Psalm 68:6
New International Version
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

New Living Translation
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

English Standard Version
God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Berean Standard Bible
God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

King James Bible
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

New King James Version
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

New American Standard Bible
God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious live in parched lands.

NASB 1995
God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

NASB 1977
God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Legacy Standard Bible
God causes the lonely to inhabit a home; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Amplified Bible
God makes a home for the lonely; He leads the prisoners into prosperity, Only the stubborn and rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Christian Standard Bible
God provides homes for those who are deserted. He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God provides homes for those who are deserted. He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land.

American Standard Version
God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Contemporary English Version
You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and let them prosper, but all who rebel will live in a scorching desert.

English Revised Version
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity: but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God places lonely people in families. He leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land.

Good News Translation
He gives the lonely a home to live in and leads prisoners out into happy freedom, but rebels will have to live in a desolate land.

International Standard Version
God causes the lonely to dwell in families. He leads prisoners into prosperity, but rebels live on parched land.

Majority Standard Bible
God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

NET Bible
God settles those who have been deserted in their own homes; he frees prisoners and grants them prosperity. But sinful rebels live in the desert.

New Heart English Bible
God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

Webster's Bible Translation
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those who are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

World English Bible
God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
God—causing the lonely to dwell at home, "" Bringing out bound ones into prosperity, "" Only—the stubborn have inhabited a dry place.

Young's Literal Translation
God -- causing the lonely to dwell at home, Bringing out bound ones into prosperity, Only -- the refractory have inhabited a dry place.

Smith's Literal Translation
God setting the only ones in the house, bringing forth the bound into prosperities, but those turning away dwelt in a dry land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house: Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchres.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is God who makes men dwell in a house under one custom. He leads out those who are strongly bound, and similarly, those who exasperate, who dwell in sepulchers.

New American Bible
God gives a home to the forsaken, who leads prisoners out to prosperity, while rebels live in the desert.

New Revised Standard Version
God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
God sets the solitary child in families; he triumphantly releases those who are bound with chains; but the rebellious dwell in waste places.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God sets the only child in a house and he sends out prisoners into prosperity, and the rebels will dwell in the tombs.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
God maketh the solitary to dwell in a house; He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; The rebellious dwell but in a parched land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
God settles the solitary in a house; leading forth prisoners mightily, also them that act provokingly, even them that dwell in tombs.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Enemies Are Scattered
5A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. 7O God, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wasteland, Selah…

Cross References
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Isaiah 49:9
to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.

Acts 12:7
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

Isaiah 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Matthew 25:36
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

Exodus 22:22-24
You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

Deuteronomy 10:18
He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.

Job 5:11
He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.

1 Samuel 2:8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Psalm 113:7-9
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. / He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 58:6
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?

Jeremiah 7:6
if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm,


Treasury of Scripture

God sets the solitary in families: he brings out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

God

Psalm 107:10,41
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; …

Psalm 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:5
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

families [heb.

Psalm 107:10,14
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; …

Psalm 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

the rebellious

Psalm 107:34,40
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein…

Deuteronomy 28:23,24
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron…

Hosea 2:3
Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Jump to Previous
Bound Causing Chains Dry Dwell Families Free Friends Gives Home House Lonely Makes Maketh Parched Prisoners Prosperity Puts Rebellious Sets Singing Solitary Sun-Scorched Turned
Jump to Next
Bound Causing Chains Dry Dwell Families Free Friends Gives Home House Lonely Makes Maketh Parched Prisoners Prosperity Puts Rebellious Sets Singing Solitary Sun-Scorched Turned
Psalm 68
1. A prayer at the removing of the ark
4. An exhortation to praise God for his mercies
7. for his care of the church
19. for his great works














God settles
This phrase begins with the word "God," which in the Hebrew text is "Elohim." This name for God emphasizes His power and might as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It is a reminder of His sovereignty and His ability to intervene in the lives of individuals. The use of "Elohim" here underscores the divine authority and compassion involved in the act of settling the lonely. The verb "settles" comes from the Hebrew root "yashab," which means to sit, dwell, or remain. This word conveys a sense of permanence and stability. It is not merely a temporary placement but a deliberate and lasting action by God. The use of "settles" suggests that God provides a secure and enduring place for those who are isolated or marginalized.

