Psalms 104:25

Authorized King James Version

So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זֶ֤ה׀

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַיָּ֥ם

H3220

sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃

H1419

So is this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּרְחַ֪ב

H7342

and wide

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

יָ֫דָ֥יִם

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שָֽׁם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

רֶ֭מֶשׂ

H7431

wherein are things creeping

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

וְאֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִסְפָּ֑ר

H4557

innumerable

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

#10

חַיּ֥וֹת

H2416

beasts

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#11

קְ֝טַנּ֗וֹת

H6996

both small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#12

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃

H1419

So is this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 104 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?