King James Version

What Does Psalms 147:15 Mean?

Psalms 147:15 in the King James Version says “He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 147 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

Psalms 147:15 · KJV


Context

13

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.

14

He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. He: Heb. Who maketh thy border peace finest: Heb. fat of wheat

15

He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

16

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

17

He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. This verse transitions from agricultural provision to divine communication. The Hebrew hasholéach imrato aretz (הַשֹּׁלֵחַ אִמְרָתוֹ אָרֶץ) uses imrato (אִמְרָתוֹ), meaning His utterance, decree, or spoken word. God's word is not abstract theology but active agent—hasholéach (sends forth) portrays dynamic communication that accomplishes purpose.

"His word runneth very swiftly" (ad meherah yarutz devaro, עַד־מְהֵרָה יָרוּץ דְּבָרוֹ) personifies divine speech as a messenger running (yarutz) with great speed (meherah). Isaiah 55:11 declares God's word "shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please." The word runs swiftly because it cannot be hindered—what God speaks immediately begins fulfillment.

In this context, God's word governs both natural phenomena (vv. 16-18 describe snow, frost, ice responding to His command) and covenant relationship (v. 19 mentions statutes given to Israel). The same creative word that spoke light into existence (Genesis 1:3) sustains creation and directs history. John 1:1-3 identifies this eternal Word (Logos) as Christ Himself, through whom "all things were made." Jesus embodied swift divine action: "He commanded even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him" (Mark 1:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern peoples understood divine words as powerful, effective speech. Kings issued decrees that subjects must obey; gods spoke and nature responded. However, Israel's theology insisted only Yahweh's word possessed inherent creative and governing power. Unlike pagan deities whose words might be resisted or fail, Yahweh's word accomplishes its purpose with swift certainty. This assurance sustained Israel through exile and restoration—God's promised word of return would surely be fulfilled.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's word as active agent (not merely information) change how you read Scripture?
  2. What decrees has God 'sent forth' in your life that are already 'running swiftly' toward fulfillment, even if you don't see results yet?
  3. In what ways does Jesus, as the incarnate Word, demonstrate the swift effectiveness of divine communication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הַשֹּׁלֵ֣חַ1 of 7

He sendeth forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִמְרָת֣וֹ2 of 7

his commandment

H565

an utterance

אָ֑רֶץ3 of 7

upon earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עַד4 of 7
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְ֝הֵרָ֗ה5 of 7

very swiftly

H4120

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

יָר֥וּץ6 of 7

runneth

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

דְּבָרֽוֹ׃7 of 7

his word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause


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 147:15 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 147:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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