Psalms 107:26

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 107:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.
Psalms 107:26 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 107

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They mount up to the heaven, etc.] The waves which are lifted up by the stormy wind, and the ships which are upon them, and the men in them. They go down again to the depths: one while they seem to reach the skies, and presently they are down, as it were, in the bottom of the sea, and are threatened to be buried in the midst of it; distress at sea is described in much the same language by Virgil and Ovid f1543. Their soul is melted because of trouble; because of the danger of being cast away; so it was with Jonah’s mariner’s, and with the disciples in the storm; sea roaring, and men’s hearts failing for fear, are joined together in (<422125>Luke 21:25,26)”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They mount up to the heaven - The mariners. That it refers to the seamen, and not to the waves, is apparent from the close of the verse: “their soul is melted.” They go down again to the depths - The word here is different from that used in Psalms 107:24, and rendered “deep,” but the idea is essentially the same. It is the sea or ocean considered as “deep;” as bottomless. The idea here is, that they seem to descend into the very depths of the ocean. Their soul is melted because of trouble - It seems to dissolve; it loses all its vigor; it faints. The word used - מוג mûg - means to melt; to flow down; to soften; and is then applied to the heart or mind that loses its courage or vigor by fear…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“their soul: Psa 22:14, Psa 119:28; Sa2 17:10; Isa 13:7; Nah 2:10 Psalms 107:27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification