Psalms 33:13

Authorized King James Version

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The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

Original Language Analysis

מִ֭שָּׁמַיִם from heaven H8064
מִ֭שָּׁמַיִם from heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 1 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
הִבִּ֣יט looketh H5027
הִבִּ֣יט looketh
Strong's: H5027
Word #: 2 of 8
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָ֝אָ֗ה he beholdeth H7200
רָ֝אָ֗ה he beholdeth
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 8
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 #: 6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֥י all the sons H1121
בְּנֵ֥י all the sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָאָדָֽם׃ of men H120
הָאָדָֽם׃ of men
Strong's: H120
Word #: 8 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. David shifts from God's sovereign counsel (vv. 10-11) to His comprehensive knowledge—God sees all humanity from His heavenly throne. This establishes divine omniscience as both comfort (for righteous) and warning (for wicked).

The LORD looketh from heaven (Hebrew nabat—look, regard, see; shamayim—heaven, heavens) presents God's perspective as superior and comprehensive. From heaven God sees what humans cannot—hearts, motives, all events simultaneously. This isn't passive observation but active oversight. Hebrew nabat often implies looking with purpose, attention, evaluation. God doesn't merely glance at humanity but carefully observes, thoroughly understands, righteously judges.

He beholdeth all the sons of men (Hebrew ra'ah—see, perceive; ben 'adam—sons of man, humanity) emphasizes universality and particularity simultaneously. All indicates no one escapes God's notice; sons of men means God knows each individual person. This is not generic awareness but specific knowledge of each human being. Nothing hidden, nothing overlooked, nothing misunderstood. God sees and knows comprehensively.

This verse addresses omniscience and immanence. Though transcendent (in heaven), God is intimately involved with creation (beholding all). Though universal (all sons of men), His knowledge is particular (each individual). Reformed theology maintains these tensions—God is both far (transcendent, sovereign, majestic) and near (immanent, involved, knowing). His heavenly position doesn't create distance but enables comprehensive oversight.

For believers, this provides comfort—our circumstances aren't hidden from God; our sufferings don't escape His notice; our needs are known before we ask. For unbelievers, this warns—secret sins aren't secret; hidden motives are visible; private thoughts are public to God. Nothing is concealed from Him who beholds all sons of men.

Historical Context

God beholding from heaven echoes throughout Scripture. Genesis 6:5 declares God saw that wickedness of man was great. Genesis 11:5 says LORD came down to see tower of Babel (anthropomorphic language emphasizing His careful attention). Exodus 3:7 records God saying I have surely seen affliction of my people. Psalms repeatedly celebrate that God sees and knows (Psalms 11:4, 14:2, 53:2, 139:1-16).

Ancient Near Eastern peoples believed gods were distant, uninterested, or could be deceived. Israel's revelation was radical—YHWH sees everything, knows all, cannot be fooled. This shaped ethical monotheism: because God sees all deeds and knows all hearts, morality matters absolutely. No action is private; no thought is hidden. This drove Israel toward holiness and grounded prophetic calls to repentance.

Questions for Reflection