The Meaning of Psalms 107:43 Explained

Psalms 107:43

KJV: Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

YLT: Who is wise, and observeth these? They understand the kind acts of Jehovah!

Darby: Whoso is wise, let him observe these things, and let them understand the loving-kindnesses of Jehovah.

ASV: Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Whoso [is] wise,  and will observe  these [things], even they shall understand  the lovingkindness  of the LORD. 

What does Psalms 107:43 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalms 107:33-43 - The "loving-Kindnesses Of The Lord"
The measure changes here. From Psalms 107:33 the psalmist drops the refrain and describes, not deliverance from peril or pain, but the sudden alternations wrought by God's providence. Lands pass from fertility to barrenness, and human lives from prosperity to trouble, and back again. But through all these vicissitudes runs the same loving-kindness, as is clearly discerned by those who have eyes to see and hearts to take heed. How little did Joseph's brethren realize that behind all the strange experiences they had with his steward, in his house, and in the matter of the cup, a brother's heart was yearning to reach a moment when all disguise might be laid aside! Similarly we fail to believe that Love is above and through and in all things.
Life resembles this psalm, so full is it of change and trying experiences. Few enjoy unbroken years of prosperity. We are poured from vessel to vessel, and are forbidden to settle on our lees. Our nests are stirred up to teach us how to fly. For most there is the wilderness, the cell, sickness, and the tossing of the ocean waves. But always believe in the love of God. Do not forget to cry; and when your cry has brought an answer of peace, do not forget to praise. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 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

What do the individual words in Psalms 107:43 mean?

Who [is] wise and let him observe these [things] and they will understand the lovingkindness of Yahweh
מִי־ חָכָ֥ם וְיִשְׁמָר־ אֵ֑לֶּה וְ֝יִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֗וּ חַֽסְדֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

מִי־  Who  [is] 
Parse: Interrogative
Root: מִי  
Sense: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever.
חָכָ֥ם  wise 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular
Root: חָכָם  
Sense: wise, wise (man).
וְיִשְׁמָר־  and  let  him  observe 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Conjunctive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: שָׁמַר  
Sense: to keep, guard, observe, give heed.
אֵ֑לֶּה  these  [things] 
Parse: Pronoun, common plural
Root: אֵהֶל 
Sense: these.
וְ֝יִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֗וּ  and  they  will  understand 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Hitpael, Conjunctive imperfect, third person masculine plural
Root: בִּין  
Sense: to discern, understand, consider.
חַֽסְדֵ֥י  the  lovingkindness 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural construct
Root: חֶסֶד 
Sense: goodness, kindness, faithfulness.
יְהוָֽה  of  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.