Keraia
Psalm 8

Psalm 8:3

How Majestic Is Your Name! · Psalm 8:1–9
Read Psalm 8

Translations

Modern
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—
Traditional
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Literal
When I see Your heavens, the works of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have established—
Latin
Quoniam videbo cælos tuos, opera digitorum tuorum, lunam et stellas quæ tu fundasti.

Original

Hebrew
English
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

Notes

Psalms 8:3

Many nations near Israel worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods. They thought these objects controlled life and events.

The psalmist reminds us that, while the sun, moon, and stars are great and beautiful, they are only created by God.

Because these things are his creation, they point to God’s power and majesty. They give a reason to praise the Almighty, who alone is worthy of worship.

Psalms 8:3–5

God’s glory is vast and awe-inspiring. At first, it might seem that people are too small or unimportant to matter to him.

Yet God has given humans honor and dignity. He has crowned them with glory and set them in charge of creation.

This shows that every person has value. Humans are called to care for and rule over the world responsibly, reflecting God’s glory in their lives.

Psalms 8:1–9

Psalm 8 begins the second part of Book One of the Psalms (Psalms 8–14). The psalmist praises God’s creation and the dignity of the ideal human (see Psalm 1). Instead of the world of enemies, wicked people, and unfair justice shown in Psalms 3–7, this psalm presents the world as God first made it. Someone who is tired (both physically and emotionally) can imagine a place of dignity in God’s world.

Theme notes and profiles

David Beauty in Nature The Creator-King

Glossary

Creation David Gittith Heaven Hebrews, Letter to the Music Praise Presence of God Psalms, Book of Work

Topics

Astronomy: General Scriptures Concerning Creation: Insignificance of Man Seen From God: Creator God: Goodness of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Heaven: Physical Heavens, Creation of Humility: Exemplified Man: Insignificance of Moon: Created by God Nature Outer Space Planets Power of God: The Finger of God Religion: Natural Stars: Created by God The Moon: Created by God The Planets The Power of God: Expressed by the Finger of God The Stars: Exhibit the Greatness of God's Power The Stars: God: Created The Universe