Psalms 107:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore he brought down {H3665} their heart {H3820} with labour {H5999}; they fell down {H3782}, and there was none to help {H5826}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he humbled their hearts by hard labor; when they stumbled, no one came to their aid.

Berean Standard Bible

He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:12 profoundly illustrates the severe consequences of human rebellion against God, depicting a state of deep spiritual and physical distress. It portrays how divine discipline, manifested through intense suffering and "labour," works to humble the proud and defiant heart, leading to a complete collapse and an overwhelming sense of helplessness where all human aid proves utterly futile. This verse underscores the direct link between disobedience and affliction, setting the stage for the desperate cry for divine intervention that characterizes the psalm's recurring narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 107 is a magnificent communal hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, _hesed_) and miraculous deliverance across various human predicaments. The psalm is structured around a four-part pattern: a description of distress, the people's cry to the Lord, God's deliverance, and a call to thanksgiving. Verse 12 is situated within the second of four distinct vignettes (verses 10-16), specifically describing those who are "bound in affliction and iron" and dwell "in darkness and in the shadow of death" ([Psalms 107:10](/psalms/107-10 "Psalms 107:10 - Imprisoned in Darkness")). This particular group's suffering is explicitly attributed to their rebellion: "Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High" ([Psalms 107:11](/psalms/107-11 "Psalms 107:11 - Rebellion Against God's Counsel")). Therefore, verse 12 serves as the direct, painful consequence of their specific sin, detailing the depth of their suffering and brokenness before they are driven to eventually "cry unto the Lord in their trouble" ([Psalms 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalms 107:13 - Crying Out to the Lord")) and experience God's deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalms 107 does not pinpoint a single historical event, it synthesizes archetypal experiences of distress common to ancient Israel and humanity. The vivid imagery of being "bound in affliction and iron" and dwelling "in darkness and in the shadow of death" ([Psalms 107:10](/psalms/107-10 "Psalms 107:10 - Imprisoned in Darkness")) strongly resonates with the experience of exile, such as the Babylonian captivity, or other forms of severe oppression and imprisonment. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) is far more than just the seat of emotions; it is the core of one's entire being, encompassing intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. Thus, "bringing down their heart" signifies a deep, comprehensive internal and spiritual humbling, not merely external hardship. The term "labour" (עָמָל, _'amal_) refers to grievous toil, misery, and suffering, often understood as the direct result of oppressive circumstances or divine judgment. The psalm's universal application suggests these are not isolated incidents but recurring human experiences of distress and God's consistent, redemptive response.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 107 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Consequence of Rebellion**, demonstrating that defiance against God's word and counsel inevitably leads to severe hardship, internal brokenness, and spiritual weariness. It also highlights the theme of **Divine Discipline**, revealing God's active role in allowing or orchestrating suffering to humble and correct His people, aiming to bring them to repentance and a recognition of their utter dependence on Him, rather than merely punishing them. Furthermore, the phrase "none to help" underscores the theme of **Utter Helplessness**, emphasizing humanity's inherent inability to deliver itself from the profound consequences of sin. This extreme helplessness is a crucial prelude to genuine spiritual turning and seeking divine aid, a pattern repeated throughout the psalm's refrains, such as "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses" ([Psalms 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "Psalms 107:6 - Crying Out to the Lord"), [Psalms 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalms 107:13 - Crying Out to the Lord"), [Psalms 107:19](/psalms/107-19 "Psalms 107:19 - Crying Out to the Lord"), [Psalms 107:28](/psalms/107-28 "Psalms 107:28 - Crying Out to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought down (Hebrew, כָּנַע, _kânaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bend the knee," "to humble," "to subdue," or "to bring low." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it signifies God's active, causative role in orchestrating or allowing circumstances that lead to a profound internal and external humbling of individuals. It is a deliberate act of divine discipline, designed to break pride, self-reliance, and rebellious will, forcing submission.
* **heart (Hebrew, לֵב, _lêb'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the comprehensive center of a person's being, encompassing not only emotions but also intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. Therefore, "He brought down their heart" implies a deep, comprehensive humbling of their entire inner person—a breaking of their rebellious will, intellectual arrogance, and moral defiance, leading to a state of spiritual and emotional exhaustion.
* **labour (Hebrew, עָמָל, _ʻâmâl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to toil," this noun refers to burdensome toil, trouble, misery, distress, or grievous effort. It conveys a sense of crushing burden and deep-seated affliction, encompassing both physical hardship and emotional anguish. It is the means through which God brings about the humbling of their heart, a severe and debilitating experience that strips them of their strength and self-sufficiency.
* **help (Hebrew, עָזַר, _ʻâzar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to surround," "to protect," or "to aid." In the context of "none to help," it emphasizes the complete absence of any external assistance or succor, highlighting the utter desperation and isolation of those suffering. It underscores their inability to deliver themselves from their dire predicament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore he brought down their heart with labour;":** This opening clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship, indicated by the causal "Therefore." The "he" explicitly refers to God, the divine agent. "Brought down their heart" signifies God's active, disciplinary humbling of their entire inner being, breaking their pride and rebellious will. This humbling is accomplished "with labour," meaning through intense suffering, hardship, and grievous toil. This points to the severe consequences that follow their rebellion against God's words and counsel, as stated in the preceding verse, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in their affliction.
* **"they fell down, ":** This phrase vividly depicts the physical and spiritual collapse resulting from the "labour" and the profound humbling of their heart. It conveys a sense of utter exhaustion, despair, and helplessness. They are no longer able to stand, literally or figuratively, under the crushing weight of their affliction and the consequences of their sin. This collapse is a visible manifestation of their brokenness and inability to cope.
* **"and [there was] none to help.":** This final clause powerfully underscores their complete and overwhelming predicament. It emphasizes their utter isolation and the absence of any human or external assistance. All their own efforts, and the potential aid of others, have failed, leaving them in a state of absolute desperation. This complete lack of help highlights their dire need for a divine rescuer and serves to magnify God's subsequent, exclusive deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with profound impact. The most prominent is **Cause and Effect**, explicitly stated by the opening "Therefore," which directly links the people's prior rebellion against God's counsel (from [Psalms 107:11](/psalms/107-11 "Psalms 107:11 - Rebellion Against God's Counsel")) to their subsequent suffering and brokenness. **Personification** is evident in "he brought down their heart," treating the abstract concept of the heart as an entity capable of being humbled or brought low by an external agent. This also functions as **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents the entire inner person, including their will, pride, intellect, and moral character, signifying a comprehensive humbling of their being. The phrase "none to help" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and absolute nature of their helplessness; while some minor human aid might conceivably exist, it is utterly insufficient for their profound spiritual and physical need. The overall effect is one of profound **Pathos**, evoking a deep sense of pity and despair for the afflicted, which serves to heighten the dramatic impact of God's eventual, miraculous deliverance later in the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:12 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals that God, in His justice and sovereignty, actively allows or orchestrates suffering as a means of discipline for those who rebel against His counsel. This "labour" is not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to humble the proud heart and bring individuals to a point of utter dependence on Him. The verse underscores humanity's inherent inability to extricate itself from the consequences of sin, highlighting that true deliverance can only come from a divine source. This brokenness and helplessness are often necessary precursors to genuine repentance and a turning back to God, demonstrating that even in our lowest points, God is actively working to draw us to Himself.

