Psalms 104:23
Psalms 104:23 in Multiple Translations
Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening.
Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
Man goeth forth unto his work And to his labor until the evening.
Man goes out to his work, and to his business, till the evening.
Then people leave for work, working until the evening.
Then goeth man forth to his worke, and to his labour vntill the euening.
Man goeth forth to his work, And to his service — till evening.
Man goes out to his work, to his labor until the evening.
Man goeth forth to his work and to his labor until the evening.
And Israel went into Egypt: and Jacob was a sojourner in the land of Cham.
And during the daytime, people go to their work; they work until it is evening.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 104:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵצֵ֣א
אָדָ֣ם
לְ/פָעֳל֑/וֹ
וְֽ/לַ/עֲבֹ֖דָת֣/וֹ
עֲדֵי
עָֽרֶב
יֵצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לְ/פָעֳל֑/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
work
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְֽ/לַ/עֲבֹ֖דָת֣/וֹ
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
עֲדֵי
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:23
יֵצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
לְ/פָעֳל֑/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
וְֽ/לַ/עֲבֹ֖דָת֣/וֹ
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
עֲדֵי
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:23
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
- Sermons on Psalms 104:23
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
21The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.
22The sun rises, and they withdraw; they lie down in their dens.
23Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening.
24How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 25Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 5:12 | The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:28 | He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. |
| 4 | Judges 19:16 | That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 3:8–12 | nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. |
Psalms 104:23 Summary
[Psalms 104:23 tells us that people go to work and labor until the evening, which means that work is a natural part of our lives. Just like God works, as seen in John 5:17, we also work to take care of ourselves and our families. The Bible teaches us to work hard and do our best, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, but also to rest and trust in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34. By working and resting in a balanced way, we can honor God and reflect the rhythms of creation.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'go forth to his work' in Psalms 104:23?
This phrase suggests that humans are created to be productive and work, as seen in Genesis 2:15 where Adam was placed in the Garden to work and care for it. This innate desire to work is a reflection of God's character, who also works, as stated in John 5:17.
Why does the verse specify 'until evening'?
The phrase 'until evening' may indicate that our work is not without boundaries or rest, but rather it is bounded by the natural rhythms of life, as seen in the creation account in Genesis 1:5 where God separates day and night. This reminds us to balance our work with rest, just as God rested on the seventh day.
How does this verse relate to our purpose in life?
This verse, in the context of Psalms 104, suggests that our work is part of the larger tapestry of God's creation, where every creature has its role. Our purpose is to use our talents and abilities to glorify God and contribute to the well-being of His creation, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24 where we are called to work heartily for the Lord.
What does this verse teach us about our daily routines?
The verse teaches us that our daily routines, including our work, are part of God's larger plan. As we go about our daily tasks, we should remember that we are not just working for ourselves, but also as stewards of God's creation, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30 where the parable of the talents emphasizes our responsibility to use our resources wisely.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my talents and abilities to glorify God in my daily work?
- How can I balance my work and rest in a way that honors God and reflects the rhythms of creation?
- What are some things I can do to ensure that my work is not just about personal achievement, but also about contributing to the well-being of God's creation?
- How can I cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in my daily work, knowing that it is part of God's larger plan?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:23
Man goeth forth to his work,.... Having taken sleep in the night, being comfortably refreshed, and his strength recruited; he rises with the rising sun, and goes forth cheerfully and with intrepidity
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:23
The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. The sun ariseth, they ... lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work ... until the evening.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
With security and confidence, knowing the nature and custom of wild beasts, that they hide themselves by day.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
Psalms 104:23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.Ver. 23. Man goeth forth unto his work] His honest employment in his particular place and calling, whether manual or mental; eating his bread in the sweat either of his brow or of his brain. Until the evening] That time of rest and refreshment. The Lord Burleigh (William Cecil), when he put off his gown at night, used to say, Lie there, Lord Treasurer; and, bidding adieu to all state affairs, disposed himself to his quiet rest.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:23
19–23. Moon and sun mark the seasons and the alternations of day and night. The work of the fourth day, Genesis 1:14.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:23
Man goeth forth ... - Man is now seen to go forth from his dwelling, and he appears on the stage to perform his daily toil, until evening comes, and then again he gives way for the beasts of night.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:23
23. Goeth forth—These words are more significant in the East than with us. There the universal custom of city or village life left, and still leaves, their fields often far from home.
Sermons on Psalms 104:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Until My Change Comes by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of understanding the brevity and challenges of life, likening it to a day with its shortness, vicissitudes, labor, and irreversibility, urg |
|
God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 2:15-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God gave man dominion over nature and placed him in the garden to take c |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 5:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 5, which focuses on the generations of Adam. The speaker highlights the significance of the two line |
|
(Genesis #7) Enoch Walked With God by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of walking with God. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who was changed after spending just an hour with Jesus. The p |
|
The Nature of Man - Antiquity of Man Part 2 by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the nature of man as both material and spiritual. He emphasizes that God used dust from the ground to form ma |
|
|
Listen to the Ashes of Sodom by Don Johnson | This sermon delves into the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, using a prop of ashes to symbolize the citizens who faced destruction due to their ungodly lifestyles. The preacher emphasi |