King James Version

What Does Psalms 65:10 Mean?

Psalms 65:10 in the King James Version says “Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou b...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. settlest: or, causest rain to descend into makest: Heb. dissolvest it”

Psalms 65:10 · KJV

Context

8

They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. rejoice: or, sing

9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. and: or, after thou hadst made it to desire rain

10

Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. settlest: or, causest rain to descend into makest: Heb. dissolvest it

11

Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. with: Heb. of

12

They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. rejoice: Heb. are girded with joy

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God watering furrows abundantly and settling ridges demonstrates meticulous care for cultivation. Making earth soft with showers and blessing the springing thereof shows God governs growth's details. This providence in agriculture reveals that God's sovereignty extends to minute particulars, not merely grand events, anticipating Christ's teaching about God's care for sparrows (Matthew 10:29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Palestinian agriculture depended entirely on seasonal rains (former and latter rains) without irrigation systems. God's provision of rain at proper times meant survival or famine, making this blessing intensely practical.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to agricultural details illustrate His providence in your life's specifics?
  2. What does blessing 'the springing thereof' teach about God's care at every growth stage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
תְּלָמֶ֣יהָ1 of 8

“the ridges”

H8525

a bank or terrace

רַ֭וֵּה2 of 8

“Thou waterest”

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

נַחֵ֣ת3 of 8

“thou settlest”

H5181

to sink, i.e., descend; causatively, to press or lead down

גְּדוּדֶ֑הָ4 of 8

“the furrows”

H1417

a furrow (as cut)

בִּרְבִיבִ֥ים5 of 8

“with showers”

H7241

a rain (as an accumulation of drops)

תְּ֝מֹגְגֶ֗נָּה6 of 8

“thereof thou makest it soft”

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

צִמְחָ֥הּ7 of 8

“the springing”

H6780

a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative

תְּבָרֵֽךְ׃8 of 8

“thou blessest”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

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 65:10 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 65:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:6-7Psalms 147:8Deuteronomy 32:2

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