King James Version
What Does Psalms 104:8 Mean?
“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”
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **They go up.**—This translation is grammatically possible, but is inconsistent with the preceding description. It is better therefore to take the clause parenthetically, and to make hills and valleys the subjects. *Hills rise, valleys sink, *an interesting anticipation of the disclosures of geology, which, though in a different sense, tells of the upheaval of mountains and depression of valleys. Two passages in Ovid have been adduced in illustration (*Met. i.* 43, 344). And Milton, no doubt with the psalm as well as Ovid in his mind, wrote
“Immediately the mountains huge appear
Emergent,” &c*—Paradise Lost, *book vii.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge