TRV
Translation
King James Version
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Complete Jewish Bible
The sailors were raised up to the sky, then plunged into the depths. At the danger, their courage failed them,
Berean Standard Bible
They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish.
American Standard Version
They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.
World English Bible Messianic
They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths. Their soul melts away because of trouble.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They mount vp to the heauen, and descend to ye deepe, so that their soule melteth for trouble.
Young's Literal Translation
They go up to the heavens, they go down to the depths, Their soul in evil is melted.
In the KJVVerse 15,726 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 23–32
23 ¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
The psalmist here calls upon those to give glory to God who are delivered from dangers at sea. Though the Israelites dealt not much in merchandise, yet their neighbours the Tyrians and Zidonians did, and for them perhaps this part of the psalm was especially calculated.
I. Much of the power of God appears at all times in the sea, Psa 107:23, Psa 107:24. It appears to those that go down to the sea in ships, as mariners, merchants, fishermen, or passengers, that do business in great waters. And surely none will expose themselves there but those that have business (among all Solomon's pleasant things we do not read of any pleasure-boat he had), but those that go on business, lawful business, may, in faith, put themselves under the divine protection. These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders, which are the more surprising, because most are born and bred upon land, and what passes at sea is new to them. The deep itself is a wonder, its vastness, its saltness, its ebbing and flowing. The great variety of living creatures in the sea is wonderful. Let those that go to sea be led, by all the wonders they observe there, to consider and adore the infinite perfections of that God whose the sea is, for he made it and manages it.
II. It especially appears in storms at sea, which are much more terrible than at land. Observe here, 1. How dangerous and dreadful a tempest at sea is. Then wonders begin to appear in the deep, when God commands and raises the strong wind, which fulfils his word, Psa 148:8. He raises the winds, as a prince by his commission raises forces. Satan pretends to be the prince of the power of the air; but he is a pretender; the powers of the air are at God's command, not at his. When the wind becomes stormy it lifts up the waves of the sea, Psa 107:25. Then the ships are kicked like tennis-balls on the tops of the waves; they seem to mount up to the heavens, and then they couch again, as if they would go down to the depths, Psa 107:26. A stranger, who had never seen it, would not think it possible for a ship to live at sea, as it will in a storm, and ride it out, but would expect that the next wave would bury it and it would never come up again; and yet God, who taught man discretion to make ships that should so strangely keep above water, does by his special providence preserve them, that they answer the end to admiration. When the ships are thus tossed the soul of the seaman melts because of trouble; and, when the storm is very high, even those that are used to the sea can neither shake off nor dissemble their fears, but they reel to and fro, and tossing makes them giddy, and they stagger and are sick, it may be, like a drunken man; the whole ship's crew are in confusion and quite at their wits' end (Psa 107:27), not knowing what to do more for their preservation; all their wisdom is swallowed up, and they are ready to give up themselves for gone, Jon 1:5, etc. 2. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray. Those that go to sea must expect such perils as are here described, and the best preparation they can make for them is to make sure a liberty of access to God by prayer, for then they will cry unto the Lord, Psa 107:28. We have a saying, "Let those that would learn to pray go to sea;" I say, Let those that will go to sea learn to pray, and accustom themselves to pray, that they may come with the more boldness to the throne of grace when they are in trouble. Even heathen mariners, in a storm, cried every man to his god; but those that have the Lord for their God have a present and powerful help in that and every other time of need, so that when they are at their wits' end they are not at their faith's end. 3. How wonderfully God sometimes appears for those that are in distress at sea, in answer to their prayers: He brings them out of the danger; and, (1.) The sea is still: He makes the storm a calm, Psa 107:29. The winds fall, and only by their soft and gentle murmurs serve to lull the waves asleep again, so that the surface of the sea becomes smooth and smiling. By this Christ proved himself to be more than a man that even the winds and the seas obeyed him. (2.) The seamen are made easy: They are glad because they are quiet, quiet from the noise, quiet from the fear of evil. Quietness after a storm is a very desirable thing, and sensibly pleasant. (3.) The voyage becomes prosperous and successful: So he brings them to their desired haven, Psa 107:30. Thus he carries his people safely through all the storms and tempests that they meet with in their voyage heaven-ward, and lands them, at length, in the desired harbour. 