King James Version

What Does Psalms 104:8 Mean?

Psalms 104:8 in the King James Version says “They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. They go up: or...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 104 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. They go up: or, The mountains ascend, the valleys descend”

Psalms 104:8 · KJV

Context

6

Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

7

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

8

They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. They go up: or, The mountains ascend, the valleys descend

9

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

10

He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. He: Heb. Who run: Heb. walk

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Waters flowing down from mountains to valleys demonstrate God's intentional geographic design. 'They go up...they go down' shows divine choreography of earth's topography. God didn't merely create but arranged creation purposefully. Each feature serves His design. This verse transitions from watery chaos to ordered landscape, showing God's providence in providing for creation. Christ's care for creation (Matt 6:26-30) reflects this same detailed providence. Reformed theology sees God's hand in every natural process.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The water cycle—evaporation, rain, rivers flowing to seas—was partially understood in ancient times. This verse describes observable natural processes while attributing them to God's sovereign design and command.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does observing nature's intricate design strengthen your faith in God's providential care?
  2. What 'natural' processes in your life do you need to recognize as God's sovereign arrangement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יַעֲל֣וּ1 of 9

“They go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָ֭רִים2 of 9

“by the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יֵרְד֣וּ3 of 9

“they go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בְקָע֑וֹת4 of 9

“by the valleys”

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

אֶל5 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְ֝ק֗וֹם6 of 9

“unto the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

זֶ֤ה׀7 of 9

“which”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יָסַ֬דְתָּ8 of 9

“thou hast founded”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

לָהֶֽם׃9 of 9
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 104:8 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 104:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 8:5Psalms 33:7

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