King James Version

What Does Psalms 65:9 Mean?

Psalms 65:9 in the King James Version says “Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou ... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 65:9 · KJV


Context

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

11

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God visiting the earth depicts divine attention and care. The 'river of God' provides abundant water, ensuring grain. This combines providence (natural rainfall) with imagery of Eden's river (Genesis 2:10), anticipating the river of life (Revelation 22:1). God's preparation of grain shows comprehensive care from soil to harvest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agriculture dominated ancient Israel's economy, making harvest success critical for survival. The 'river of God' may reference seasonal rains or metaphorically depict God's abundant provision surpassing natural sources.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's providence in ordinary processes (rainfall, harvest) shape daily gratitude?
  2. What does the 'river of God' imagery teach about the source and abundance of divine provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
פָּקַ֥דְתָּ1 of 14

Thou visitest

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הָאָ֨רֶץ2 of 14

the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתְּשֹׁ֪קְקֶ֡הָ3 of 14

and waterest

H7783

to run after or over, i.e., overflow

רַבַּ֬ת4 of 14

it thou greatly

H7227

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

תַּעְשְׁרֶ֗נָּה5 of 14

enrichest

H6238

properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

פֶּ֣לֶג6 of 14

it with the river

H6388

a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)

אֱ֭לֹהִים7 of 14

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מָ֣לֵא8 of 14

which is full

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

מָ֑יִם9 of 14

of water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

תְּכִינֶֽהָ׃10 of 14

thou preparest

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

דְּ֝גָנָ֗ם11 of 14

them corn

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

כִּי12 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֵ֥ן13 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תְּכִינֶֽהָ׃14 of 14

thou preparest

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,


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 65:9 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 65:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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