Psalms 65:13
The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
Original Language Analysis
לָבְשׁ֬וּ
are clothed
H3847
לָבְשׁ֬וּ
are clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
כָרִ֨ים׀
The pastures
H3733
כָרִ֨ים׀
The pastures
Strong's:
H3733
Word #:
2 of 9
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
הַצֹּ֗אן
with flocks
H6629
הַצֹּ֗אן
with flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
3 of 9
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
יַֽעַטְפוּ
also are covered over
H5848
יַֽעַטְפוּ
also are covered over
Strong's:
H5848
Word #:
5 of 9
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
בָ֑ר
with corn
H1250
בָ֑ר
with corn
Strong's:
H1250
Word #:
6 of 9
grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country
יִ֝תְרוֹעֲע֗וּ
they shout for joy
H7321
יִ֝תְרוֹעֲע֗וּ
they shout for joy
Strong's:
H7321
Word #:
7 of 9
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
Cross References
Isaiah 55:12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Isaiah 44:23Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.Isaiah 52:9Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.Isaiah 35:10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Isaiah 30:23Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.Psalms 72:16There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.Psalms 144:13That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:Jeremiah 48:33And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting.Zechariah 9:17For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Historical Context
The imagery draws on Israel's landscape of pastoral hills (sheep) and agricultural valleys (grain). This comprehensive picture—animal husbandry and agriculture—represents total economic life depending on God's blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's 'shouting and singing' through productivity inform human worship?
- What does nature fulfilling its purpose teach about your vocation's relation to God's glory?
Analysis & Commentary
Pastures 'clothed' with flocks and valleys 'covered' with corn depicts creation adorned in productivity. The final image of creation shouting and singing demonstrates that nature itself praises God through fulfilling its purpose. This anticipates Romans 8:19-22 where creation groans awaiting redemption, and Psalm 96:11-12 where trees and fields rejoice.