Psalms 19:2

Authorized King James Version

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Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Original Language Analysis

לְ֭יוֹם Day H3117
לְ֭יוֹם Day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לְ֭יוֹם Day H3117
לְ֭יוֹם Day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יַבִּ֣יעַֽ uttereth H5042
יַבִּ֣יעַֽ uttereth
Strong's: H5042
Word #: 3 of 8
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
אֹ֑מֶר speech H562
אֹ֑מֶר speech
Strong's: H562
Word #: 4 of 8
a promise, a saying
לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה and night H3915
לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה and night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 5 of 8
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה and night H3915
לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה and night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
יְחַוֶּה sheweth H2331
יְחַוֶּה sheweth
Strong's: H2331
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show
דָּֽעַת׃ knowledge H1847
דָּֽעַת׃ knowledge
Strong's: H1847
Word #: 8 of 8
knowledge

Analysis & Commentary

Day to day 'pours out speech' and night to night 'reveals knowledge.' The Hebrew 'naba' (pours forth) suggests gushing or flowing abundantly. Creation continuously testifies to God's glory without ceasing. This anticipates Paul's teaching that creation makes God's attributes visible (Romans 1:19-20). Reformed theology sees general revelation as sufficient to render humanity accountable but insufficient for salvation—special revelation in Christ is necessary.

Historical Context

Ancient Israel observed the regular cycles of day and night as testimony to God's faithful ordering of creation, established at creation (Genesis 1:14-18).

Questions for Reflection