Psalms 106:38
Psalms 106:38 in Multiple Translations
They shed innocent blood— the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.
And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
And shed innocent blood, Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.
And gave the blood of their sons and their daughters who had done no wrong, offering them to the images of Canaan; and the land was made unclean with blood.
They shed the blood of innocent children, their sons and daughters, sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan. By doing so they defiled the land with blood.
And shed innocent blood, euen the blood of their sonnes, and of their daughters, whome they offred vnto the idoles of Canaan, and the lande was defiled with blood.
And they shed innocent blood — Blood of their sons and of their daughters, Whom they have sacrificed to idols of Canaan, And the land is profaned with blood.
They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. The land was polluted with blood.
And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
And he blessed them, and they were multiplied exceedingly: and their cattle he suffered not to decrease.
They killed [MTY] their own children, who ◄were innocent/had not done things that were wrong►, and offered them as sacrifices to the idols in Canaan. As a result, Canaan land was polluted by those murders [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 106:38
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 106:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽשְׁפְּכ֨וּ
דָ֪ם
נָקִ֡י
דַּם
בְּנֵ֘י/הֶ֤ם
וּֽ/בְנוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
זִ֭בְּחוּ
לַ/עֲצַבֵּ֣י
כְנָ֑עַן
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֥ף
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
בַּ/דָּמִֽים
וַ/יִּֽשְׁפְּכ֨וּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
דָ֪ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
נָקִ֡י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Adj
דַּם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
בְּנֵ֘י/הֶ֤ם
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
וּֽ/בְנוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Conj | N-fp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
זִ֭בְּחוּ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
לַ/עֲצַבֵּ֣י
ʻâtsâb
H6091
idol
Prep | N-mp
כְנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֥ף
chânêph
H2610
to pollute
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
בַּ/דָּמִֽים
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 106:38
וַ/יִּֽשְׁפְּכ֨וּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
דָ֪ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
נָקִ֡י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
דַּם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בְּנֵ֘י/הֶ֤ם
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּֽ/בְנוֹתֵי/הֶ֗ם
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
זִ֭בְּחוּ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַ/עֲצַבֵּ֣י
ʻâtsâb
H6091
"idol"
Prep | N-mp
This word is used to describe an idolatrous image, like the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the physical object of worship, rather than the false god itself.
Definition: idol, image
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: 1 Samuel 31:9; Isaiah 10:11; Psalms 106:36.
כְנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֥ף
chânêph
H2610
"to pollute"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To pollute means to soil or corrupt, especially in a moral sense. It can also mean to be profaned or defiled, and is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be profaned, be defiled, be polluted, be corrupt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be polluted 1a2) to be profane, be godless 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pollute 1b2) to make profane, make godless, cause to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, defile, [idiom] greatly, pollute, profane. See also: Numbers 35:33; Jeremiah 3:2; Psalms 106:38.
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בַּ/דָּמִֽים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 106:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 106:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 106:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 106:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 106:38
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 106:38
- Sermons on Psalms 106:38
Context — Give Thanks to the LORD, for He Is Good
36They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.
37They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.
38They shed innocent blood— the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.
39They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds. 40So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 35:33 | Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 21:9 | So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:21 | For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 21:16 | Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 24:4 | and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive. |
| 6 | Isaiah 24:5 | The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 2:34 | Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things |
| 8 | Ezekiel 7:23 | Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 22:3 | and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, |
| 10 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
Psalms 106:38 Summary
[This verse is talking about the Israelites sacrificing their own children to false gods, which is a terrible sin. This sin polluted the land and made God very angry, as we see in Psalms 106:40. We can learn from this verse that our actions have consequences, and that we should always seek to follow God's commands and care for the innocent and vulnerable, as taught in Proverbs 24:23-25 and Matthew 25:31-46.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to shed innocent blood in Psalms 106:38?
Shedding innocent blood refers to the act of taking the life of someone who has not committed a crime worthy of death, as seen in the sacrificing of sons and daughters to idols, which is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:31 and Jeremiah 7:31.
Why did the Israelites sacrifice their children to idols?
The Israelites sacrificed their children to idols because they were influenced by the idolatrous practices of the people of Canaan, as stated in Psalms 106:38, and they had turned away from the one true God, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:14-15.
What is the consequence of shedding innocent blood?
The consequence of shedding innocent blood is that the land becomes polluted, as stated in Psalms 106:38, and God's anger is kindled against the people, as seen in Psalms 106:40 and Leviticus 18:24-25.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and its consequences?
This verse illustrates the seriousness of sin and its consequences, as the Israelites' actions led to the defilement of the land and God's judgment, as also seen in Numbers 35:33-34 and Isaiah 24:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'shedding innocent blood' in my own life, such as through gossip or hurtful words, and how can I repent of these actions?
- How can I ensure that I am not influenced by the idolatrous practices of the world around me, and instead remain faithful to the one true God?
- What are some ways that I can protect and care for the innocent and vulnerable in my community, such as children, the elderly, and the poor?
- How can I seek forgiveness and restoration if I have been involved in or complicit in the shedding of innocent blood, whether physically or spiritually?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 106:38
And shed innocent blood,.... The blood of innocent persons; not that any of Adam's posterity, descending from him by ordinary generation, are strictly and properly innocent, or free from sin;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 106:38
They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: -From the fathers in the wilderness the Psalmist turns to the sons in Canaan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
Innocent blood; the blood of their children, who, though sinners before God, yet were innocent as to them, from any crime deserving such barbarous usage from them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
Psalms 106:38 And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.Ver. 38. And shed innocent blood, &c.] This was furor Diabolicus; but what may not the devil do with his drudges, when God’ s word cannot obtain the smallest things of us? Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan] Prompted thereunto by that old manslayer. This was practised by Manasseh, Ahaz, and others not a few, Jeremiah 7:19 Ezekiel 16:1-63 Haec atrocitas frequens apud gentes. And the land was polluted with blood] Impiata est abominabilis reddita est quasi hypocrita. See Ezra 9:11. As a hypocrite is a fair professor, but a foul sinner, so here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 106:38
(38) Innocent blood.—Human sacrifice, and especially that of children, was a Canaanite practice. It seems to have been inherent in Phoenician custom, for Carthage was, two centuries after Christ, notorious for it. (See Sil. Ital., iv. 767.)
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 106:38
38. Human sacrifices, the horror of which was intensified by the tender age of the victims and their relation to the offerers, are mentioned as the climax of the abominations of the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 12:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-10), and of the Israelites who copied their ways (Ezekiel 16:20-21; Ezekiel 20:31). the land was polluted with blood] Cp. Numbers 35:33-34; and for the thought of the defilement of a land by the sins of its inhabitants see Leviticus 18:24 ff.; Isaiah 24:5; Jeremiah 3:1-2; Jeremiah 3:9. The Canaanites had been condemned to extermination for their enormities; but Israel failed to take warning from their fate.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 106:38
And shed innocent blood ... - The blood of those who had committed no crime; who did not “deserve” the treatment which they received.
Sermons on Psalms 106:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of keeping promises and being people of our word. They highlight how the entertainment industry often operates on dishonesty, b |
|
Studies in Zechariah 06 Zechariah 6: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the vision described in Zechariah 6:1-8. The vision involves four chariots coming from between two mountains of brass. Each chariot is pulle |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div |
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Will You Judge the Bloody City? by Carter Conlon | This sermon challenges the listeners to take a stand for righteousness in the face of societal decline, addressing issues like abortion, homosexuality, and moral decay. It emphasiz |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
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Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |