Psalms 19:4
What does Psalms 19:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 19:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 19:4 means
Despite the lack of audible words, this verse asserts the universal reach of creation's divine message. The 'line' or 'measuring cord' of the heavens' testimony extends across the entire earth, and their unspoken 'words' penetrate to the very ends of the world. This means no place or people can claim ignorance of God's existence as revealed through the natural order. Furthermore, this verse introduces the sun as a specific and prominent instrument within this cosmic declaration, setting it apart as a key player in God's universal physical revelation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Their 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Their 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,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Their 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he put a tent for the sun,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Into all the earth hath their line gone forth, And to the end of the world their sayings, For the sun He placed a tent in them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752May he be mindful of all thy sacrifices: and may thy whole burntoffering be made fat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their language to the extremity of the world. In them hath he set a tent for the sun,
Context
After establishing that creation's message is silent yet continuous, this verse highlights the *pervasiveness* of that message across the entire globe, leaving no corner untouched. It then introduces the sun as a particularly vivid and powerful element of this universal witness. This transition from the general 'heavens' to the specific 'sun' prepares the reader for the detailed poetic description of the sun's journey that follows, emphasizing its symbolic significance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Malachi 4:2
But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.
- Psalms 98:3
He hath remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
- Genesis 1:14
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years:
- Isaiah 49:6
yea, he saith, It is too light a 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.
- Romans 10:18
But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world.
- 2 Corinthians 10:13
But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.
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