Psalms 107:17
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Original Language Analysis
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
because
H1870
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
because
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 5
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
פִּשְׁעָ֑ם
of their transgression
H6588
פִּשְׁעָ֑ם
of their transgression
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
3 of 5
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
Historical Context
Israel experienced this pattern: covenant-breaking brought plague, pestilence, and disease as covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:21-22, 27-29, 35). Leviticus 26:14-16 warned that disobedience would bring 'consumption and fever.' Numbers 11, 16, and 25 record plagues following rebellion. For post-exilic readers, this explained suffering as consequence of ancestral sin while also offering hope of healing through crying out to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between sin and suffering/sickness in Scripture?
- How should we understand cases where foolishness leads to affliction?
- When is it appropriate to see sickness as consequence of sin versus other causes?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse begins the third rescue scenario: healing from sickness. 'Fools because of their transgression' connects sickness to sin. 'Fools' (ewil, אֱוִיל) means senseless or morally deficient, not intellectually limited. 'Transgression' (pesha, פֶּשַׁע) means rebellion or covenant-breaking. 'And because of their iniquities, are afflicted' uses innah (עָנָה), meaning to be bowed down, afflicted, or humbled. While not all sickness results from personal sin (John 9:3), this scenario depicts cases where foolish rebellion brought affliction. Sin has consequences, including physical suffering, demonstrating the interconnection of spiritual and physical realities.