Psalms 107:20
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁלַ֣ח
He sent
H7971
יִשְׁלַ֣ח
He sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 5
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
דְּ֭בָרוֹ
his word
H1697
דְּ֭בָרוֹ
his word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְיִרְפָּאֵ֑ם
and healed
H7495
וְיִרְפָּאֵ֑ם
and healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
Cross References
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.Psalms 147:15He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.Psalms 147:3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.Psalms 56:13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?Psalms 49:15But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Historical Context
God's word healed throughout Scripture: speaking created the cosmos (Genesis 1); God's word through prophets brought healing (2 Kings 5:10-14 - Elisha's word to Naaman). Jesus' healings by word demonstrated His deity—only God's word has inherent creative power. The centurion recognized this: 'Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed' (Matthew 8:8). In the new covenant, the gospel word brings spiritual healing (1 Peter 2:24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's word possess power to heal and deliver?
- In what ways does Jesus as the Word incarnate fulfill this verse?
- How does the gospel 'word' bring healing from sin's destruction?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes God's healing method. 'He sent his word, and healed them' emphasizes the power of God's word. 'Sent' (shalach, שָׁלַח) means to dispatch or send forth. God's word goes forth with power to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). 'And delivered them from their destructions' uses malat (מָלַט), meaning to escape or slip away from—they're rescued from destruction. Jesus healed with His word ('Be clean,' 'Rise and walk'), demonstrating divine authority. The Word (Logos) made flesh (John 1:14) brings ultimate healing from sin's destruction. God's word creates, judges, saves, and heals.