* [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline and Its Purpose")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Humbling in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:12 serves as a timeless mirror for the human condition, reminding us that rebellion against divine wisdom often leads to profound internal and external distress. When we find ourselves in seasons of "labour" and feel "brought down," with "none to help," this verse invites us to examine our hearts. Is our suffering a consequence of our own defiance, self-reliance, or a refusal to heed God's counsel? God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately an act of profound love, designed to humble our pride and lead us to a place of complete dependence on Him. It is in these moments of utter helplessness that we are most open to recognizing our desperate need for a divine rescuer. Embracing this truth can transform our perspective on hardship, moving us from despair to a posture of humility, genuine repentance, and a renewed cry for God's unfailing help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel "brought low" by life's difficulties or the consequences of my choices?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly rebelling against God's known will or counsel, potentially setting myself up for "labour"?**
* **When have I experienced a situation where "none was to help," and how did that experience shape my understanding of God's sovereignty and my dependence on Him?**
* **How does understanding God's disciplinary love, as described in this verse, change my perspective on personal suffering and hardship?**

### FAQ
**Is God punishing people in this verse, or is it a natural consequence of their actions?**

Answer: It is both, in a nuanced theological sense. The "Therefore" explicitly links their suffering to their prior rebellion against God's words and counsel ([Psalms 107:11](/psalms/107-11 "Psalms 107:11 - Rebellion Against God's Counsel")), indicating a direct consequence. However, the phrase "he brought down their heart" clearly attributes divine agency to this process. God is not a passive observer; He actively allows, orchestrates, or uses the "labour" to humble them. This is best understood as divine discipline rather than mere retributive punishment. The purpose is not simply to inflict pain but to break their pride, lead them to repentance, and draw them back into right relationship with Him, as the subsequent verses of the psalm demonstrate when they cry out to Him.

**Does "none to help" mean God abandons His people in their distress?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While the verse powerfully depicts a state of utter human helplessness and the failure of any earthly aid, it serves as a dramatic setup for God's glorious intervention. The "none to help" emphasizes humanity's desperate need for a divine rescuer, highlighting that salvation is beyond human capability. The very next verse, [Psalms 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalms 107:13 - Crying Out to the Lord"), shows that when they "cried unto the Lord in their trouble," He delivered them. This phrase underscores God as the *only* true source of help, demonstrating His faithfulness even when all other avenues fail. It's a testament to His unique power and compassion, not His abandonment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its pervasive rebellion against God, finds itself in a state of profound spiritual "labour" and imprisonment, utterly helpless with "none to help" in the face of sin and death ([Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - Christ Died for the Ungodly")). We are truly "brought down" by the crushing weight of our transgressions and the curse of the law, unable to rescue ourselves from the spiritual darkness and shadow of death that our rebellion incurs ([Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Yet, God, in His infinite mercy and steadfast love, did not leave us in this state of despair. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, who willingly experienced the ultimate "labour" and suffering on the cross. He was "brought down" to the lowest point, enduring the full wrath of God for our sin, even crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), embodying the very helplessness described in the psalm. Through His vicarious suffering and death, Jesus became the ultimate Helper, the one who takes away the sin of the world and offers true deliverance to all who are weary and burdened by their "labour" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He faced the full consequence of human rebellion so that we, who are truly helpless and fallen, might find abundant help, forgiveness, and eternal life in Him, the Lamb of God who bears our "labour" and lifts us up from our fallen state into glorious freedom ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 22:11

¶ Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.

Exodus 5:18

Go therefore now, [and] work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.

Exodus 5:19

And the officers of the children of Israel did see [that] they [were] in evil [case], after it was said, Ye shall not minish [ought] from your bricks of your daily task.

Exodus 2:23

¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

Luke 15:14

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

Luke 15:17

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Isaiah 51:23

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.