TRV
Translation
King James Version
And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
Complete Jewish Bible
He gathered them from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the sea.
American Standard Version
And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.
World English Bible Messianic
And gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And gathered them out of the lands, from the East and from the West, from the North and from the South.
Young's Literal Translation
And from the lands hath gathered them, From east and from west, From north, and from the sea.
In the KJVVerse 15,703 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 1–9
1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails.
II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
Copy as
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMON 263A.4
And that is why Jesus fasted when he was tempted, when he was still in need of food before his death. Although he ate and drank when he was glorified, he was not in need of food after his resurrection. On the first occasion, you see, he was demonstrating in himself our pain. On the second he was demonstrating in us his consolation. Both instances occurred within a period of forty days. I mean, he fasted for forty days, when he was being tempted in the desert, as it is written in the Gospel, before his death in the flesh; and again he was with the disciples for forty days, as Peter puts it in the Acts of the Apostles, going out and coming in, eating and drinking after his resurrection in the flesh.This number forty seems to signify the course of this age in those who are being called to grace, through the one who did "not come to undo the law but to fulfill it." There are, after all, ten commandments of the law, now spread by the grace of Christ throughout the world (and the world is four-cornered, and ten multiplied by four makes forty); since "those who have been redeemed by the Lord, from the regions he has gathered them together, from east and west and north and the sea." And so by fasting for forty days before his death in the flesh, it is as though he was crying out, "Hold yourselves in check from the desires of this world"; while by eating and drinking for forty days after his resurrection in the flesh, it is as though he was crying out, "Behold, I am with you until the end of the world."
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
Let him speak openly. "From the east and the west, from the north and the sea" [Psalm 107:3]. Now then we understand these redeemed, in the whole circle of the earth. This people of God, freed from a great and broad Egypt, is led, as through the Red Sea, [Exodus 14:22] that in Baptism it may make an end of its enemies. For by the sacrament as it were of the Red Sea, that is by Baptism consecrated with the Blood of Christ, the pursuing Egyptians, the sins, are washed away...."But all these things happened to them in a figure, and were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come." [1 Corinthians 10:11] ...
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.
Copy as
Continue studying Psalms 107:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 107:3 powerfully encapsulates God's magnificent power and unwavering faithfulness in restoring His people, specifically highlighting His sovereign act of gathering them from every corner of the earth. This verse serves as a foundational statement within a psalm of thanksgiving, setting the stage for subsequent narratives that illustrate the Lord's enduring mercy and miraculous deliverance for those who cry out to Him in their various troubles and dispersions. It underscores the comprehensive reach of divine redemption, emphasizing that no distance or circumstance can thwart God's purpose to bring His beloved back into His fold, demonstrating His active and intentional care for His scattered flock.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 107 opens with a resounding call to praise the Lord, "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 107:1). Verse 3 acts as a crucial introductory statement, establishing the overarching theme of divine restoration that will be exemplified throughout the psalm. The psalm then unfolds into four distinct, illustrative scenarios of human distress and God's subsequent deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4-9), prisoners in darkness and chains (Psalm 107:10-16), fools suffering affliction due to their sin (Psalm 107:17-22), and sailors imperiled by violent storms at sea (Psalm 107:23-32). Each scenario follows a consistent pattern: distress, crying out to the Lord, divine deliverance, and a call to thanksgiving. Verse 3 provides the grand, comprehensive backdrop, indicating that God's acts of deliverance are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, ongoing pattern of gathering His scattered people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The concept of "gathering" held profound significance for ancient Israel, a people who repeatedly experienced scattering due to both internal disobedience and external geopolitical forces. The most prominent historical examples include the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom and, particularly, the Babylonian captivity of the southern kingdom, which saw a significant portion of the population deported to foreign lands (Jeremiah 29:10). For a people whose identity was deeply intertwined with their land and covenant relationship with Yahweh, dispersion was a profound calamity, often viewed as divine judgment. Thus, the promise and act of "gathering" represented not just a physical return but a restoration of identity, covenant relationship, and national hope. The mention of "east, west, north, and south" was a common biblical idiom (a merism) to denote totality and universality, emphasizing that no place was beyond God's reach or restorative power.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty and Restoration, highlighting that it is God Himself who actively "gathered them." This emphasizes His supreme authority over the destinies of nations and individuals, asserting that even scattering was not outside His ultimate control, and subsequent restoration is purely His deliberate, purposeful work. Secondly, the verse speaks to Comprehensive Deliverance, as the specification "from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south" signifies the universal and exhaustive reach of God's redemptive power. No matter how far or wide His people were dispersed, His hand could reach them to bring them back, reflecting broader prophetic themes of God's ultimate restoration of Israel from all lands (Isaiah 43:5). Finally, it illuminates God's Enduring Faithfulness to His Covenant. Despite the circumstances that often led to their dispersion (frequently their own rebellion and sin), God remains true to His covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. He is a God who remembers His people, acts decisively to deliver them, and brings them back into relationship and community, as seen throughout the prophetic books, such as in Ezekiel 37.