Psalms 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹנֶ֣ה
He telleth
H4487
מוֹנֶ֣ה
He telleth
Strong's:
H4487
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
מִ֭סְפָּר
the number
H4557
מִ֭סְפָּר
the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
2 of 6
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
לַכּוֹכָבִ֑ים
of the stars
H3556
לַכּוֹכָבִ֑ים
of the stars
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
3 of 6
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
לְ֝כֻלָּ֗ם
H3605
לְ֝כֻלָּ֗ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Isaiah 40:26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.Psalms 148:3Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.Psalms 8:3When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;Genesis 15:5And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples observed stars with sophisticated astronomical knowledge, tracking constellations, planets, and seasonal movements. However, they often deified celestial bodies, worshiping them as gods (a practice Israel was forbidden to follow, Deuteronomy 4:19). Against this backdrop, the psalmist declares that Yahweh is not merely another star-god among many, but the sovereign Creator who made, numbered, and named all stars. They are His creation, not His peers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating God's intimate knowledge of countless stars affect your confidence that He knows your circumstances?
- What does it mean practically that God 'calls you by name' with the same personal attention He gives to naming stars?
- How should the vastness of God's cosmic sovereignty shape your worship and trust during personal crises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. The Hebrew moneh mispar (מוֹנֶה מִסְפָּר) literally means "counting the number"—God knows the precise count of stars, which ancient observers recognized as innumerable (Genesis 15:5). Modern astronomy confirms billions of stars in our galaxy alone, with trillions in the observable universe. Yet the Creator not only numbers them but "calleth them all by their names" (lechulam shemot yiqra, לְכֻלָּם שֵׁמוֹת יִקְרָא).
In Hebrew thought, naming signifies authority, intimate knowledge, and personal relationship. God named the stars just as He named the first man (adam) and woman (chavah). This cosmic census demonstrates infinite knowledge and meticulous care. Isaiah 40:26 echoes this theme: "He bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might." The God who numbers and names celestial bodies without confusion certainly knows and names each of His covenant people (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3).
The theological movement is breathtaking: the same God who orchestrates cosmic vastness stoops to gather scattered outcasts (v. 2). His transcendence doesn't negate His immanence. The Creator of galaxies knows your name and numbers even the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7).