Psalms 104:25
So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
Original Language Analysis
הַיָּ֥ם
sea
H3220
הַיָּ֥ם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
2 of 13
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׃
So is this great
H1419
גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃
So is this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
3 of 13
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וּרְחַ֪ב
and wide
H7342
וּרְחַ֪ב
and wide
Strong's:
H7342
Word #:
4 of 13
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
יָ֫דָ֥יִם
H3027
יָ֫דָ֥יִם
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 13
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
רֶ֭מֶשׂ
wherein are things creeping
H7431
רֶ֭מֶשׂ
wherein are things creeping
Strong's:
H7431
Word #:
7 of 13
a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
מִסְפָּ֑ר
innumerable
H4557
מִסְפָּ֑ר
innumerable
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
9 of 13
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
חַיּ֥וֹת
beasts
H2416
חַיּ֥וֹת
beasts
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
10 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
קְ֝טַנּ֗וֹת
both small
H6996
קְ֝טַנּ֗וֹת
both small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
11 of 13
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
Historical Context
Ancient peoples feared the sea's dangers and depths. That God filled this fearsome realm with abundant life demonstrated His sovereignty over what humans found most threatening and mysterious.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ocean's overwhelming biodiversity strengthen your awe of God's creative power?
- What 'chaotic' areas of your life need to be seen as realms God fills with His ordered purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'great and wide sea' teems with innumerable creatures both small and great. God's creative abundance fills even the vast oceans with diverse life. 'Things creeping innumerable' suggests overwhelming biodiversity beyond human comprehension. The sea, often symbolizing chaos in Scripture, here demonstrates God's power to fill even chaotic realms with ordered life. Christ's authority over the sea (Mark 4:39) and provision of miraculous catches (Luke 5:6, John 21:6) demonstrate His continuing creative power. Modern science's discovery of ocean biodiversity confirms this psalm's wonder.