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 107:3 is Merism, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, "from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south" encompasses all possible directions, thereby signifying the totality and universality of God's gathering. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of God's power and His ability to reclaim His people from literally every corner of the earth. Furthermore, the verse uses Anthropomorphism by attributing the human-like action of "gathering" to God, making His divine intervention relatable and emphasizing His personal involvement in the lives of His people. The phrase "out of the lands" also carries Symbolism, representing not just geographical locations but also states of alienation, exile, and spiritual wandering from God's presence and covenant, from which He actively redeems.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:3 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's relationship with humanity, particularly His covenant people. It highlights God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even in the face of human failure. The act of "gathering" is a profound theological statement about God's restorative nature; He is not merely a God who punishes or scatters, but one who actively seeks to redeem, restore, and bring His people back into fellowship and blessing. This theme of divine regathering is a cornerstone of prophetic hope throughout the Old Testament, pointing to a future where God's people, regardless of their dispersion, would be brought back to their spiritual home and renewed in their relationship with Him. It underscores the truth that God's mercy triumphs over judgment, and His faithfulness endures forever, providing a powerful testament to His covenant loyalty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:3 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for individuals and communities today. In a world where many feel scattered, lost, or disconnected—whether physically displaced, emotionally fragmented, or spiritually adrift—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God knows exactly where each person is. He possesses the infinite power and the loving will to gather us, to bring us back into His fold, and to restore us to a place of peace, purpose, and belonging. It speaks to God's ability to mend what is broken, to reunite what has been separated, and to bring order out of chaos, whether in our personal lives, our relationships, or our sense of spiritual direction. Just as He faithfully gathered His ancient people from their exiles, He continues to work in the lives of believers, drawing us closer to Himself and to one another, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His restorative grace. This truth invites us to trust in His sovereign care, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming or our path seems unclear, knowing that His gathering hand is always at work.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "them" that God gathered in this verse?
Answer: Primarily, "them" refers to the people of Israel, particularly those who had been dispersed or exiled from their homeland due to various historical events, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. The psalm reflects the experience of a people who had known scattering and longed for divine restoration. However, in a broader theological sense, "them" can also be understood to encompass all of God's redeemed people throughout history, including those who feel spiritually lost or alienated, whom God actively seeks to gather into His loving embrace, fulfilling His promises to His chosen ones (Isaiah 43:5-6).
What does "out of the lands" signify in this context?
Answer: "Out of the lands" signifies the widespread geographical dispersion of God's people into various foreign territories. It emphasizes that they were not merely displaced within their own country but were scattered across multiple nations, often as captives or exiles. This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of their distress and, by extension, the immense power and reach of God's restorative hand. It implies that no matter how far or wide they were scattered, God's ability to bring them back was limitless, fulfilling His promises to His people (Isaiah 11:12).
How does this verse relate to the New Testament or the Church?
Answer: This verse beautifully foreshadows the New Testament theme of God's ultimate gathering of His people through Jesus Christ. While it historically refers to Israel, its spiritual principle extends to the Church, which comprises believers gathered from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). Jesus himself spoke of gathering His sheep (John 10:16), and the ultimate eschatological gathering of the elect from the four winds by His angels (Matthew 24:31) directly echoes the language of Psalms 107:3. Thus, the verse serves as an Old Testament foundation for understanding God's universal redemptive plan to bring all His chosen people into His kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:3, with its powerful declaration of God gathering His scattered people from every corner of the earth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who came precisely to "seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10), gathering His sheep not only from the fold of Israel but also "other sheep that are not of this fold" (John 10:16), uniting them into one flock under one Shepherd. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). The Church, the body of Christ, is the living testament to this divine gathering, composed of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language, brought together by the Holy Spirit into a new spiritual family (Revelation 7:9). This gathering culminates in the glorious promise of His second coming, when He will send His angels to "gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:31), bringing all of God's redeemed into eternal fellowship with Him. Thus, the ancient hope of Psalms 107:3 is not merely a historical recollection but a vibrant, ongoing reality in Christ, who continues to gather His people into His kingdom and His eternal presence.