King James Version

What Does Psalms 104:13 Mean?

Psalms 104:13 in the King James Version says “He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 104 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Psalms 104:13 · KJV


Context

11

They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. quench: Heb. break

12

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. sing: Heb. give a voice

13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

15

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. oil: Heb. to make his face shine with oil, or, more than oil


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God waters hills 'from his chambers,' referring to the heavenly storehouses of rain. 'The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works' shows creation's contentment with God's provision. Rain from above demonstrates God's heavenly care for earthly needs. The satisfaction (saba) suggests abundance, not mere sufficiency. This anticipates Christ as living water (John 4:14) satisfying spiritual thirst. The Reformed doctrine of God's providence recognizes both physical and spiritual sustenance come from God's gracious hand.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In agricultural societies dependent on seasonal rains, understanding God as controlling precipitation was crucial. Rain from 'chambers' reflects ancient cosmology while emphasizing God's sovereignty over weather.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the source of both physical and spiritual provision shape your prayer life?
  2. What 'fruit of God's works' in your life produces deep satisfaction and contentment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מַשְׁקֶ֣ה1 of 7

He watereth

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

הָ֭רִים2 of 7

the hills

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מֵעֲלִיּוֹתָ֑יו3 of 7

from his chambers

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

מִפְּרִ֥י4 of 7

with the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מַ֝עֲשֶׂ֗יךָ5 of 7

of thy works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

תִּשְׂבַּ֥ע6 of 7

is satisfied

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃7 of 7

the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 104:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 104:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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