Psalms 105:12
Psalms 105:12 in Multiple Translations
When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land,
When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.
When they were but a few men in number, Yea, very few, and sojourners in it.
When they were still small in number, and strange in the land;
He said this when they were only a few, just a small group of foreigners in the land.
Albeit they were fewe in nomber, yea, very fewe, and strangers in the land,
In their being few in number, But a few, and sojourners in it.
when they were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it.
When they were a few men in number; yes, very few, and strangers in it.
And they believed his words: and they sang his praises.
He said that to them when there were only a few of them, a tiny group of people who were living in that land like strangers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 105:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 105:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּֽ֭/הְיוֹתָ/ם
מְתֵ֣י
מִסְפָּ֑ר
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
וְ/גָרִ֥ים
בָּֽ/הּ
בִּֽ֭/הְיוֹתָ/ם
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מְתֵ֣י
math
H4962
man
N-mp
מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | N-ms
וְ/גָרִ֥ים
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Conj | V-Qal
בָּֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 105:12
בִּֽ֭/הְיוֹתָ/ם
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מְתֵ֣י
math
H4962
"man"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a grown man, as seen in Genesis 14:24 and Numbers 31:28. It can also mean a few men or a small group of people, depending on the context. The word is used to describe adult males in various biblical stories.
Definition: 1) male, man 1a) males, men 1b) few men (in prose) 1b1) less emphasis on sex 1c) men (poetic) 1c1) less emphasis on sex
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] few, [idiom] friends, men, persons, [idiom] small. See also: Genesis 34:30; Job 19:19; Psalms 17:14.
מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
וְ/גָרִ֥ים
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Conj | V-Qal
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
בָּֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 105:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 105:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 105:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
- Sermons on Psalms 105:12
Context — Tell of His Wonders
10He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
11“I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”
12When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land,
13they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. 14He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 34:30 | Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 7:7 | The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:9 | By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. |
| 4 | Genesis 23:4 | “I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 26:5 | and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous. |
| 6 | Genesis 17:8 | And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” |
| 7 | Acts 7:5 | He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:2 | Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. |
| 9 | Hebrews 11:12 | And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 33:24–33 | “Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague. I will make the land a desolate waste, and the pride of her strength will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the abominations they have committed.’ As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” |
Psalms 105:12 Summary
This verse reminds us that the Israelites were once a small group of people living in a land that wasn't fully theirs, and they had to trust in God's promise to take care of them. Just like the Israelites, we may feel like strangers in this world, but we can trust in God's faithfulness and care, as seen in Psalms 121:7-8 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can also remember that our true home is in heaven, and God is always with us, as seen in John 14:2-3 and Hebrews 13:5-6. By trusting in God's promise, we can have peace and comfort, even in uncertain times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'few in number' in Psalms 105:12?
This phrase refers to the small number of Israelites when they first entered the land of Canaan, as seen in Genesis 34:30 and Deuteronomy 7:7, where God reminds them of their humble beginnings.
Why are the Israelites described as 'strangers in the land'?
The Israelites were considered strangers because they were living in a land that was not yet fully theirs, as promised by God in Genesis 17:8 and Exodus 6:4, and they had to trust in God's promise to give it to them.
How does this verse relate to the covenant God made with Abraham?
This verse is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:18-21, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation and give them the land of Canaan.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience as strangers in a foreign land?
We can learn to trust in God's providence and care, just as the Israelites did, and remember that we are also strangers in this world, awaiting our eternal home in heaven, as seen in 1 Peter 2:11-12 and Hebrews 11:13-16.
Reflection Questions
- How do I feel like a stranger in my own life, and how can I trust in God's promise to be with me?
- In what ways can I identify with the Israelites' experience of being few in number and vulnerable, and how can I apply their example of faith to my own life?
- What are some ways that God has been faithful to me, even when I felt like a stranger or an outsider, and how can I give thanks for His provision?
- How can I use my own experiences of feeling like a stranger to minister to others who may be feeling the same way, and how can I point them to God's promise of eternal home and comfort?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:12
When they were but a few men in number,.... Or "men of number" (d), that might easily be numbered; see Genesis 34:30, when this covenant, promise, and oath, were first made to Abraham, he was alone,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:12
He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. - He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded - or 'ordained' as an unalterable "law" (Psalms 105:10): cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
A few men in number, Heb. men of number, i.e. few, who could easily be numbered, very few, as the next words explain it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
Psalms 105:12 When they were [but] a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.Ver. 12. When they were but a few men in number] Seventy souls at their going down into Egypt, which yet (say the Hebrews truly) were more worth than the seventy nations of the whole world besides. Howbeit, God chose them not for their worth or number, but loved them merely because he loved them, Deuteronomy 6:7-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
Verse 12. But a few men] When all appearances were against them, and nothing but the arm of God could have brought them through their difficulties, and given them a settlement in the promised land.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:12
12. The Psalmist emphasises the marvellousness of the Divine promise by pointing out that it was made when the patriarchs were but an insignificant clan of protected aliens, and it seemed utterly improbable that they would ever become the owners of the land. but a few men in number] Lit. men of number: a handful of men, easily counted. Jacob uses the same phrase of his family in Genesis 34:30. yea, very few] The word may mean few in number, or little worth; here probably the former. Cp. Deuteronomy 7:7; Deuteronomy 26:5. strangers] sojourners, foreigners under the protection of the owners of the country, without rights of citizenship. Cp. Genesis 21:23; Genesis 23:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 105:12
When they were but a few men in number - literally, “In their being people of number, very little.” That is, They could then be easily numbered, and they were so few that they could not take possession of it themselves.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:12
12. In Psalms 105:12-24, the psalmist touches the salient points of Hebrew history from the patriarchs to Moses.
Sermons on Psalms 105:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe |
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Going Back to the Altar by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highli |
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Humility and the Fear of the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that these qualities lead to riches, honor, life, and wisdom. Humility is acknowledging ou |
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Continue by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of abiding in the love of Christ, emphasizing that continuing in His love is different from focusing on our love for Him. The Spirit encourages |
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Faith by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not placing our hope in this fallen world. He highlights the examples of biblical figures who lived |
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(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |
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K-489 the Eternal Perspective (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the prevalent focus on worldly benefits and personal decisions in evangelism. He argues that this approach lacks an eternal perspective and m |