Psalms 107:17

Translation
King James Version
¶ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Fools H191 because H1870 of their transgression H6588, and because of their iniquities H5771, are afflicted H6031.
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Complete Jewish Bible
There were foolish people who suffered affliction because of their crimes and sins;
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Berean Standard Bible
Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.
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American Standard Version
Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
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World English Bible Messianic
Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Fooles by reason of their transgression, and because of their iniquities are afflicted.
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Young's Literal Translation
Fools, by means of their transgression, And by their iniquities, afflict themselves.
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See also
Lamentations 3:39Proverbs 1:22Psalms 92:6Isaiah 65:6Isaiah 65:7Numbers 21:5Numbers 21:9
In the KJVVerse 15,717 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 107:17 offers a solemn exposition on a specific origin of human suffering: the affliction that directly arises from willful disobedience and profound moral perversion. Situated within a psalm that broadly celebrates God's unwavering love and miraculous interventions, this verse serves as a stark yet crucial reminder that a deliberate departure from divine wisdom, characterized as "folly," inevitably precipitates distress and hardship. It thus sets the stage for God's compassionate intervention, which is readily extended when such individuals, recognizing their plight, turn to Him in their distress.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 107 functions as a magnificent communal psalm of thanksgiving, meticulously structured around four distinct scenarios of human distress and subsequent divine deliverance. These include wanderers lost in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9), prisoners languishing in darkness (Psalms 107:10-16), the sick suffering due to their sin (Psalms 107:17-22), and sailors imperiled by violent storms (Psalms 107:23-32). Each of these sections follows a consistent and powerful literary pattern: a depiction of people in profound trouble, their desperate cry to the Lord, His miraculous deliverance, and a culminating call to praise Him for His enduring goodness and wondrous works. Verse 17 precisely introduces the third scenario, specifically addressing those whose suffering, explicitly termed "affliction," is a direct and undeniable consequence of their "transgression" and "iniquities." Therefore, this verse is not an isolated theological statement but an indispensable component of a larger, cohesive narrative that powerfully showcases God's readiness to deliver all who cry out to Him, even those who have, by their own actions, brought trouble upon themselves, as the psalm consistently emphasizes.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The concept of "fools" (Hebrew: ʼĕvîyl or ʼĕvîlîm) in ancient Israelite thought, particularly as articulated in the wisdom literature like the Book of Proverbs, did not primarily denote a lack of intellectual capacity. Instead, it fundamentally referred to a deep-seated moral and spiritual perversity—a stubborn, willful resistance to divine instruction and wisdom, often manifesting as a rejection of God's covenantal laws. This nuanced understanding is absolutely critical for a proper interpretation of this verse. Furthermore, the Old Testament consistently presents a clear covenantal framework wherein obedience to God's laws invariably brings blessing and prosperity, while disobedience inevitably leads to curses or negative consequences, as vividly detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 28. While the broader biblical narrative also acknowledges forms of suffering not directly caused by personal sin (a truth profoundly explored in the Book of Job), Psalms 107:17 specifically addresses and affirms a distinct, acknowledged cause-and-effect relationship between willful sin and its painful, often self-inflicted, outcomes within this established covenantal worldview.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching and interconnected themes prevalent within Psalms 107 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly underscores the consequences of sin, demonstrating with clarity that human actions, particularly those of rebellion against God, have direct and often painful repercussions. A deliberate departure from God's righteous path frequently leads to distress and hardship, aligning perfectly with the wisdom tradition's declaration that the way of transgressors is hard. Secondly, it illuminates the theme of human folly, portraying "fools" not merely as unintelligent but as morally blind and spiritually rebellious individuals who consciously choose paths contrary to divine wisdom, thereby leading themselves into self-destructive outcomes. Lastly, even in presenting this grim reality, the verse implicitly yet powerfully sets up the dominant and overarching theme of divine deliverance and steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed). The very existence of this affliction provides the necessary context for God's compassionate intervention, profoundly emphasizing His boundless mercy and unwavering willingness to rescue those who turn from their folly, even when their suffering is self-inflicted, a truth celebrated and reiterated throughout the entirety of Psalm 107.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Fools (Hebrew, ʼĕvîyl, H191): This term (H191) denotes individuals who are not merely intellectually deficient but are morally perverse, stubbornly resistant to wisdom, and actively despise divine instruction. It signifies a profound, deep-seated spiritual foolishness that manifests in destructive choices, rather than a simple lack of intelligence. These are individuals who actively reject the path of righteousness and wisdom, choosing instead a path of self-will and rebellion.
  • Transgression (Hebrew, peshaʻ, H6588): The word (H6588) implies a deliberate act of rebellion or revolt against a higher authority, particularly a conscious breaking of a covenant or law. It suggests an intentional act of defiance, a crossing of a boundary that has been clearly established by God, indicating a breach of trust and order.
  • Afflicted (Hebrew, ʻânâh, H6031): The root verb (H6031) means to depress literally or figuratively, to abase, humble, or cause to suffer. In this context, it describes the state of physical, emotional, or spiritual distress, illness, or hardship that directly results from the foolish and sinful choices of the individuals. The KJV's "afflicted" accurately captures this broad sense of suffering and being brought low.

Verse Breakdown

  • "¶ Fools": This opening word immediately identifies the specific subjects of the verse. These are not just any people, but those characterized by a profound moral and spiritual foolishness, marked by a conscious rejection of God's wisdom and a preference for their own destructive paths. Their "folly" is an active, willful disposition.
  • "because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities": This crucial clause explicitly provides the direct causal link for their suffering. Their affliction is neither random nor arbitrary but is presented as a direct, inevitable consequence of their deliberate rebellion against God's commands ("transgression") and their twisted, morally perverse actions and character ("iniquities"). This establishes a clear and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between their sin and their subsequent distress.
  • "are afflicted": This final phrase states the outcome or consequence. The "fools" experience suffering, distress, or illness as a direct result of their sinful choices. This affliction can manifest in various forms, including physical sickness, emotional anguish, or difficult life circumstances, all stemming from their profound departure from God's righteous way and their self-inflicted harm.

Literary Devices

Psalms 107:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and sobering message. The most prominent is Causality, which meticulously establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between human sin and subsequent suffering. The explicit phrase "because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities" unequivocally links the actions of the "fools" to their resultant "affliction." This causal connection is further amplified by Parallelism, specifically a form of synonymous parallelism, where "transgression" and "iniquities" are juxtaposed to emphasize the comprehensive and pervasive nature of their sin, reinforcing the idea of a deliberate and deep-seated moral failing. The verse also carries a strong Didactic Tone, serving as a clear moral lesson or a solemn warning about the inevitable and painful consequences of rejecting divine wisdom. Furthermore, the very use of the term "fools" itself functions as a form of Categorization, grouping individuals by their spiritual disposition and highlighting the inherent self-destructive nature of their choices and their resistance to God's truth.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 107:17 stands as a poignant and enduring reminder of the pervasive biblical principle that sin carries inherent consequences, often culminating in self-inflicted suffering and profound distress. It resonates deeply with the consistent teaching found throughout the wisdom tradition, which posits that a departure from God's path—characterized as folly—inevitably leads to hardship and pain, whereas adherence to divine wisdom brings life, blessing, and flourishing. While the Bible certainly acknowledges that not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, this verse specifically addresses a category where human rebellion and moral perversion directly contribute to affliction. Theologically, it underscores God's justice in allowing consequences for sin, which can also serve as a form of divine discipline intended to bring about repentance and a humble return to Him. Yet, the broader and immediate context of Psalm 107 profoundly follows this grim reality with a powerful affirmation of God's compassionate deliverance for those who, in their distress, cry out to Him, thereby highlighting His boundless mercy even for those who have brought trouble upon themselves.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 107:17 offers a profound and challenging invitation to honest self-examination and genuine humility. When we find ourselves in periods of affliction or distress, this verse compels us to consider, with unflinching honesty, if our troubles might stem, at least in part, from our own choices, our "transgressions," or our "iniquities." It serves as a stark and necessary reminder that while God is infinitely merciful, He is also perfectly just, and our actions, particularly those that defy His revealed wisdom and commands, can indeed lead to painful and often self-inflicted consequences. This understanding should not, however, lead to despair or self-condemnation, but rather to a sober recognition of the profound importance of living wisely, in accordance with God's divine principles, as a means to avoid unnecessary and self-inflicted pain. Crucially, the immediate and broader context of Psalm 107 provides immense hope: even the "fools" who suffer due to their own sin are miraculously delivered when they humbly cry out to the Lord. This truth offers immense encouragement, assuring us that even when our suffering is self-inflicted, God's boundless mercy, forgiveness, and redemption are always available upon genuine repentance and a sincere turning back to Him. It calls us, therefore, to actively pursue wisdom, righteousness, and a humble heart, knowing that while sin has its inevitable wages, God's grace is infinitely greater and more readily available for all who earnestly seek Him.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this verse challenge our natural tendency to blame external circumstances for all our difficulties, prompting us to look inward?
  • In what specific areas of your life might you, like the "fools," be experiencing consequences for unconfessed sin, willful disobedience to God's known will, or a rejection of His wisdom?
  • How does the broader narrative of Psalm 107, which highlights God's compassionate deliverance even for the "fools," offer profound hope and encouragement to you in your own struggles?
  • What practical and intentional steps can you take to cultivate a deeper commitment to God's wisdom and actively avoid the destructive paths of "transgression" and "iniquity" in your daily life?

FAQ

Does this verse mean that all suffering or affliction is a direct result of personal sin?

Answer: No, this verse does not teach that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. While Psalms 107:17 clearly links the affliction of "fools" to their "transgression" and "iniquities," the Bible presents a far more nuanced and complex view of suffering. The Book of Job, for instance, powerfully demonstrates that righteous individuals can suffer immensely without any direct cause from personal sin. Suffering can also arise simply from living in a fallen and broken world (Romans 8:22), as a means of divine discipline or refinement intended for our good (Hebrews 12:7-11), or even for the ultimate glory of God to be revealed (John 9:1-3). This verse specifically highlights a particular category of suffering—that which is self-inflicted due to willful disobedience and moral folly—but it should not be generalized to explain or account for all forms of human affliction.

What is the difference between "transgression" and "iniquities" as used in this verse?

Answer: While both terms denote aspects of sin, they carry distinct and complementary nuances, painting a comprehensive picture of moral deviation. "Transgression" (Hebrew: peshaʻ) often implies an act of rebellion or revolt against a higher authority, a deliberate and conscious breaking of a covenant or law. It suggests a defiant crossing of a boundary, a breach of established order and relationship with God. "Iniquities" (Hebrew: ʻâvôn) refers more to the crookedness, distortion, or perversity of one's actions and character, and the resulting guilt or moral corruption that stems from such deeds. It speaks to the twistedness of one's inner being and the corrupt behavior that flows from it. Therefore, "transgression" emphasizes the outward act of rebellion and defiance, while "iniquities" points to the inward moral distortion and its pervasive consequences. Together, they comprehensively describe the profound spiritual and moral deviation that leads to the "fools'" affliction.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 107:17, while starkly highlighting the dire consequences of human folly and sin, ultimately finds its most profound and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fools" described in this verse are those who, by their "transgression" and "iniquities," bring affliction upon themselves, powerfully illustrating humanity's desperate and universal need for a divine deliverer from the self-destructive power of sin. Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate and perfect answer to this profound plight. He is the very Wisdom of God personified (1 Corinthians 1:30), offering the only true path out of the foolishness that leads to such affliction. Unlike humanity, who suffers because of their own sin, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, bearing the full, crushing weight of our "transgressions" and "iniquities" on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). His sacrificial death is the supreme act of divine intervention that delivers us from the ultimate affliction of sin and its wages, death, offering true spiritual healing and complete restoration that Psalm 107's various deliverances powerfully foreshadow. Through saving faith in Him, those who were once "fools" can receive not only complete forgiveness for their sins but also the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, empowering them to walk in newness of life, truly free from the destructive cycle of self-inflicted suffering, and thereby genuinely experience the steadfast love, profound redemption, and abundant life that the psalm so powerfully proclaims (Romans 8:1-2).

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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 17–22

Bodily sickness is another of the calamities of this life which gives us an opportunity of experiencing the goodness of God in recovering us, and of that the psalmist speaks in these verses, where we may observe,

I. That we, by our sins, bring sickness upon ourselves and then it is our duty to pray, Psa 107:17-19. 1. It is the sin of the soul that is the cause of sickness; we bring it upon ourselves both meritoriously and efficiently: Fools, because of their transgression, are thus afflicted; they are thus corrected for the sins they have committed and thus cured of their evil inclinations to sin. If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness; but the transgression of our life, and the iniquity of our heart, make it necessary. Sinners are fools; they wrong themselves, and all against their own interest, not only their spiritual, but their secular interest. They prejudice their bodily health by intemperance and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly, and they need the rod of correction to drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts. 2. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness, Psa 107:18. When people are sick their soul abhors all manner of meat; they not only have no desire to eat nor power to digest it, but they nauseate it, and their stomach is turned against it. And here they may read their sin in their punishment: those that doted most on the meat that perishes, when they come to be sick are sick of it, and the dainties they loved are loathed; what they took too much of now they can take nothing of, which commonly follows upon the overcharging of the heart with surfeiting and drunkenness. And when the appetite is gone the life is as good as gone: They draw near unto the gates of death; they are, in their own apprehension and in the apprehension of all about them, at the brink of the grave, as ready to be turned to destruction. 3. Then is a proper time for prayer: Then they cry unto the Lord, Psa 107:19. Is any sick? Let him pray; let him be prayed for. Prayer is a salve for every sore.

II. That it is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and then it is our duty to be thankful. Compare with this Job 33:18, Job 33:28. 1. When those that are sick call upon God he returns them an answer of peace. They cry unto him and he saves them out of their distresses (Psa 107:19); he removes their griefs and prevents their fears. (1.) He does it easily: He sent his word and healed them, Psa 107:20. This may be applied to the miraculous cures which Christ wrought when he was upon earth, by a word's speaking; he said, Be clean, Be whole, and the work was done. It may also be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works in regeneration; he sends his word, and heals souls, convinces, converts, sanctifies them, and all by the word. In the common instances of recovery from sickness God in his providence does but speak, and it is done. (2.) He does it effectually: He delivereth them out of their destructions, that they shall neither be destroyed nor distressed with the fear of being so. Nothing is too hard for that God to do who kills and makes alive again, brings down to the grave and raises up, who turneth man almost to destruction, and yet saith, Return. 2. When those that have been sick are restored they must return to God an answer of praise (Psa 107:21, Psa 107:22): Let all men praise the Lord for his goodness, and let those, particularly, to whom God has thus granted a new life, spend it in his service; let them sacrifice with thanksgiving, not only bring a thank-offering to the altar, but a thankful heart to God. Thanksgivings are the best thank-offerings, and shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock. And let them declare his works with rejoicing, to his honour and for the encouragement of others. The living, the living, they shall praise him.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–22. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
"Them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, fast bound in beggary and iron" [Psalm 107:10]. Whence this, but that you were attributing things to yourself? That you were not owning the grace of God? That you were rejecting the counsel of God [Luke 7:30] concerning you? For see what He adds: "Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord through pride" [Psalm 107:11], not knowing the righteousness of God, and wishing to establish their own, [Romans 10:3] "and they were bitter against the counsel of the Most High." "And their heart was brought low in labour" [Psalm 107:12]. And now fight against lust; if God cease to aid you may strive, you can not conquer. And when you shall be pressed by your evil, your heart will be brought low in labour, so that now with humbled heart you may learn to cry out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" [Romans 7:24] ...Freed, you will confess the mercies of the Lord. "And they cried unto the Lord when they were troubled, and He delivered them out of their distresses" [Psalm 107:13]. They were freed from the second temptation. There remains that of weariness and loathing. But first see what He did for them when freed. "And He led them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds asunder" [Psalm 107:14]. "Let them confess to the Lord His mercies, and His wonders to the children of men" [Psalm 107:15]. Wherefore? What difficulties has He overcome? "Because He broke the gates of brass, and snapped the bars of iron" [Psalm 107:16]. "He took them up from the way of their iniquity, for because of their unrighteousnesses they were brought low" [Psalm 107:17]. Because they gave honour to themselves, not to God, because they were establishing their own righteousness, not knowing the righteousness of God, [Romans 10:3] they were brought low. They found that they were helpless without His aid, who were presuming on their own strength alone.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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