Psalms 36:5
What does Psalms 36:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 36:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 36:5 means
Psalm 36:5 extols the boundless attributes of God, Yahweh, highlighting two key characteristics: His loving-kindness (hesed) and His faithfulness (emeth). The imagery of His loving-kindness being "in the heavens" signifies its immeasurable vastness, reaching beyond human comprehension and limitation, suggesting a divine love that is eternal and all-encompassing. Similarly, His faithfulness reaching "to the skies" underscores its absolute reliability and unwavering nature. This isn't a fleeting or conditional loyalty, but one that is as enduring and certain as the heavens themselves. The psalmist expresses profound awe at the sheer scale and steadfastness of God's moral character, portraying Him as utterly dependable and infinitely loving.", context=
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and your strong purpose is as high as the clouds.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862O Jehovah, in the heavens <FI>is<Fi> Thy kindness, Thy faithfulness <FI>is<Fi> unto the clouds.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah, thy loving-kindness is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.
Context
This verse dramatically shifts the tone of Psalm 36. The preceding verses (1-4) vividly describe the pervasive deceit and transgression of the wicked, outlining their self-deception and their relentless pursuit of evil, with no fear of God. Against this backdrop of human moral failure, verse 5, spoken by David as the psalmist, introduces the magnificent character of God. It functions as a direct contrast to the depravity just described, setting the stage for the rest of the psalm (verses 6-12) which elaborates on God's justice, care for humanity, and the ultimate refuge He provides. This verse marks the turning point from describing human sin to extolling divine perfection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
- Psalms 57:10
For thy lovingkindness is great unto the heavens, And thy truth unto the skies.
- Isaiah 55:7
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
- Psalms 108:4
For thy lovingkindness is great above the heavens; And thy truth reacheth unto the skies.
- Psalms 52:1
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endureth continually.
- Hebrews 6:18
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:
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