4. How justly it is expected that all those who have had a safe passage over the sea, and especially who have been delivered from remarkable perils at sea, should acknowledge it with thankfulness, to the glory of God. Let them do it privately in their closets and families. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness to themselves and others, Psa 107:31. Let them do it publicly (Psa 107:32), in the congregation of the people and in the assembly of the elders; there let them erect the memorials of their deliverance, to the honour of God, and for the encouragement of others to trust him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 23–32. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
..."They who go down on the sea in ships, doing their business on the mighty waters" [Psalm 107:23]; that is, among many peoples. For that waters are often put for peoples, the Apocalypse of John is witness, when on John's asking what those waters were, it was answered him, they are peoples. They then who do their business on mighty waters, "they have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep" [Psalm 107:24]. For what is deeper than human hearts? Hence often break forth winds; storms of sedition, and dissensions, disturb the ship. And what is done in them? God, willing that both they who steer, and they who are conveyed, should cry unto Him, "He spoke, and the breath of the storm stood" [Psalm 107:25]. What is, stood? Abode, continued, still disturbs, long tosses; rages, and passes not away. "For He spoke, and the breath of the storm stood." And what did that breath of the storm? "They go up even to the heavens," in daring; "They go down even into the deeps" [Psalm 107:26], in fearing. "Their soul wasted in miseries." "They were disturbed, and moved like a drunken man" [Psalm 107:27]. They who sit at the helm, and they who faithfully love the ship, feel what I say. Certainly, when they speak, when they read, when they interpret, they appear wise. Woe for the storm! "and all their wisdom," he says, "was swallowed up." Sometimes all human counsels fail; whichever way one turns himself, the waves roar, the storm rages, the arms are powerless: where the prow may strike, to what wave the side may be exposed, whither the stricken ship may be allowed to drift, from what rocks she must be kept back lest she be lost, is impossible for her pilots to see. And what is left but that which follows? "And they cried out unto the Lord when they were troubled, and He delivered them from their distresses" [Psalm 107:28]. "And He commanded the storm, and it stood unto clear air" [Psalm 107:29], "and the waves of it were still." Hear on this point the voice of a steersman, one that was in peril, was brought low, was freed. "I would not," he says, have you ignorant, brethren, of our distress, which befell us in Asia, that "we were pressed above strength, and above measure" (I see all his "wisdom swallowed up"), "so that we were weary," he says, "even of life." [2 Corinthians 1:8] ...
"And they were glad, because they were still, and He brought them into the haven of their desire" [Psalm 107:30]. "Let His mercies confess unto the Lord, and His wonders towards the sons of men" [Psalm 107:31]. Everywhere, without exception, let not our merits, not our strength, not our wisdom, "confess unto the Lord," but, "His mercies." Let Him be loved in every deliverance of ours, who has been invoked in every distress.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
[Syncletica] also said, ‘We have no security in this world. The Apostle said, “Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). We are sailing on uncharted seas, as the psalmist David said, “Our life is like a sea.” Yet some seas have dangerous reefs, some are full of sharks, some seas are calm. It seems as if we are sailing in calm waters, while men of the world are sailing in rough weather. We are sailing in daylight, led by the sun of righteousness, while they are being driven along in the night of ignorance. Yet it often happens that worldly men, sailing in darkness and through storms, are so afraid of danger that they save the ship by calling upon God and by watchfulness, while we, in our calm waters, become careless, leave the proper course of righteousness, and are sunk.’
