King James Version

What Does Psalms 33:11 Mean?

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. to all: Heb. to generation and generation

Context

9

For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. bringeth: Heb. maketh frustrate

11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. to all: Heb. to generation and generation

12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

13

The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-24. God shows that if Job cannot bring under control the lower animals (of which he selects the two most striking, behemoth on land, leviathan in the water), much less is he capable of governing the world. **behemoth--**The description in part agrees with the hippopotamus, in part with the elephant, but exactly in all details with neither. It is rather a poetical personification of the great Pachydermata, or Herbivora (so "he eateth grass"), the idea of the hippopotamus being predominant. In Job 40:17, "the tail like a cedar," hardly applies to the latter (so also Job 40:20, 23, "Jordan," a river which elephants alone could reach, but see on Job 40:23). On the other hand, Job 40:21, 22 are characteristic of the amphibious river horse. So leviathan (the twisting animal), Job 41:1, is a generalized term for cetacea, pythons, saurians of the neighboring seas and rivers, including the crocodile, which is the most prominent, and is often associated with the river horse by old writers. "Behemoth" seems to be the Egyptian Pehemout, "water-ox," Hebraized, so-called as being like an ox, whence the Italian bombarino. **with thee--**as I made thyself. Yet how great the difference! The manifold wisdom and power of God! **he eateth grass--**marvellous in an animal living so much in the water; also strange, that such a monster should not be carnivorous.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 33:11 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 33:11

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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