Psalms 105:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob's family entered Egypt, dwelling in the land known by Hamitic peoples.
The Context of Psalms 105:23
Jacob's family's entry into Egypt positions them for both security and eventual slavery.
What Does Psalms 105:23 Mean?
The shift from Joseph's rise to Jacob's entrance marks the next phase of Israel's story. Jacob and his sons came to Egypt during the famine, seeking sustenance and finding safety. Jacob sojourned (dwelt temporarily) in Egypt, the land of Ham, establishing residence there.
Ham refers to Egypt's ancient Hamitic (African) connections and peoples. The phrase 'land of Ham' is another name for Egypt, emphasizing that Israel, though sojourning, was in a foreign land. Their settlement in Egypt would become the prelude to their enslavement and later deliverance.
Psalms 105:23 in the Original Language
Ham (חָם chaam), 'Ham' — Noah's son; his name became associated with Egypt and African peoples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 105:23
What does Psalms 105:23 mean?
Jacob's family entered Egypt, dwelling in the land known by Hamitic peoples.
What is the context of Psalms 105:23?
Jacob's family's entry into Egypt positions them for both security and eventual slavery.