exile and restoration, affirming God's continued involvement in their history despite their failures, always leading to justice and righteousness.

Psalm 107 42 Word analysis

• The upright (יְשָׁרִים - yesharim):
  • Literally "the straight ones." Denotes moral rectitude, integrity, and faithfulness to God's covenant. Not merely about being without sin, but having a right relationship with God and aligning one's life with His commands.
  • Significance: These are the people who recognize and appreciate God's justice because their hearts are oriented towards righteousness. Their rejoicing is not out of malice but vindication.
• See it (וְיִרְאוּ - v'yiru):
  • Refers to observing God's acts, perceiving His wisdom and justice in operation. It implies not just physical sight but deep understanding and recognition.
  • Significance: Their observation confirms God's faithful character. It is an experience, not just a mental assent.
• And are glad (וְיִשְׂמָחוּ - v'yismachu):
  • Expresses profound joy, delight, and gladness. This joy stems from the affirmation of God's sovereignty and His commitment to justice.
  • Significance: Their rejoicing validates God's deeds and underscores the righteous outcome.
• And all wickedness (וְכָל־עַוְלָה - v'khol-'avlah):
  • More accurately 'avlah (עַוְלָה) which means "perversity," "injustice," "wrongdoing." Broader than just "wickedness" as risha. It refers to acts of unrighteousness or injustice, often personified here.
  • Significance: It emphasizes that every manifestation of wrong, perversity, and injustice is addressed.
• Shuts its mouth (תִּקְפַּץ־פִּיהָ - tiqpatz piha or a variant like וְתִסְכַּר־פִּיהָ - v'tiskar-piha from Psa 63:11, though KJV Psa 107:42 uses 'avlah tiqpatz piha). If it's tiqpatz, it implies tightly closed/locked. The imagery is of sudden, enforced silence.
  • Means to close or shut tightly, specifically the mouth. It signifies inability to speak, accuse, boast, or protest.
  • Significance: This is not a voluntary silence but an enforced one due to shame, guilt, and ultimate defeat. It indicates a lack of defense or argument against God's justice.

Words-group analysis:

• "The upright see it and are glad": This phrase highlights the divine judgment’s dual impact. It serves as vindication for the righteous, validating their steadfastness and trust in God's eventual justice. Their joy is rooted in seeing God's character proven true. It sets them apart from the wicked by their capacity to discern and delight in God's righteousness.
• "and all wickedness shuts its mouth": This imagery vividly portrays the overwhelming power of divine justice. The "silencing" implies utter defeat, shame, and an inability to resist, argue, or blaspheme. It represents the complete exposure and nullification of all perverse plans and boasts, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over evil.

Psalm 107 42 Bonus section

This verse stands as a summary statement for the entire Psalm, emphasizing the recurring theme of God's active involvement in human affairs to bring about His justice. The "silencing of wickedness" can also be interpreted eschatologically, pointing to the ultimate judgment where all ungodliness will be definitively brought to account and have no further voice or power. Furthermore, the psalm concludes with a call for wisdom: "Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord" (Psa 107:43). This implies that understanding the patterns of God's justice and His steadfast love (demonstrated in v.42) is crucial for a wise life. It suggests that a deep grasp of God’s redemptive and judicial acts should prompt gratitude in the righteous and inspire awe in all.

Psalm 107 42 Commentary

Psalm 107:42 climaxes the psalmist’s exposition on God's sovereignty and justice. It is a declarative statement reflecting God's intervention in the world. When God acts to right wrongs, to deliver the oppressed, and to overturn the established order, there is a clear distinction made. The yesharim, those whose hearts are morally aligned with God, immediately perceive and inwardly delight in these divine reversals. Their gladness isn't a schadenfreude, but a joyous affirmation that the Creator upholds justice and keeps His promises. This verse encapsulates a fundamental theological truth: God’s character guarantees that eventually, righteousness will be openly acknowledged and glorified, while all forms of evil, boasting, and injustice will be exposed and definitively silenced. The wicked are not merely quieted but have their mouths shut, symbolizing their utter humiliation and lack of a defense or argument against divine judgment. This offers deep assurance to those suffering injustice, promising an eventual divine vindication.

• Practical Usage Example: When facing a situation of apparent injustice, where the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, this verse reminds believers that God observes all. There will be a time when His justice is revealed, and He will make plain the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, bringing joy to the former and silencing the latter.