Psalms 104:5
Psalms 104:5 in Multiple Translations
He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved.
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
Who laid the foundations of the earth, That it should not be moved for ever.
He has made the earth strong on its bases, so that it may not be moved for ever and ever;
You set the earth on its foundations; it will never be shaken.
He set the earth vpon her foundations, so that it shall neuer moue.
He hath founded earth on its bases, It is not moved to the age and for ever.
He laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved forever.
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
Remember his marvellous works which he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.
You placed the world firmly on its foundation so that it can never be moved/shaken.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:5
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 104:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָֽסַד
אֶ֭רֶץ
עַל
מְכוֹנֶ֑י/הָ
בַּל
תִּ֝מּ֗וֹט
עוֹלָ֥ם
וָ/עֶֽד
יָֽסַד
yâçad
H3245
to found
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶ֭רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מְכוֹנֶ֑י/הָ
mâkôwn
H4349
foundation
N-mp | Suff
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
תִּ֝מּ֗וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
וָ/עֶֽד
ʻad
H5703
perpetuity
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:5
יָֽסַד
yâçad
H3245
"to found"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
אֶ֭רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מְכוֹנֶ֑י/הָ
mâkôwn
H4349
"foundation"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a foundation or a fixed place where someone lives. It appears in various books, including the Psalms and Proverbs, to describe a solid base or a home. This concept is important in understanding God's presence in our lives.
Definition: 1) fixed or established place, foundation 1a) fixed place 1b) foundation
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: foundation, habitation, (dwelling-, settled) place. See also: Exodus 15:17; 2 Chronicles 6:39; Psalms 33:14.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
תִּ֝מּ֗וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וָ/עֶֽד
ʻad
H5703
"perpetuity"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
- Sermons on Psalms 104:5
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
3laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.
4He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.
5He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved.
6You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 26:7 | He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing. |
| 2 | Psalms 24:2 | For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. |
| 3 | Psalms 33:9 | For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. |
| 4 | Psalms 96:10 | Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 3:10 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. |
| 6 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 7 | Psalms 93:1 | The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved. |
| 8 | Psalms 136:6 | He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 1:4 | Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. |
| 10 | Revelation 6:14 | The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. |
Psalms 104:5 Summary
[This verse, Psalms 104:5, tells us that God created the earth and set it on its foundations, making it stable and secure, much like a house built on a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). Just as a house needs a strong foundation to stand firm, the earth needs God's foundation to remain in place, and this verse reminds us of God's power and wisdom in creating our world (Psalms 19:1-6). The fact that the earth is never to be moved means that God has established it in a way that is both stable and dynamic, reflecting His character as a faithful and powerful Creator (Genesis 1:1-31).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved?
This verse indicates that God has established the earth in a stable and unshakeable manner, as seen in Psalms 104:5, and is reminiscent of God's promise in Genesis 9:11 to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Does this verse mean that the earth will never experience any natural disasters or changes?
No, the verse does not imply that the earth will be completely static or unchanging, but rather that its fundamental foundations are secure, as stated in Psalms 104:5, and that God remains in control, as seen in Job 37:6-13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of creation in the Bible?
This verse highlights God's role as the Creator who established the earth and its foundations, echoing the account of creation in Genesis 1:1-31 and underscoring God's power and sovereignty over the natural world, as seen in Psalms 19:1-6.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
This verse reveals God's faithfulness, power, and wisdom, as He has established the earth in a way that is both stable and dynamic, reflecting His character as described in Exodus 34:6-7 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced God's stability and faithfulness in my life, just as the earth is stable on its foundations?
- How does the fact that God set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved, impact my trust in Him during times of uncertainty or chaos?
- In what ways can I reflect on God's creation and providence, as seen in Psalms 104:5, to deepen my appreciation for His power and wisdom?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the concept of God's sovereignty over the natural world to my daily life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:5
Who laid the foundations of the earth,.... Or "founded the earth upon its bases" (l); which some take to be the waters, according to Psalms 24:2, others the centre of gravity in it; others the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:5
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
He hath founded or established the earth upon its own basis or foundations, i.e. upon itself, or its own weight, whereby it stands as fast and unmovable, as if it were built upon the strongest foundations imaginable; which is a stupendous work of Divine power and wisdom. That it should not be removed out of its proper place, which is the lowest part of the world. For ever; as long as the world continues.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
Psalms 104:5 [Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.Ver. 5. Who laid the foundations of the earth] Heb. He hath founded the earth upon her bases. See Psalms 24:2 Job 38:4; Job 38:6. That it should not be removed for ever] Neither can it be, by reason of its own weightiness whereby it remaineth immovable in the centre of the universe. Say it should move any way, it must move towards heaven, and so ascend, which is utterly against the nature of heavy bodies.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
(5–18) The work of the third day of Creation in its two great divisions. (1) The separation of the land and water (Psalms 104:5-9); (2) the clothing of the earth with grass, herbs, and trees (Psalms 104:10-18). The poet, however, ranges beyond the Mosaic account, and already peoples the earth with the living creatures of the fifth day. “It is not a picture of still life like that of Genesis, but a living, moving, animated scene” (Perowne).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
Verse 5. יסד ארץ על מכוניה yasad erets al mechonepha, בל תמוט עולם ועד bal tammot olam vaed. "Laying the earth upon its foundations, That it should not be shaken for evermore." This image Bishop Lowth thinks evidently taken from the tabernacle, which was so laid upon its foundations that nothing could move it, and the dispensation to which it was attached, till the end purposed by the secret counsel of God was accomplished: and thus the earth is established, till the end of its creation shall be fully answered; and then it and its works shall be burnt up. On the above ground, the stability of the sanctuary and the stability of the earth are sometimes mentioned in the same words.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:5
5–9. The formation of the earth, and the separation of land and water: the work of the third day, Genesis 1:9-10; cp. Job 38:8-11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:5
Who laid the foundations of the earth - Referring still to the creation of the earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:5
5. Laid the foundations of the earth—Literally, founded the earth upon its foundations, a poetical figure for a firm placing of the “earth” in its proper sphere. See Psalms 119:89-91. Compare Job 26:7; Job 38:4; Job 38:6.
Sermons on Psalms 104:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Reconcilation by Willie Mullan | In the video, the preacher mentions various topics that have been covered in previous sermons, such as redemption, atonement, and the Lord's words for the resurrection. He then int |
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Of the Creation of Angels. by John Gill | John Gill discusses the creation of angels, emphasizing their significance as the chief of God's works in the heavens. He notes that while the creation of angels is not explicitly |
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The Beauty of Nothing by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a pastor who endured 14 years in communist prisons, highlighting the struggles, faith, and triumphs experienced during that time. It em |
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A Helpless Babe Exposed to the Wrath of Herod by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the paradox of God's strength displayed through weakness, using the story of Christ's incarnation as the ultimate example. Despite appearing weak and defe |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |
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2 Peter 3:5 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the willful ignorance of those who profess Christianity yet choose to disregard the foundational truths of creation and divine judgment. He explains that the h |