King James Version

What Does Psalms 95:4 Mean?

Psalms 95:4 in the King James Version says “In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. In: Heb. In whose the strength: or,...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 95 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. In: Heb. In whose the strength: or, the heights of the hills are his”

Psalms 95:4 · KJV

Strength

Context

2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. come: Heb. prevent his face

3

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. In: Heb. In whose the strength: or, the heights of the hills are his

5

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. The sea: Heb. Whose the sea is

6

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. This verse proclaims God's sovereign ownership over creation's extremes—from the deepest chasms to the highest peaks. "In his hand" (beyado, בְּיָדוֹ) signifies possession, control, and power. The "hand" of God is a biblical metaphor for His active power and governance (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 89:13; Isaiah 50:2).

"The deep places of the earth" translates mechqerei-erets (מֶחְקְרֵי־אָרֶץ), literally "the searched-out places" or depths—possibly referring to ocean depths, subterranean caverns, or mines where humans extract precious resources. Ancient peoples stood in awe of depths beyond their reach; yet these unreachable places lie fully in God's grasp. "The strength of the hills" (to'aphot harim, תּוֹעֲפוֹת הָרִים) uses to'aphah, meaning summits, heights, or strength—the mighty, majestic peaks that symbolize permanence and power.

The verse establishes a theological principle: if God holds creation's extremes (depths and heights), He certainly governs everything in between—including human affairs. This grounds the psalm's call to worship (v. 6) and warning against hardening hearts (vv. 8-11). We worship the Creator who holds all things in His hand, making rebellion against Him futile and trust in Him reasonable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 95 is a liturgical call to worship, likely used as Israel approached God in temple worship. Ancient Near Eastern cosmology understood the world as having three tiers: heavens above, earth in the middle, and the underworld/depths below. By declaring God's sovereignty over earth's depths and heights, the psalm asserts His complete dominion over creation. Hebrews 3:7-11 and 4:7 quote Psalm 95:7-11, applying its warning to New Testament believers: do not harden your hearts against God's voice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that God holds creation's extremes 'in his hand' affect your trust in His governance of your circumstances?
  2. What modern 'depths' and 'heights' (scientific discoveries, technological achievements) tempt people to forget God's sovereignty?
  3. How should God's control over creation's extremes shape your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 7
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּ֭יָדוֹ2 of 7

“In his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֶחְקְרֵי3 of 7

“are the deep places”

H4278

properly, scrutinized, i.e., (by implication) a recess

אָ֑רֶץ4 of 7

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְתוֹעֲפֹ֖ת5 of 7

“the strength”

H8443

(only in plural collective) weariness, i.e., (by implication) toil (treasure so obtained) or speed

הָרִ֣ים6 of 7

“of the hills”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לֽוֹ׃7 of 7
H0

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 95:4 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 95:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 135:6Habakkuk 3:6Habakkuk 3:10Job 9:5Psalms 97:5Job 11:10

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