King James Version

What Does Psalms 36:6 Mean?

Psalms 36:6 in the King James Version says “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. th...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. the: Heb. the mountains of God”

Psalms 36:6 · KJV

Context

4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. mischief: or, vanity

5

Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

6

Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. the: Heb. the mountains of God

7

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. excellent: Heb. precious

8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. abundantly: Heb. watered

Read Psalms 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep. This verse uses two powerful nature metaphors to express the incomprehensible magnitude of God's attributes. The Hebrew word tsedaqah (צְדָקָה, "righteousness") refers to God's perfect moral character and His faithful adherence to covenant promises. Comparing it to "the great mountains" (hararei El, הַרְרֵי־אֵל, literally "mountains of God") suggests something majestic, immovable, eternal, and towering above all earthly standards. Ancient mountains were symbols of permanence and divine dwelling places.

The parallel phrase "thy judgments are a great deep" uses mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ, "judgments") to describe God's decisions, decrees, and providential ordering of events. The "great deep" (tehom rabbah, תְּהוֹם רַבָּה) echoes the primordial waters of Genesis 1:2, suggesting unfathomable depth and mystery. While God's righteousness is visible and stable like mountains, His judgments often remain mysterious and beyond human comprehension.

O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. This declaration reveals God's universal providence extending to all creatures. The verb yasha (יָשַׁע, "preservest") means to save, deliver, or preserve. Despite the incomprehensibility of God's ways, His care is tangible and practical, sustaining all life. This echoes God's covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:9-10) and anticipates Christ's teaching that God feeds the birds and clothes the grass (Matthew 6:26-30). The juxtaposition of transcendent majesty with immanent care reveals the beautiful paradox of biblical theology.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 36 is a Davidic psalm that contrasts the wicked person's self-deception with God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Ancient Near Eastern peoples often associated mountains with the dwelling places of gods—Mount Olympus for Greeks, Mount Zaphon for Canaanites. David's use of mountain imagery would resonate with his audience while affirming that Israel's God alone possesses true, immovable righteousness.

The concept of the "great deep" (tehom) connects to ancient creation theology and flood narratives. Unlike pagan myths where the deep represented chaos gods to be conquered, Israel understood the deep as God's creation, under His sovereign control. This verse affirms that even the most mysterious aspects of God's providence serve His righteous purposes.

The phrase "man and beast" reflects the comprehensive scope of God's covenant care established in the Noahic covenant (Genesis 9). In an agricultural society dependent on livestock, God's preservation of animals was not merely sentimental but essential for human survival. This verse would comfort Israel during times of drought, famine, or military threat, assuring them that the same God who maintains cosmic order also sustains daily life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's righteousness as unmovable as mountains affect your trust in Him during moral confusion or injustice?
  2. When God's judgments seem unfathomably deep and mysterious, how can you maintain faith in His goodness and wisdom?
  3. In what ways does God's care for both humanity and animals challenge modern attitudes toward creation and environmental stewardship?
  4. How does this verse's combination of God's transcendent majesty and intimate care shape your prayer life and relationship with Him?
  5. What specific situations in your life require you to trust in God's preservation even when His ways seem beyond understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
צִדְקָֽתְךָ֙׀1 of 10

“Thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

כְּֽהַרְרֵי2 of 10

“mountains”

H2042

a mountain

אֵ֗ל3 of 10

“is like the great”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

מִ֭שְׁפָּטֶיךָ4 of 10

“thy judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

תְּה֣וֹם5 of 10

“deep”

H8415

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

רַבָּ֑ה6 of 10

“are a great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אָ֤דָֽם7 of 10

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּבְהֵמָ֖ה8 of 10

“and beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

תוֹשִׁ֣יעַ9 of 10

“thou preservest”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 36:6 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 36:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 11:33Isaiah 40:28Psalms 77:191 Timothy 4:10Deuteronomy 32:4Job 37:23

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