Psalm 107:43 kjv
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Psalm 107:43 nkjv
Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Psalm 107:43 niv
Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.
Psalm 107:43 esv
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 107:43 nlt
Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.
Psalm 107 43 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge... | Wisdom rooted in reverence for God. |
| Prov 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge... | God as the source of true wisdom. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God... | Seeking wisdom from God. |
| Psa 111:2 | Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. | Observing God's works for understanding. |
| Psa 64:9 | They will declare the work of God and ponder what he has done. | Observing and considering God's actions. |
| Psa 119:104 | Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. | Understanding through God's Word. |
| Psa 119:130 | The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. | God's word bringing understanding. |
| Prov 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. | Trust over human understanding. |
| Psa 103:8 | The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. | God's attribute of steadfast love (hesed). |
| Psa 100:5 | For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever... | Eternal nature of God's lovingkindness. |
| Lam 3:22-23 | The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases... they are new every morning... | God's ever-present lovingkindness. |
| Hos 6:6 | For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. | Importance of understanding God's hesed. |
| Psa 1:1-2 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked... but his delight is in the law of the LORD... | Blessedness of meditating on God's ways. |
| Deut 29:29 | The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us... to do them. | Revelation for obedience. |
| Jer 9:24 | But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love... | Understanding God's character. |
| Isa 40:21 | Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning?... | Reflection on divine knowledge. |
| Eph 1:17-18 | ...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ... may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him... | Spiritual understanding in the New Testament. |
| Col 1:9 | ...filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. | Growing in knowledge and understanding. |
| Psa 34:8 | Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! | Experiencing and knowing God's goodness. |
| Job 28:28 | Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. | Wisdom tied to practical righteousness. |
| Psa 119:27 | Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. | Understanding linked to meditating on works. |
| Prov 14:33 | Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding... | Connection between wisdom and understanding. |
Psalm 107 verses
Psalm 107 43 Meaning
Psalm 107:43 serves as a concluding admonition, indicating that spiritual wisdom, coupled with diligent observation of God's acts of deliverance and judgment recounted in the preceding verses, leads to a profound understanding of the Lord's enduring steadfast love, His "lovingkindness." It underscores that true comprehension of God's character stems not merely from intellectual ascent but from reflective engagement with His works in the world.
Psalm 107 43 Context
Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving, characterized by its repeated refrain, "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress" (vv. 6, 13, 19, 28) and "Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31). The Psalm vividly portrays four specific scenarios of human distress and God's powerful deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness, prisoners in darkness, those afflicted by illness due to sin, and mariners caught in raging storms. Each scenario demonstrates humanity's helplessness and God's consistent, compassionate intervention. Following these four examples, the Psalm then describes God's overarching sovereignty over society, able to bring down the proud and exalt the humble (vv. 33-41), and His concern for the afflicted (v. 42). Verse 43 acts as an epilogue, inviting the reader to reflect on all the preceding divine acts of lovingkindness and to grasp the deep theological truth behind them, transitioning from narrative to meditative instruction. The historical context reflects a post-exilic community or one frequently facing national or personal calamities, thus prompting a celebration of YHWH's unchanging faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they strayed.
Psalm 107 43 Word analysis
- Whoso is wise (חָכָם - chakham): This refers to a person possessing practical skill, moral insight, and spiritual discernment, not merely intellectual knowledge. Biblical wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7) and is demonstrated through righteous living and the ability to discern God's will and ways in the world. It implies one who considers deeply and correctly interprets events.
- and will observe (יִתְבּוֹנְנוּ - yitbonenu): From the root בִּין (bin), meaning "to understand," "to discern," or "to consider." The Hithpael conjugation here implies a continuous, thoughtful, and reflective act—a purposeful contemplation or meditation, not just a fleeting glance. It means to "cause oneself to understand" or "to make an effort to gain insight" by carefully paying attention to the details of God's actions.
- these things: This phrase directly points back to the preceding narratives and testimonies within Psalm 107. It refers to all the examples of God's saving acts, His judgments, His delivering power for those in distress, and His overall providence over the earth. It is an invitation to draw lessons from observed divine patterns.
- even they shall understand (יָבִינוּ - ya'ahvin): From the same root בִּין (bin) as "observe," but in the Hiphil conjugation here. This suggests that observing "these things" leads directly to gaining a deep comprehension or insightful discernment. It implies not just mental assent but a true grasping of the essence of what God has done and why. This understanding transforms perception.
- the lovingkindness (חֶסֶד - chesed): This is a central theological concept in the Old Testament, denoting God's covenant loyalty, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. It's a rich term encompassing a devoted and benevolent relationship that perseveres despite obstacles or unworthiness. It describes God's active, faithful, and unconditional love expressed through His covenant with His people, demonstrated by His protective and delivering actions. It implies an unfailing, gracious commitment.
- of the Lord: Refers to YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This emphasis highlights that the steadfast love being understood is uniquely characteristic of the sovereign, self-existent God who acts in history.
Psalm 107 43 Bonus section
Psalm 107:43 serves as an interpretive key to the entire psalm. It directs the reader beyond merely enjoying the narrative to deriving profound spiritual insight. The repeated phrase "His steadfast love, for His wondrous works" throughout the psalm is summarized and expounded upon in this final verse; true understanding of God's hesed comes from a deep appreciation of His wondrous works. This verse subtly establishes a vital connection between observation and transformation, suggesting that engaging with God's actions reshapes our understanding of His nature. The structure of the Psalm, moving from specific human woes and divine rescue to broader societal impacts, culminating in this contemplative wisdom statement, forms a powerful chiastic embrace that solidifies the message of God's all-encompassing grace.
Psalm 107 43 Commentary
Psalm 107:43 encapsulates a profound truth: the path to understanding God's enduring steadfast love (hesed) is through wise and reflective observation of His works. The Psalmist is not merely reporting historical events but presenting them as a theological curriculum. Wisdom here is not mere intellect, but spiritual discernment that rightly interprets divine action in human experience, past and present. When individuals genuinely pause and consider "these things"—the Lord's interventions in human suffering and His powerful deliverances—they gain a transformative understanding of His covenant faithfulness. This understanding is crucial because it fosters gratitude, trust, and worship. The verse functions as an invitation to all people to discern God's active presence and unchanging character in their lives and in the world's narrative, leading to a deeper appreciation for His loyal, compassionate commitment.
Examples of practical application:
- A person facing adversity reflecting on past instances of God's provision to affirm His continued faithfulness.
- A community experiencing socio-economic challenges meditating on God's historical care for the marginalized as seen in Psalm 107 to strengthen their hope and faith.