Psalm 107:17
New International Version
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

New Living Translation
Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins.

English Standard Version
Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;

Berean Standard Bible
Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.

King James Bible
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

New King James Version
Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

New American Standard Bible
Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their guilty deeds, were afflicted.

NASB 1995
Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

NASB 1977
Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

Legacy Standard Bible
Ignorant fools, because of their way of transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

Amplified Bible
Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their sins, were afflicted.

Christian Standard Bible
Fools suffered affliction because of their rebellious ways and their iniquities.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Fools suffered affliction because of their rebellious ways and their sins.

American Standard Version
Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Contemporary English Version
Some of you had foolishly committed a lot of sins and were in terrible pain.

English Revised Version
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fools suffered because of their disobedience and because of their crimes.

Good News Translation
Some were fools, suffering because of their sins and because of their evil;

International Standard Version
Because of their rebellious ways, fools suffered for their iniquities.

Majority Standard Bible
Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.

NET Bible
They acted like fools in their rebellious ways, and suffered because of their sins.

New Heart English Bible
Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.

Webster's Bible Translation
Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

World English Bible
Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Fools, by means of their transgression, "" And by their iniquities, afflict themselves.

Young's Literal Translation
Fools, by means of their transgression, And by their iniquities, afflict themselves.

Smith's Literal Translation
Being turned away from the way of their transgression, they will be humbled from their iniquities.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He took them out of the way of their iniquity: for they were brought low for their injustices.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He has taken them up, from the way of their iniquity. For they were brought low, because of their injustices.

New American Bible
Some fell sick from their wicked ways, afflicted because of their sins.

New Revised Standard Version
Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He helped them out of the way of their sins, he relieved them of their afflictions.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He helped them from the way of their sins and they were humbled by their evils.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Crazed because of the way of their transgression, And afflicted because of their iniquities--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He helped them out of the way of their iniquity; for they were brought low because of their iniquities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
16For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. 17Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction. 18They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death.…

Cross References
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 1:21-22
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...

Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

1 Peter 2:24-25
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” / For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Job 5:3-4
I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. / His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender.

Job 33:27-28
Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. / He redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I will live to see the light.’

Isaiah 44:20
He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

Jeremiah 10:8
But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Matthew 7:26-27
But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”

Luke 15:17-19
Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death! / I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’


Treasury of Scripture

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

fools.

Psalm 14:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalm 92:6
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

because

Psalm 38:1-8
A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure…

Numbers 11:33,34
And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague…

Numbers 12:10-13
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous…

Jump to Previous
Afflict Afflicted Affliction Crazed Disobedience Foolish Fools Iniquities Means Rebellious Sick Sinful Sins Suffered Themselves Transgression Troubled Way Ways Wrongdoing
Jump to Next
Afflict Afflicted Affliction Crazed Disobedience Foolish Fools Iniquities Means Rebellious Sick Sinful Sins Suffered Themselves Transgression Troubled Way Ways Wrongdoing
Psalm 107
1. The psalmist exhorts the redeemed in praising God to observe his manifold providence
4. Over travelers
10. Over captives
17. Over sick men
23. Over sailors
33. And in diverse varieties of life.














Fools
In biblical literature, "fools" often refers to those who reject wisdom and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). The term is not merely about a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual deficiency. In the context of Psalm 107, it highlights individuals who act contrary to God's will, ignoring His commandments and guidance. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by obedience to His word.

In their rebellious ways
Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, beginning with Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis. This phrase underscores a deliberate turning away from God's path, choosing instead to follow one's own desires. The Israelites' history is replete with instances of rebellion, such as the worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32) and the repeated cycles of sin during the time of the Judges. Rebellion is seen as a serious offense because it signifies a rejection of God's authority and love.

And through their iniquities
Iniquities refer to moral or ethical wrongdoings, often implying a deeper, more ingrained sinfulness. The Bible frequently associates iniquity with a heart condition that leads to sinful actions. Isaiah 53:5 speaks of the suffering servant bearing the iniquities of many, pointing to the redemptive work of Christ. This phrase suggests that the afflictions experienced are a direct result of these iniquities, emphasizing the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7).

