Psalms 75:3

Authorized King James Version

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The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

Original Language Analysis

נְֽמֹגִ֗ים thereof are dissolved H4127
נְֽמֹגִ֗ים thereof are dissolved
Strong's: H4127
Word #: 1 of 8
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
אֶ֥רֶץ The earth H776
אֶ֥רֶץ The earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 2 of 8
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ and all the inhabitants H3427
יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ and all the inhabitants
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אָנֹכִ֨י H595
אָנֹכִ֨י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 5 of 8
i
תִכַּ֖נְתִּי I bear up H8505
תִכַּ֖נְתִּי I bear up
Strong's: H8505
Word #: 6 of 8
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
עַמּוּדֶ֣יהָ the pillars H5982
עַמּוּדֶ֣יהָ the pillars
Strong's: H5982
Word #: 7 of 8
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
סֶּֽלָה׃ of it Selah H5542
סֶּֽלָה׃ of it Selah
Strong's: H5542
Word #: 8 of 8
suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis & Commentary

God continues: "The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it" (Hebrew namogim eretz v-khol-yoshveha anoki tikanti a-mudeha). "Dissolved" (Hebrew mug) describes melting, chaos, instability. Yet God declares "I bear up the pillars"—He sustains cosmic order despite apparent chaos. The metaphor of pillars (from ancient cosmology) pictures God holding creation together. The verse contrasts earthly instability with divine stability. When human structures collapse, God's governance remains unshaken.

Historical Context

Ancient cosmology envisioned the earth resting on foundations or pillars (Job 38:4-6, Psalm 104:5). This language appears throughout Scripture not as scientific description but theological affirmation: God sustains creation. Colossians 1:17 states Christ "holds all things together"—the same truth. Hebrews 1:3 describes Christ "upholding all things by the word of his power."

Questions for Reflection