Psalms 146:6

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

Original Language Analysis

עֹשֶׂ֤ה׀ Which made H6213
עֹשֶׂ֤ה׀ Which made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שָׁ֘מַ֤יִם heaven H8064
שָׁ֘מַ֤יִם heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 2 of 12
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
וָאָ֗רֶץ and earth H776
וָאָ֗רֶץ and earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 3 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּ֥ם the sea H3220
הַיָּ֥ם the sea
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 5 of 12
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
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּ֑ם H0
בָּ֑ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 12
הַשֹּׁמֵ֖ר and all that therein is which keepeth H8104
הַשֹּׁמֵ֖ר and all that therein is which keepeth
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֱמֶ֣ת truth H571
אֱמֶ֣ת truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 11 of 12
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
לְעוֹלָֽם׃ for ever H5769
לְעוֹלָֽם׃ for ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis & Commentary

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever. God's trustworthiness rooted in His role as Creator—oseh shamayim va'arets (עֹשֶׂה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ) "maker of heaven and earth"—the covenant formula affirming Yahweh created all reality (Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11). Unlike powerless princes (v. 3), the Creator controls all creation's resources and powers.

Which keepeth truth for ever (hashshomer emet le'olam, הַשֹּׁמֵר אֱמֶת לְעוֹלָם)—emet (אֱמֶת) "truth/faithfulness/reliability" describes God's unchanging character. Shomer (שֹׁמֵר) "keeps/guards" indicates active preservation of covenant promises. While human promises die with the promiser (v. 4), God's truth endures eternally, providing the only reliable foundation for trust.

Historical Context

The creation formula distinguished Yahweh from pagan gods supposedly born from or limited by creation. Yahweh created all, therefore controls all. The emphasis on keeping truth forever answered Israel's experience of broken treaties, failed alliances, and unfulfilled human promises. God alone proves eternally faithful.

Questions for Reflection