Suffered affliction
Affliction in the Bible is often seen as a consequence of sin, a form of divine discipline intended to bring about repentance and restoration. The Israelites experienced affliction during their wilderness wanderings and exile due to their disobedience. However, affliction is also portrayed as a means through which God refines and purifies His people (Psalm 66:10). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the ultimate sufferer who bore the afflictions of humanity, offering redemption and healing through His sacrifice (Isaiah 53:4-5).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Fools
In the biblical context, "fools" refers to those who reject wisdom and live in opposition to God's commands. The Hebrew word used here is (kesilim), which often denotes moral and spiritual folly rather than mere lack of intelligence.

2. Rebellious Ways
This phrase highlights the deliberate actions and choices that go against God's will. It implies a conscious decision to turn away from divine guidance.

3. Iniquities
The term "iniquities" refers to moral wrongdoings or sins. In Hebrew, the word (avonot) is used, indicating a deviation from what is right and just.

4. Affliction
The suffering or distress experienced as a consequence of sin. This affliction is both a natural result of sin and a form of divine discipline intended to bring about repentance.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Rebellion
Sin and rebellion against God lead to suffering and affliction. Recognizing this can help us understand the importance of aligning our lives with God's will.

The Call to Repentance
Affliction can serve as a wake-up call, prompting us to turn back to God. It is an opportunity for repentance and restoration.

The Importance of Wisdom
Seeking God's wisdom and guidance is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness. Regular study of Scripture and prayer can help cultivate a heart of wisdom.

God's Discipline as Love
Understanding that God's discipline is an expression of His love can change our perspective on suffering. It is meant to correct and guide us back to Him.

The Role of Community
Engaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness and avoid the isolation that often accompanies foolishness.(17-22) The sick.

(17) Fools--i.e., infatuated in wickedness. (Comp. the noun foolishness in Psalm 38:5 with the same ethical sense; and comp. Job 5:3 and the frequent connection of folly with sin in the book of Proverbs.) Another Hebrew word is used in the same way (Psalm 14:1).

Because of their transgressions.--Better more literally, because of way of transgression, or, their course of sin, indicating a settled habit.

Are afflicted . . .--Properly, brought (or bring) affliction on themselves. LXX. and Vulgate, "were humbled;" and some understand "afflict themselves"--i.e., grieve for their sins. This would explain the distaste for food in the next verse equally well as actual sickness. But the analogy of the other stanzas is not in favour of indicating repentance before the emphatic "then they cry," &c.

Verses 17-22. - A third class of persons under God's displeasure are punished by grievous sickness, and brought to the very verge of the grave. They, too, in many cases, turn to God, and, "crying to him," are delivered from their peril. It is for them, under such circumstances, to make a return by means of praise and thanks giving. Verse 17. - Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Some read חולִים, "sick men," for ךאוִלִים, "fools," here. But the change is not necessary. Folly and sin are regarded as two aspects of the same moral condition by the sacred writers, and sickness is spoken of as an ordinary punishment for them (Job 33:17-22; 2 Kings 5:27; 2 Chronicles 21:15; 2 Chronicles 26:16-19; Acts 12:23).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Fools,
אֱ֭וִלִים (’ĕ·wi·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 191: Foolish

in their rebellious
פִּשְׁעָ֑ם (piš·‘ām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6588: Transgression

ways,
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ (mid·de·reḵ)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and through their iniquities,
וּֽ֝מֵעֲוֺֽנֹתֵיהֶ֗ם (ū·mê·‘ă·wō·nō·ṯê·hem)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

suffered affliction.
יִתְעַנּֽוּ׃ (yiṯ·‘an·nū)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted


Links
Psalm 107:17 NIV
Psalm 107:17 NLT
Psalm 107:17 ESV
Psalm 107:17 NASB
Psalm 107:17 KJV

Psalm 107:17 BibleApps.com
Psalm 107:17 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 107:17 Chinese Bible
Psalm 107:17 French Bible
Psalm 107:17 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 107:17 Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 107:16
Top of Page
Top of Page