King James Version

What Does Psalms 19:2 Mean?

Psalms 19:2 in the King James Version says “Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Psalms 19:2 · KJV


Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork .

2

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. where: or, without these their voice is heard: Heb. without their voice heard

4

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, line: or, rule, or, direction


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Day to day 'pours out speech' and night to night 'reveals knowledge.' The Hebrew 'naba' (pours forth) suggests gushing or flowing abundantly. Creation continuously testifies to God's glory without ceasing. This anticipates Paul's teaching that creation makes God's attributes visible (Romans 1:19-20). Reformed theology sees general revelation as sufficient to render humanity accountable but insufficient for salvation—special revelation in Christ is necessary.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel observed the regular cycles of day and night as testimony to God's faithful ordering of creation, established at creation (Genesis 1:14-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How attentive are you to creation's daily testimony to God's glory?
  2. What does nature's continuous witness teach about God's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לְ֭יוֹם1 of 8

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

לְ֭יוֹם2 of 8

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

יַבִּ֣יעַֽ3 of 8

uttereth

H5042

to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)

אֹ֑מֶר4 of 8

speech

H562

a promise, a saying

לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה5 of 8

and night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

לְּ֝לַ֗יְלָה6 of 8

and night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

יְחַוֶּה7 of 8

sheweth

H2331

properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show

דָּֽעַת׃8 of 8

knowledge

H1847

knowledge


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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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