King James Version

What Does Psalms 19:5 Mean?

Psalms 19:5 in the King James Version says “Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 19:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. law: or, doctrine converting: or, restoring


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sun is like a bridegroom from his chamber, rejoicing like a strong man to run his course. The Hebrew 'chathan' (bridegroom) and 'gibbor' (strong man/warrior) portray vigor and glory. The sun's daily course reflects God's faithful ordering. This imagery anticipates Christ as the bridegroom (Matthew 9:15) and the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) who arose with healing in His wings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures often deified the sun, but Israel's psalmist makes it merely God's creation, subject to His command and testifying to His glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does creation's ordered reliability point to God's faithfulness?
  2. In what ways does Christ as 'Sun of Righteousness' illuminate your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְה֗וּא1 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כְּ֭חָתָן2 of 8

Which is as a bridegroom

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

יֹצֵ֣א3 of 8

coming out

H3318

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

מֵחֻפָּת֑וֹ4 of 8

of his chamber

H2646

a canopy

יָשִׂ֥ישׂ5 of 8

and rejoiceth

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

כְּ֝גִבּ֗וֹר6 of 8

as a strong man

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

לָר֥וּץ7 of 8

to run

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

אֹֽרַח׃8 of 8

a race

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan


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 19:5 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 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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