King James Version

What Does Psalms 104:2 Mean?

Psalms 104:2 in the King James Version says “Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 104 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:”

Psalms 104:2 · KJV

Context

1

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

2

Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

3

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

4

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: This verse continues the royal imagery from verse 1, describing God's apparel and dwelling. "Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment" (oteh-or kasalmah, עֹטֶה־אוֹר כַּשַּׂלְמָה) portrays God wrapped in light itself. Or (אוֹר) denotes physical light, but also symbolizes divine glory, holiness, and truth. God's essential nature is luminous—He is "the Father of lights" (James 1:17) who "dwells in the light which no man can approach unto" (1 Timothy 6:16).

The metaphor of light as clothing suggests that what we perceive as brilliant light—the most intense visible phenomenon—is merely the outer garment of God's glory, concealing infinitely greater radiance beneath. Just as human clothing both reveals (shape, movement) and conceals (nakedness), God's light-garment both reveals His presence and shields creatures from the consuming fullness of His glory.

"Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain" (noteh shamayim ka-y'ri'ah, נוֹטֶה שָׁמַיִם כַּיְרִיעָה) depicts God as a nomad pitching a tent. Yeri'ah (יְרִיעָה) means a tent curtain or hanging—the fabric stretched to form shelter. Despite the heavens' vastness (the observable universe spans ~93 billion light-years), God spreads them out effortlessly, like someone hanging a curtain. This emphasizes both divine transcendence (God exceeds the cosmos He creates) and accessibility (the infinite God makes His dwelling accessible to creatures).

The imagery anticipates New Testament revelation: Christ is the true light entering the world (John 1:9, 8:12), and He "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14, using skenoo, "to tent").

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Historical & Cultural Context

Light imagery for deity was common in ancient Near Eastern religions—the Egyptian sun god Ra, Mesopotamian sun god Shamash, and Persian deity Ahura Mazda were all associated with light. However, Psalm 104 radically distinguishes Yahweh from these: He isn't identified with light (as a sun god) but transcends it, using light as mere clothing. The sun itself is His creation (v. 19), not His essence.

The tent/curtain metaphor reflects Israel's nomadic origins and wilderness experience. The Tabernacle was called the 'tent of meeting' where God's glory dwelt among His people (Exodus 40:34-38). The cosmos itself is portrayed as God's tent, suggesting the entire universe is His sanctuary where He meets His creatures.

Isaiah develops similar imagery: God 'sitteth upon the circle of the earth...that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in' (Isaiah 40:22). This suggests both divine transcendence (God exceeds creation) and immanence (God dwells within creation). The heavens are His tent, but He isn't confined by them (1 Kings 8:27).

Modern cosmology's discovery of cosmic expansion aligns remarkably with this ancient imagery. The universe is indeed 'stretching out' continuously, expanding from an initial singularity. While the psalmist couldn't have known physics, the metaphor Scripture employs proves scientifically apt—the heavens are indeed stretching like a fabric.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the metaphor of God 'covered with light' inform our understanding of theophanies (visible manifestations of God) throughout Scripture?
  2. What does it mean that the vast cosmos is like a tent curtain to God, and how should this affect human pride or cosmic insignificance?
  3. How do Jesus' claims to be 'the light of the world' connect to this psalm's imagery of God clothed in light?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עֹֽטֶה1 of 6

“Who coverest”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

א֭וֹר2 of 6

“thyself with light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

כַּשַּׂלְמָ֑ה3 of 6

“as with a garment”

H8008

a dress

נוֹטֶ֥ה4 of 6

“who stretchest out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם5 of 6

“the heavens”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כַּיְרִיעָֽה׃6 of 6

“like a curtain”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

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 104:2 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 104:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:22Isaiah 45:12Daniel 7:91 John 1:5Hebrews 1:10-121 Timothy 6:16

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