Psalms 147:6
Psalms 147:6 in Multiple Translations
The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Jehovah upholdeth the meek: He bringeth the wicked down to the ground.
The Lord gives help to the poor in spirit; but he sends sinners down in shame.
The Lord helps those who are bowed down to get up; but he grinds the wicked into the ground.
The Lord relieueth the meeke, and abaseth the wicked to the ground.
Jehovah is causing the meek to stand, Making low the wicked unto the earth.
The LORD upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
He sendeth his crystal like morsels: who shall stand before the face of his cold?
Yahweh lifts up those who have been oppressed, and he throws the wicked down to the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:6
BAB
Word Study
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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 147:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְעוֹדֵ֣ד
עֲנָוִ֣ים
יְהוָ֑ה
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
עֲדֵי
אָֽרֶץ
מְעוֹדֵ֣ד
ʻûwd
H5749
to uphold
V-o
עֲנָוִ֣ים
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Adj
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
shâphêl
H8213
to abase
V-Hiphil
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
עֲדֵי
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:6
מְעוֹדֵ֣ד
ʻûwd
H5749
"to uphold"
V-o
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.
עֲנָוִ֣ים
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
shâphêl
H8213
"to abase"
V-Hiphil
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
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.
אָֽרֶץ
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
- Sermons on Psalms 147:6
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
4He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.
5Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.
6The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.
7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music on the harp to our God, 8who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 146:8–9 | the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. |
| 2 | Psalms 25:9 | He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 5:6 | Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. |
| 4 | James 4:10 | Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 5 | Zephaniah 2:3 | Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 7 | Psalms 73:18–19 | Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 8 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 9 | Psalms 145:14 | The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. |
| 10 | Psalms 149:4 | For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation. |
Psalms 147:6 Summary
[The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground, meaning that God gives strength and support to those who are humble and rely on Him, but rejects those who are rebellious and proud, as seen in Proverbs 16:5, which says, 'Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not go unpunished.' God wants us to trust in Him and not in our own abilities, so that He can lift us up and give us the strength we need to live a life that honors Him, as described in Psalms 37:23-24, which says, 'The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to sustain the humble?
To sustain the humble means that God gives them the strength and support they need to live a life that honors Him, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 where it says, 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Who are the wicked that God casts to the ground?
The wicked are those who reject God and live in rebellion against Him, as described in Psalms 1:1, which says, 'Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.'
How can I be sure that God will sustain me if I am humble?
We can be sure that God will sustain us if we are humble because of His promise in 1 Peter 5:6-7, which says, 'Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.'
What is the result of being cast to the ground by God?
Being cast to the ground by God results in spiritual defeat and separation from Him, as seen in Psalms 38:17, which says, 'For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I humble myself before God today, so that He may sustain me?
- How does my life reflect the character of the humble or the wicked, and what changes do I need to make to align with God's will?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to stand on my own strength, rather than relying on God's sustaining power?
- How can I use my experiences of God's sustaining power to encourage and support others who are struggling?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:6
The Lord lifteth up the meek,.... The lowly and humble souls, such as are made so by the Spirit of God; he shows them their sinfulness, and want of righteousness; the insufficiency of their own, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:6
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground - parallel to Psalms 146:8-9.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
Psalms 147:6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.Ver. 6. The Lord lifteth up the meek] This truth was well known to the very heathens, who have said the same thing; as Herodotus in Polymnia, Euripides in Hara, and Aesop being asked by Chilo (one of the seven wise men of Greece), what God was doing? answered, He is humbling the haughty, and exalting the lowly, ταμενυφηλαταπεινουν; ταδεταπειναυψουν..
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
(6) The meek.—Or, the afflicted. (See Note Psalms 22:26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
Verse 6. The Lord lifteth up the meek] The humbled, the afflicted.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:6
6. Jehovah’s power is manifested in His moral government of the world. Cp. Psalms 146:9. Though the language is general, it has obviously a special reference to the restoration of Israel and the humiliation of their oppressors. lifteth up] Or as R.V. upholdeth, the same word as in Psalms 146:9. the meek] Those who have learnt humility in the school of suffering. casteth … down] Or, abaseth.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:6
The Lord lifteth up the meek - The humble; the poor; the bowed down; the oppressed.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:6
6. Lifteth up… casteth… down—As has just been shown, in restoring his people and repelling their enemies.
Sermons on Psalms 147:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Peter 3:4 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of the 'hidden man of the heart' in 1 Peter 3:4, which represents the internal grace that beautifies the soul far beyond external adornments. |
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Grace for the Humble by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that grace is given to the humble, highlighting that those with humble hearts actively seek and receive grace abundantly. He encourages believers to adopt |
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The Humble Place by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between true humility and false humility, noting that many Christians either mistakenly believe they are humble or fear they are proud. He adv |
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Humility and Exaltation by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound connection between humility and exaltation, teaching that true humility is essential for spiritual growth and closeness to God. He explains th |
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Identity by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of fulfilling our purpose by magnifying God with our soul, body, and spirit, as exemplified by Mary's humble yet powerful declaration i |
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Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true greatness comes not from our own merits but from the goodness and gentleness of God. He reflects on how God's providence, humility, and disciplin |
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Humbling Oneself by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of humility and being willing to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Spiritual e |