What Does Psalm 107:17 Mean in the King James?

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

Psalm 107:17 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The Hebrew word for “transgression” names rebellion, so affliction appears as the consequence of a breach already underway.

THE MEANING

The verse speaks to a present pattern: when a path is shaped by rebellion, its consequences arrive as affliction. Crooked actions do not remain abstract; they shape the life being lived.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that rebellion leaves no trace: the verse ties affliction to the path and acts that precede it.

THE ROOT

פִּשְׁעָם

pishʿām

GROWS FROM

פשע

To rebel, revolt, or breach a bond.

“transgression” in this verse is pishʿām. The root carries the force of rebellion, so ⁨פִּשְׁעָם⁩ names more than a vague mistake. The word holds a breach already in motion alongside the affliction that follows.

ALSO GROWS

pāshaʿ: To rebel, transgress

פָּשַׁע

This verb names the act behind “their transgression”: a breach that helps explain why the verse links their path to affliction.

pōsheʿīm: Rebels, transgressors

פֹּשְׁעִים

The same root names people who rebel, showing how the Hebrew connects the act with the one whose path is shaped by it.

THE PATTERN

A path of rebellion can bind its walker in distress, while a cry to the LORD opens the way to deliverance.

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Proverbs 5:22 · KJVThe person is seized and bound by his own iniquities, showing rebellion hardening into bondage.

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

Psalm 107:19 · KJVThe afflicted cry out and deliverance follows, showing the path remains open beyond the consequence.

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

John 8:34 · KJVJesus describes the condition as servitude, naming the bondage that can take hold in a path of rebellion.

THE THREAD

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 · KJV

Isaiah uses the same root ⁨פשע⁩ in “our transgressions,” placing rebellion beside wounds, bruising, and healing. The root link opens a further dimension: the pattern of rebellion and affliction can also turn toward restoration.

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