King James Version

What Does Psalms 148:6 Mean?

Psalms 148:6 in the King James Version says “He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 148 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.”

Psalms 148:6 · KJV

Context

4

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

6

He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7

Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. This verse grounds cosmic praise in divine sovereignty and immutability. The Hebrew vaya'amidem la'ad le'olam (וַיַּעֲמִידֵם לָעַד לְעוֹלָם) uses ya'amid (establish, make stand) with the strongest temporal language: "for ever and ever" (la'ad le'olam)—perpetual, enduring existence. God established creation's order with permanence and stability.

"He hath made a decree which shall not pass" (choq-natan velo ya'avor, חָק־נָתַן וְלֹא יַעֲבוֹר) uses legal terminology. Choq (חָק) is a statute, ordinance, or prescribed law; natan (gave/made) indicates authoritative establishment; lo ya'avor (shall not pass/transgress) means it cannot be violated, changed, or ended. God imposed laws governing creation—physical laws, celestial mechanics, seasonal cycles—that function with absolute reliability because His decree sustains them.

Jeremiah 31:35-36 declares God's covenant with Israel is as certain as His ordinances governing sun, moon, and stars. Jesus affirmed this stability: "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law" (Matthew 5:18). Yet 2 Peter 3:10-13 prophesies present heavens and earth will be dissolved, replaced by "new heavens and a new earth." God's decree establishes creation's current order, but He retains sovereign freedom to create new heavens and earth when redemptive history consummates.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples observed celestial regularity—predictable solar and lunar cycles, seasonal patterns, tidal movements—and attributed this to divine decree. Pagan cultures often saw gods as capricious, requiring appeasement to maintain cosmic order. Israel's theology insisted Yahweh established creation's laws with unchanging faithfulness. This reliability enabled agriculture (planting and harvest seasons), navigation (by stars), and calendar keeping (lunar months), all testifying to the Creator's wisdom and covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does creation's reliability under God's decree provide a foundation for trusting His promises in your life?
  2. What is the relationship between God's immutable decrees governing creation and His freedom to perform miracles or create new heavens and earth?
  3. In what ways do the 'laws of nature' serve as testimonies to God's character—His faithfulness, wisdom, and power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיַּעֲמִידֵ֣ם1 of 7

“He hath also stablished”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לָעַ֣ד2 of 7

“them for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

לְעוֹלָ֑ם3 of 7

“and ever”

H5769

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

חָק4 of 7

“a decree”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

נָ֝תַ֗ן5 of 7

“he hath made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וְלֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲבֽוֹר׃7 of 7

“which shall not pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 148:6 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 148:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:25Jeremiah 31:35-36Job 38:33Psalms 89:37Psalms 119:90-91Job 38:10-11

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