King James Version

What Does Psalms 65:8 Mean?

Psalms 65:8 in the King James Version says “They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and eveni...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 65:8 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

6

Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:

7

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Those dwelling in earth's 'uttermost parts' fearing God's signs (tokens) shows that creation's testimony reaches all. 'Morning and evening to rejoice' indicates God's blessings span all time—dawn and dusk represent totality. This anticipates Psalm 19's teaching that creation declares God's glory universally (Psalm 19:1-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reference to earth's 'uttermost parts' encompasses all nations beyond Israel, showing God's works testify globally. Morning and evening represent the full daily cycle, indicating continuous blessing and reason for praise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's works in creation serve as universal testimony to His character?
  2. What does continuous reason for rejoicing (morning and evening) teach about cultivating gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּ֤ירְא֨וּ׀1 of 8

“are afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י2 of 8

“They also that dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

קְ֭צָוֹת3 of 8
H7098

a termination

מֵאוֹתֹתֶ֑יךָ4 of 8

“at thy tokens”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

מ֤וֹצָֽאֵי5 of 8

“thou makest the outgoings”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

בֹ֖קֶר6 of 8

“of the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וָעֶ֣רֶב7 of 8

“and evening”

H6153

dusk

תַּרְנִֽין׃8 of 8

“to rejoice”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

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 65:8 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 65:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 148:3Psalms 104:20-23Psalms 136:8Psalms 74:16Deuteronomy 4:19Psalms 48:5-6

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