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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SUMMARY
Psalms 107:26 vividly portrays the terrifying ordeal of mariners caught in a violent sea storm, depicting their ship being violently tossed between the sky and the ocean floor. This extreme physical disorientation is mirrored by an equally profound internal collapse, as their "soul is melted because of trouble," signifying a complete loss of courage, hope, and inner fortitude in the face of overwhelming peril. The verse powerfully communicates humanity's utter helplessness when confronted with the untamed forces of nature, setting the stage for divine intervention.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:26 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey the intensity of the storm and the sailors' despair. Hyperbole is evident in the phrases "mount up to the heaven" and "go down again to the depths," exaggerating the ship's movement to emphasize the extreme, dizzying, and terrifying nature of the waves. This creates a vivid mental image of being utterly at the mercy of the elements. Antithetical Parallelism is present in the contrasting actions of "mounting up" and "going down," which highlights the violent, seesaw motion of the ship and the disorienting experience. The phrase "their soul is melted" is a potent Metaphor, comparing the disintegration of courage and inner strength to a solid substance turning to liquid. This effectively communicates the profound psychological and spiritual collapse of the sailors. The entire verse is rich in Imagery, painting a sensory picture of the violent sea and the internal emotional turmoil, allowing the reader to viscerally experience the terror and helplessness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:26 serves as a profound theological statement on human vulnerability and the absolute sovereignty of God. It illustrates that there are moments in life, whether literal storms or figurative crises, where human strength, skill, and hope are utterly exhausted. In these "depths" of despair, when our "soul is melted," the verse sets the stage for the revelation of God's unparalleled power and compassion. It underscores that God often allows circumstances to reach an extreme point of human helplessness so that His deliverance might be undeniably evident, showcasing His control over all creation—even the most chaotic forces—and His attentiveness to the cries of His people. This dynamic teaches us that true security and ultimate deliverance are found not in our own capabilities, but in humble reliance on the Almighty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid portrayal of the storm and the sailors' despair in Psalms 107:26 offers a powerful mirror for our own experiences of overwhelming trouble. Life inevitably brings its own "storms"—be they financial ruin, relational breakdown, severe illness, grief, or spiritual crisis—that can feel as disorienting and terrifying as a ship tossed between heaven and the depths. This verse validates the very human experience of fear, disorientation, and profound despair, acknowledging that there are moments when our "soul is melted," when we feel utterly helpless and without hope. It reminds us that such feelings are not a sign of spiritual failure but a natural response to overwhelming circumstances. Crucially, the placement of this verse within Psalm 107 offers a profound message of hope: it is precisely at this point of utter human extremity that God's intervention is most powerfully revealed. The subsequent verses show that when these desperate souls cried out to the Lord, He heard them and delivered them. Thus, Psalms 107:26 encourages us to acknowledge our helplessness, to lean into the discomfort of our despair, and then, most importantly, to turn to God in our time of greatest need, trusting in His sovereign power to bring calm to our storms and restore our souls.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalm 107?
Answer: Psalms 107:26 is a pivotal verse within Psalm 107, serving as the dramatic climax of distress for the fourth group of people described—those who travel by sea. The psalm's overarching message is one of thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and wondrous works in delivering various groups from their specific troubles. This verse portrays the ultimate human extremity and despair faced by the mariners, emphasizing their complete helplessness. By vividly depicting this dire situation, it magnifies the power and mercy of God, who, in the very next verses Psalms 107:28-30, responds to their desperate cry, stills the storm, and brings them safely to their desired haven. Thus, the verse highlights the depth of human need, making God's subsequent deliverance all the more glorious and underscoring the psalm's central theme: that God hears and delivers those who cry out to Him in their distress.
Is "their soul is melted" a literal description?
Answer: No, "their soul is melted" is not a literal description of a physical process but a powerful and vivid metaphor for profound psychological and spiritual collapse. The Hebrew word for "melted" (מָגוֹג, mûwg) implies dissolving or wasting away. When applied to the "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh, which encompasses one's life-force, inner being, courage, and vitality), it conveys a complete loss of fortitude, courage, and hope in the face of overwhelming trouble. It signifies that the individuals are utterly undone by their circumstances, their inner strength having completely dissolved. This imagery effectively communicates the overwhelming fear and despair that strips a person of their will and ability to cope, a common biblical expression for extreme distress, as seen in other passages like Joshua 7:5.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:26, with its vivid depiction of human helplessness in the face of overwhelming chaos and the "melting" of the soul, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies the divine sovereignty over the very forces of nature that terrify humanity. When His disciples faced a furious storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus simply "rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!'" and immediately "the wind ceased, and there was a great calm" (Mark 4:39). This act demonstrates His absolute authority over the "heaven" and "depths" that tossed the sailors in Psalm 107, revealing Him as the Lord of creation, greater than any storm. Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced a "melting of soul" far deeper than any mariner's despair. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He confessed, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" (Matthew 26:38), as He contemplated bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and the wrath of God. His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), represents the ultimate descent into the "depths" of spiritual abandonment and trouble, so that those whose souls are melted by sin and suffering might find deliverance. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the ultimate "depths" of death and despair, offering true peace and an anchor for the soul that is steadfast and sure, even in the most violent storms of life (Hebrews 6:19). He is the one who brings us safely to our desired haven, not merely from physical storms, but from the spiritual chaos of a fallen world, offering His perfect peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).