Psalms 107:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּכְנַ֣ע
Therefore he brought down
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
#2
בֶּעָמָ֣ל
with labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#3
לִבָּ֑ם
their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
כָּ֝שְׁל֗וּ
they fell down
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#5
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
עֹזֵֽר׃
and there was none to help
to surround, i.e., protect or aid

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection