Old Testament
Psalms 107:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds apart.
Compare translations
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
What Psalms 107:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Psalms 107:14 speaks of God's power to rescue people from dire situations. The 'darkness and the shadow of death' symbolize despair, danger, and hopelessness. When the psalmist mentions that God 'broke their bonds apart,' it signifies liberation from oppression or captivity. This imagery reflects a profound transformation from a state of suffering to one of freedom and safety. The verse emphasizes God's role as a deliverer who intervenes in the lives of those who are trapped or in distress. It reassures believers that no matter how dark their circumstances may seem, God has the ability to bring them into light and restore their lives. This message of hope and redemption is central to the psalm, encouraging faith in God's willingness and power to save.
How to apply Psalms 107:14 to your life
In times of trouble or despair, remember that God can bring you out of darkness. Trust in His ability to break the chains that bind you, whether they are emotional, spiritual, or physical. Seek His guidance and support through prayer and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 107:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 107:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 107:14 mean?
Psalms 107:14 describes God's ability to rescue people from dire situations, symbolized by 'darkness and the shadow of death.' It highlights His power to liberate individuals from oppression and transform their suffering into freedom.
What is the meaning of 'darkness and the shadow of death' in Psalms 107:14?
In Psalms 107:14, 'darkness and the shadow of death' represent despair, danger, and hopelessness. This imagery conveys the severity of the struggles people face before God intervenes to bring them into safety and light.
How does Psalms 107:14 relate to hope?
Psalms 107:14 emphasizes hope by illustrating that no matter how dark one's circumstances may be, God has the power to bring light and freedom. It encourages trust in God's ability to rescue and restore.
What themes are present in Psalms 107:14?
Key themes in Psalms 107:14 include God's deliverance, freedom from oppression, hope in despair, divine intervention, and the contrast between light and darkness. These themes highlight the transformative power of faith in God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.