Psalms 108:4

Authorized King James Version

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For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גָד֣וֹל is great H1419
גָד֣וֹל is great
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 2 of 8
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
מֵֽעַל H5921
מֵֽעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שָׁמַ֣יִם above the heavens H8064
שָׁמַ֣יִם above the heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 4 of 8
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ For thy mercy H2617
חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ For thy mercy
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 5 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְֽעַד H5704
וְֽעַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 6 of 8
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
שְׁחָקִ֥ים reacheth unto the clouds H7834
שְׁחָקִ֥ים reacheth unto the clouds
Strong's: H7834
Word #: 7 of 8
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
אֲמִתֶּֽךָ׃ and thy truth H571
אֲמִתֶּֽךָ׃ and thy truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 8 of 8
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis & Commentary

For thy mercy is great above the heavens (כִּי־גָדוֹל מֵעַל־שָׁמַיִם חַסְדֶּךָ, ki-gadol me'al shamayim chasdekha)—God's chesed (covenant love, loyal kindness) exceeds the highest heavens. Me'al (above, beyond) suggests immeasurable scope. The heavens represent ultimate height and expanse, yet God's faithful love transcends even that.

And thy truth reacheth unto the clouds (וְעַד־שְׁחָקִים אֲמִתֶּךָ, ve'ad-shekhakim amitekha)—God's emet (truth, faithfulness, reliability) extends unto the clouds (shekhakim, literally 'skies,' upper atmosphere). Parallel poetic structure links chesed with emet—God's love and faithfulness are cosmic in scope.

These metaphors of vertical vastness emphasize God's attributes surpassing all human measure. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 3:18-19, praying believers would comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ's love that 'surpasses knowledge.' God's covenant faithfulness literally cannot be overstated.

Historical Context

This verse parallels Psalm 57:10, written when David fled from Saul into the cave (1 Samuel 24). Surrounded by enemies, David looked upward and saw God's faithful love exceeding the visible heavens—circumstances couldn't contain God's character.

Questions for Reflection