The lonely
refers to individuals who are isolated, without companionship or support. In the ancient world, being lonely often meant being vulnerable and without protection. The Hebrew word "yachid" can also imply being solitary or unique, highlighting the personal and individual attention God gives to each person. This phrase reassures us that God is attentive to the needs of those who feel alone and provides them with a sense of belonging.

In families
translates the Hebrew word "bayith," which means house or household. In the biblical context, a family or household was not just a nuclear family but an extended network of relationships, including relatives and servants. This phrase indicates that God places the lonely within a supportive community where they can experience love, care, and fellowship. It reflects the biblical ideal of community and the importance of relationships in God's design for humanity.

He leads out
uses the Hebrew verb "yatsa," which means to bring forth or deliver. This action is reminiscent of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and freedom. It emphasizes God's role as a redeemer who actively works to free those who are bound or oppressed.

The prisoners
refers to those who are captive, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In the biblical context, prisoners often symbolize those who are in bondage to sin or suffering. This phrase highlights God's compassion and His desire to bring freedom and restoration to those who are trapped in difficult circumstances.

With singing
translates the Hebrew word "rinnah," which means a shout of joy or a song of praise. This expression of joy signifies the transformation that occurs when God intervenes in the lives of the oppressed. It is a celebration of the newfound freedom and the hope that comes from God's deliverance. The use of "singing" suggests that the liberation God provides is not just physical but also brings emotional and spiritual renewal.

But he rebellious
refers to those who resist or oppose God's authority. The Hebrew word "sarar" implies stubbornness and defiance. This phrase highlights the biblical theme that rebellion against God leads to negative consequences and separation from His blessings.

Dwell
uses the same Hebrew root "yashab" as earlier, but here it conveys a sense of being stuck or confined. Unlike the settled and secure placement of the lonely in families, the rebellious find themselves in a place of desolation.

In a sun-scorched land
describes a barren and inhospitable environment. The Hebrew word "tsiyah" refers to a dry, parched land, symbolizing spiritual desolation and the absence of God's favor. This imagery serves as a stark contrast to the flourishing community God provides for the lonely and emphasizes the consequences of rejecting His guidance.

(6) Solitary . . .--This might refer to the childless (comp. Psalm 113:9), but it is better, in connection with the next clause, to think of the exiles scattered and dispersed, and who are by the Divine arm brought home.

With chains.--The Hebrew word is peculiar to this passage, and is derived by the Rabbis from a root meaning to bind. Modern scholars give "to prosper" as the meaning of the root, and render, he bringeth the captives into prosperity.

But.--Literally, only.

Rebellious.--As in Psalm 66:7; stubborn, refractory.

In a dry land.--Or, desert.

It is natural, remembering the connection between the imagery of Psalm 68:4 and parts of the great prophet of the Return, to refer its expressions to those who were left behind in Babylon when the restoration took place. . . .

Verse 6. - God setteth the solitary in families; or, in a home; i.e. gives "solitary ones" - outcasts, wanderers - a home to dwell in. The reference is to the settlement of the nomadic Israelites in Canaan. He bringeth out those which are bound (see Psalm 146:7, "The Lord looseth the prisoners;" and compare the many references to the "bondage" of Israel in Egypt). The Exodus is glanced at, but not exclusively. God "brings men out" from the tyranny of worldly oppressors, of ghostly enemies, and of their own lusts and sins. With chains; rather, into prosperity (Hengstenberg, Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version). But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. Rebels against God are not "brought out." They are left to dwell in the "dry land" of their own impenitence and self-will (comp. Numbers 14:29-35).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
God
אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

settles
מ֘וֹשִׁ֤יב (mō·wō·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

the lonely
יְחִידִ֨ים ׀ (yə·ḥî·ḏîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3173: United, sole, beloved, lonely, the life

in families;
בַּ֗יְתָה (bay·ṯāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

He leads
מוֹצִ֣יא (mō·w·ṣî)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

the prisoners {out}
אֲ֭סִירִים (’ă·sî·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 615: A bondman, prisoner

to prosperity,
בַּכּוֹשָׁר֑וֹת (bak·kō·wō·šā·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3574: Prosperity, freedom

but
אַ֥ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

the rebellious
ס֝וֹרֲרִ֗ים (sō·w·ră·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5637: To turn away, be refractory

dwell
שָׁכְנ֥וּ (šā·ḵə·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

in a sun-scorched [land].
צְחִיחָֽה׃ (ṣə·ḥî·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6707: A parched region, the desert


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OT Poetry: Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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