King James Version

What Does Psalms 95:5 Mean?

Psalms 95:5 in the King James Version says “The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. The sea: Heb. Whose the sea is — study this verse from Psalms chapter 95 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 95:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. This verse grounds God's ownership in His creative work: the sea belongs to Him because He made it; the land is His because He formed it. The Hebrew structure emphasizes these twin claims: lo hayam ve-hu asahu (לוֹ הַיָּם וְהוּא עָשָׂהוּ, "His is the sea, and He made it") and veyabbashet yadav yatsaru (וְיַבֶּשֶׁת יָדָיו יָצָרוּ, "and the dry land, His hands formed").

The "sea" (yam, יָם) held deep significance for ancient Israel—both literal (Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Sea of Galilee) and symbolic. In Ancient Near Eastern mythology, the sea represented chaos that gods struggled to control. In contrast, Israel's God effortlessly made (asah, עָשָׂה) the sea, demonstrating His supremacy over any supposed chaos. The verb yatsar (יָצַר), "formed," is the potter's word used in Genesis 2:7 for God forming Adam from dust—deliberate, skilled, purposeful creation.

"His hands" (yadav, יָדָיו) personalizes creation—not distant, impersonal force but intimate involvement. God's hands shaped the continents. This echoes Genesis 1:9-10, where God gathered waters and caused dry land to appear. The New Testament reveals Christ as the agent of creation: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Worship, therefore, is the only fitting response to the Creator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's salvation history was marked by God's control over sea and land: parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14), stopping the Jordan River (Joshua 3), calming storms (Jonah 1; Matthew 8:23-27). These acts demonstrated that the God who created sea and land continues to rule them for His people's deliverance. The psalm's liturgical context invited worshipers to remember these mighty acts and trust the same Creator-Redeemer. Greco-Roman mythology feared capricious sea gods; Israel worshiped the God who made the sea itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ownership by creation (He made it) affect how you view the natural world and environmental stewardship?
  2. What modern 'seas of chaos' (political turmoil, economic instability, personal crises) need to be surrendered to the God who made the sea?
  3. How does recognizing Christ as Creator deepen your understanding of His authority and worthiness to receive worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֲשֶׁר1 of 8
H834

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

ל֣וֹ2 of 8
H0
הַ֭יָּם3 of 8

The sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְה֣וּא4 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עָשָׂ֑הוּ5 of 8

is his and he made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְ֝יַבֶּ֗שֶׁת6 of 8

the dry

H3006

dry ground

יָדָ֥יו7 of 8

it and his hands

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

יָצָֽרוּ׃8 of 8

formed

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)


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 95:5 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 95:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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