Psalms 107:40

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 107:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.
Psalms 107:40 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 107

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
40He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He poureth contempt upon princes - He treats them as if they were common people; he pays no regard in his providence to their station and rank. They are subjected to the same needs as others; they meet with reverses like others; they become captives like others; they sicken and die like others; they are laid in the grave like others; and, with the same offensiveness, they turn back to dust. Between monarchs and their subjects, masters and their slaves, mistresses and their handmaidens, rich men and poor men, beauty and deformity, there is no distinction in the pains of sickness, in the pangs of dying, in the loathsomeness of the grave. The process of corruption goes on in the most splendid…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Contempt - Renders them despicable. Wander - Banishes them from their own courts and kingdoms, and forces them to flee into desolate wildernesses for shelter. Next: Psalms Chapter 108”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“107:40 In his contempt for human rulers, the Lord rectifies their corruption on earth.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“poureth: Job 12:21, Job 12:24; Isa 23:8, Isa 23:9 contempt: Psa 78:66; Exo 8:3, Exo 8:17, Exo 8:24; Jos 10:24-26; Jdg 1:6, Jdg 1:7, Jdg 4:21; Sa1 5:9, Sa1 6:4; Kg1 21:19; Kg2 9:35-37; Dan 4:33, Dan 5:5, Dan 5:6, Dan 5:18-30; Act 12:23; Rev 19:18 causeth: Psa 107:4; Job 12:24; Jer 13:15-18 wilderness: or, void place Psalms 107:41”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification