Psalms 107:12
Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּכְנַ֣ע
Therefore he brought down
H3665
וַיַּכְנַ֣ע
Therefore he brought down
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
בֶּעָמָ֣ל
with labour
H5999
בֶּעָמָ֣ל
with labour
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
2 of 6
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
לִבָּ֑ם
their heart
H3820
לִבָּ֑ם
their heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כָּ֝שְׁל֗וּ
they fell down
H3782
כָּ֝שְׁל֗וּ
they fell down
Strong's:
H3782
Word #:
4 of 6
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Cross References
Historical Context
Exile humbled proud Israel—from independent kingdom to captive servants. Jeremiah prophesied this humbling as discipline: 'I will correct thee in measure' (Jeremiah 30:11). The 'labour' included literal toil as captives and the grief of loss. This humbling prepared hearts for return and repentance. Similarly, God humbles believers to break self-sufficiency and create dependency on Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use hardship and 'labour' to humble prideful hearts?
- Why is humbling sometimes necessary before deliverance can come?
- In what ways has God 'brought down your heart' to drive you to depend on Him?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the consequence of rebellion. 'Therefore he brought down their heart with labour' means God humbled them through hardship. 'Brought down' (kana, כָּנַע) means to humble, subdue, or bring low. 'Their heart' indicates inner pride was targeted. 'With labour' (amal, עָמָל) means toil, trouble, or misery. 'They fell down, and there was none to help' depicts total collapse without human rescue. Rebellion leads to humiliation and helplessness. God sometimes orchestrates circumstances to break human pride and create desperation that drives us to cry out. Humbling is severe mercy—bringing low to bring to Himself.