King James Version

What Does Psalms 19:4 Mean?

Psalms 19:4 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 19:4 · King James Version

Context

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

5

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Creation's 'voice' goes out to all earth, their words to the world's end. Paul applies this verse to gospel preaching in Romans 10:18, showing how natural revelation anticipates special revelation. The sun's tent in the heavens introduces solar imagery for God's revelation. The Hebrew 'qav' (measuring line/voice) suggests both extent and precision. Creation's testimony is both universal and exact.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cosmology viewed the sun as having a dwelling place, here used poetically to describe its regular course across the sky as ordained by God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does creation's universal testimony point you to seek fuller revelation in Christ?
  2. In what ways does the gospel's spread fulfill creation's worldwide witness?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בְּכָל1 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֨רֶץ׀2 of 11

“through all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יָ֘צָ֤א3 of 11

“is gone out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

קַוָּ֗ם4 of 11

“Their line”

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

וּבִקְצֵ֣ה5 of 11

“to the end”

H7097

an extremity

תֵ֭בֵל6 of 11

“of the world”

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

מִלֵּיהֶ֑ם7 of 11

“and their words”

H4405

a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

לַ֝שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ8 of 11

“for the sun”

H8121

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

שָֽׂם9 of 11

“In them hath he set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֹ֥הֶל10 of 11

“a tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

בָּהֶֽם׃11 of 11
H0

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 19:4 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 19:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:18Genesis 1:14-18Psalms 104:2Psalms 98:3Malachi 4:22 Corinthians 10:13-16

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