Psalms 8:2
What does Psalms 8:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 8:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 8:2 means
David observes that even from the most unlikely and weakest sources—infants and nursing babies—God has established a powerful testimony and strength. This strength serves to silenced God's adversaries, the enemy and the avenger. The innocent and dependent nature of babes highlights how God uses simple and seemingly insignificant means to accomplish His mighty purposes, putting to shame those who oppose Him. This also foreshadows the New Testament concept that God often chooses the weak things of the world to confound the wise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You have made clear your strength even out of the mouths of babies at the breast, because of those who are against you; so that you may put to shame the cruel and violent man.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862From the mouths of infants and sucklings Thou hast founded strength, Because of Thine adversaries, To still an enemy and a self-avenger.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752O Lord, our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established praise because of thine adversaries, to still the enemy and the avenger.
Context
Following the opening declaration of God's universal glory, this verse introduces a surprising element: God's power made manifest through the most vulnerable. This immediately follows the broad statement of God's glory in creation, narrowing the focus to how God demonstrates that glory even in humanity's earliest stages. This prepares the reader for the subsequent verses that will delve deeper into humanity's unique position in God's creation, connecting human weakness with divine strength.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:25
At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- Amos 5:9
that bringeth sudden destruction upon the strong, so that destruction cometh upon the fortress.
- Exodus 15:16
Terror and dread falleth upon them; By the greatness of thine arm they are as still as a stone; Till thy people pass over, O Jehovah, Till the people pass over that thou hast purchased.
- Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
- Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that Jehovah doth make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
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