Psalms 19:4
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Original Language Analysis
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֨רֶץ׀
through all the earth
H776
הָאָ֨רֶץ׀
through all the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
2 of 11
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יָ֘צָ֤א
is gone out
H3318
יָ֘צָ֤א
is gone out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
קַוָּ֗ם
Their line
H6957
קַוָּ֗ם
Their line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
4 of 11
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
תֵ֭בֵל
of the world
H8398
תֵ֭בֵל
of the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
6 of 11
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
מִלֵּיהֶ֑ם
and their words
H4405
מִלֵּיהֶ֑ם
and their words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
7 of 11
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
לַ֝שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ
for the sun
H8121
לַ֝שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ
for the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
8 of 11
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
שָֽׂם
In them hath he set
H7760
שָֽׂם
In them hath he set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
9 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Cross References
Romans 10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.Psalms 104:2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Psalms 98:3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology viewed the sun as having a dwelling place, here used poetically to describe its regular course across the sky as ordained by God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's universal testimony point you to seek fuller revelation in Christ?
- In what ways does the gospel's spread fulfill creation's worldwide witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Creation's 'voice' goes out to all earth, their words to the world's end. Paul applies this verse to gospel preaching in Romans 10:18, showing how natural revelation anticipates special revelation. The sun's tent in the heavens introduces solar imagery for God's revelation. The Hebrew 'qav' (measuring line/voice) suggests both extent and precision. Creation's testimony is both universal and exact.