King James Version

What Does Psalms 136:8 Mean?

Psalms 136:8 in the King James Version says “The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: to rule: Heb. for the rulings by day” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 136 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: to rule: Heb. for the rulings by day”

Psalms 136:8 · KJV

Context

6

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7

To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8

The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: to rule: Heb. for the rulings by day

9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10

To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Read Psalms 136 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Creation's Luminaries and Eternal Mercy

This verse celebrates God's establishment of the sun as the greater light to govern the day, with the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (ki le-olam chasdo). The Hebrew word chased (חֶסֶד) encompasses loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast mercy—God's unwavering commitment to His people. The phrase le-olam (לְעוֹלָם) means "forever" or "for eternity," appearing in every verse of Psalm 136's 26 verses, creating a powerful liturgical rhythm.

The sun's appointment "to rule by day" (limshelet ba-yom) echoes Genesis 1:16-18, where God created the greater light to govern the day. The Hebrew verb mashal (to rule, govern) indicates orderly administration—the sun doesn't randomly shine but follows God's established patterns. This reliable celestial order demonstrates God's faithful character: just as the sun rises daily without fail, so God's mercy never fails.

Connecting creation's order to divine mercy is theologically profound. The same God who established the sun's reliable course also establishes His covenant faithfulness. Natural law reflects spiritual law: God's mercy is as dependable as sunrise. For ancient Israel—and for us—this provides assurance that God's character doesn't fluctuate with circumstances. His chesed endures eternally, as constant as the sun He created.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Great Hallel and Temple Worship

Psalm 136, known as the "Great Hallel," was central to Jewish worship and is still recited at Passover. Its responsive structure—with one voice reciting God's mighty acts and the congregation responding "for his mercy endureth for ever"—indicates liturgical use in temple worship. This antiphonal pattern created a powerful corporate worship experience, with the repeated refrain reinforcing God's unchanging character.

The psalm systematically recounts salvation history: creation (verses 4-9), the Exodus (verses 10-15), wilderness wanderings (verse 16), conquest of Canaan (verses 17-22), and ongoing provision (verses 23-25). Verse 8, celebrating the sun's creation, appears in the creation section, reminding worshipers that the God who delivered them from Egypt is the same God who created the cosmos. His power in redemption matches His power in creation.

This psalm's emphasis on enduring mercy would have been particularly meaningful during difficult periods of Israel's history—exile, foreign domination, or temple destruction. When circumstances seemed to contradict God's faithfulness, this liturgy affirmed that His chesed transcends historical setbacks. The sun still rises; God's mercy still endures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does connecting God's creative power (establishing the sun) with His mercy deepen our understanding of His character?
  2. What significance does the daily, unchanging sunrise have for our faith in God's faithful provision?
  3. How can incorporating responsive readings or refrains like 'His mercy endures forever' enrich our personal or corporate worship?
  4. In what areas of life do we need to trust that God's mercy is as reliable as the sun's rising?
  5. How does understanding creation's order as an expression of God's covenant faithfulness affect how we view natural laws and scientific discovery?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֶת1 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַ֭שֶּׁמֶשׁ2 of 7

“The sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת3 of 7

“to rule”

H4475

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler

בַּיּ֑וֹם4 of 7

“by day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כִּ֖י5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֣ם6 of 7

“endureth for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“for his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

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 136:8 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 136:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 148:3Genesis 1:16Matthew 5:45Jeremiah 31:35

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 136 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 136 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes