Psalms 8:8
Psalms 8:8 in Multiple Translations
the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, Whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
The birds of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatever goes through the deep waters of the seas.
the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea—everything that swims in the ocean.
The foules of the ayre, and the fish of the sea, and that which passeth through the paths of the seas.
Bird of the heavens, and fish of the sea, Passing through the paths of the seas!
the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passeth through the paths of the seas.
Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.
the birds, the fish, and everything else that swims in the seas.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 8:8
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 8:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צֹנֶ֣ה
וַ/אֲלָפִ֣ים
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
וְ֝/גַ֗ם
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
שָׂדָֽי
צֹנֶ֣ה
tsônêʼ
H6792
sheep
N-ms
וַ/אֲלָפִ֣ים
ʼeleph
H504
cattle
Conj | N-mp
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/גַ֗ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fp
שָׂדָֽי
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 8:8
צֹנֶ֣ה
tsônêʼ
H6792
"sheep"
N-ms
A flock of sheep refers to a group of sheep, like in John 10:16. This word describes a collection of sheep, often used to illustrate God's care for his people, as a shepherd cares for his flock. It is a common metaphor in the Bible, used by Jesus and other authors.
Definition: flock, sheep
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sheep. See also: Numbers 32:24; Psalms 8:8.
וַ/אֲלָפִ֣ים
ʼeleph
H504
"cattle"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word can mean a family or cattle, such as oxen or cows, highlighting their importance in farming and as possessions. It is often translated as 'family' or 'oxen'.
Definition: 1) cattle, oxen 1a) in farming 1b) as a possession
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: family, kine, oxen. See also: Deuteronomy 7:13; Judges 6:15; Psalms 8:8.
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
וְ֝/גַ֗ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fp
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
שָׂדָֽי
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
Study Notes — Psalms 8:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 8:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 8:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 8:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 8:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 8:8
- Sermons on Psalms 8:8
Context — How Majestic Is Your Name!
6You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:
7all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field,
8the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:20–25 | And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, land crawlers, and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. |
| 2 | Psalms 148:10 | wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds, |
| 3 | Job 38:39–30 | — |
| 4 | Job 40:15–34 | Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox. See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly. His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron. He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him. The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby. He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds of the marsh. The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him. Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth. Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare? |
Psalms 8:8 Summary
This verse, Psalms 8:8, reminds us that God has given humans the responsibility to care for and rule over all of His creation, including the birds and the fish. This is a big job, but it's also a privilege, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where God gives Adam and Eve dominion over the earth. As we consider the beauty and wonder of God's creation, we are reminded of His power and majesty, and our place in the world as stewards of His creation, which is also emphasized in Psalms 24:1, which says 'The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has given humans dominion over the birds of the air and the fish of the sea?
This verse, Psalms 8:8, highlights God's gift of stewardship to humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where God instructs Adam to rule over the earth and its creatures.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for the environment?
As seen in Psalms 8:8, God has entrusted us with the care of His creation, including the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, which is also emphasized in Genesis 2:15, where Adam is placed in the Garden to tend and keep it.
What is the significance of the phrase 'all that swim the paths of the seas'?
This phrase, found in Psalms 8:8, emphasizes the vastness and complexity of God's creation, as also seen in Job 41:1-34, where God describes the wonder of the sea and its creatures to Job.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of Psalms 8?
Psalms 8:8 is part of a larger passage, Psalms 8:6-8, that describes the dominion God has given humanity over His creation, and is a response to the majesty of God's name, as proclaimed in Psalms 8:9, which says 'O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth'.
Reflection Questions
- As you consider the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, how do you see God's majesty and power reflected in His creation?
- What are some ways you can fulfill your role as a steward of God's creation, as described in Psalms 8:8?
- How does the vastness and complexity of God's creation, as seen in the 'paths of the seas', inspire your worship and praise of God?
- In what ways do you see the dominion God has given humanity over creation, as described in Psalms 8:6-8, as a blessing and a responsibility?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 8:8
The fowl of the air,.... These he rained about the tents of the Israelites for their relief, Psalms 78:27, and can command them to feed his people, as the ravens did Elijah, 1 Kings 17:4; or to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 8:8
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
Psalms 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.Ver. 8. The fowl of the air] These Moses seemeth to have forgotten, in that discontented speech of his, Numbers 11:22, but God sent those murmmurers such a drift of quails (meat of kings, with their bread of angels) as he could not have imagined or hoped for. And the fish of the sea] Piscis of Pasco. Many islands are maintained and people fed by fish. In the Hebrew the same word signifieth a pond, or fish pool, and a blessing. And surely it is a blessing to any country that they have plenty and dainty of these good creatures. And whatsoever passeth, &c.] As whales, and other great fishes, which make a smooth path in a calm sea, as a ship or a boat doth, Job 41:32, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
(8) And whatsoever passeth.—This is more poetical than to render “the fish of the sea who pass,” &c. Paths of the seas.—Comp. Homer’s ὑγρὰκέλευθα. The repetition of the first thought of the poem, binding’ the contents together as in a wreath, is the one touch of art it displays.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 8:8
Verse 8. The fowl of the air] All these were given to man in the beginning; and he has still a general dominion over them; for thus saith the Lord: "The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every BEAST of the EARTH, and upon every FOWL of the AIR, and upon all that MOVETH upon the EARTH, and upon all the FISHES of the SEA; into your hand are they delivered;" Genesis 9:2. To this passage the psalmist most obviously refers.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 8:8
7, 8. Man’s subjects are as it were mustered and passed in review: domestic animals, and even the wild creatures that roam at large over the open country; the birds of the air (lit. heaven, as Psalms 104:12), and the fish of the sea, and all the manifold inhabitants of the mysterious depths of ocean. See Genesis 1:21; Genesis 9:2. Cp. Homer’s ὑγρὰκέλευθα (Il. i. 312); “the wet sea-paths,” as Milton calls them in his version of the Psalm. The living creatures here enumerated are only mentioned by way of example and illustration of “all things.” In the Psalmist’s day the dominion of man over nature was most strikingly exercised in his mastery over the animal creation, which he tamed or caught and turned to his own use. “Man has become,” says Darwin, “even in his rudest state, the most dominant animal that has ever appeared on this earth.” In our own day it is by the investigation of the great laws of nature, and by the utilisation of the great forces of nature, that man asserts and extends his sovereignty.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 8:8
The fowl of the air - Genesis 1:26, “Over the fowl of the air.” Genesis 9:2, “upon every fowl of the air.” This dominion is the more remarkable because the birds of the air seem to be beyond the
Sermons on Psalms 8:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #02 Ch. 1:2 Creation or Re-Creation by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Mitzvah discusses Genesis chapter 1, verses 2 and 3. He mentions that in the previous study, they covered various topics including biblical background and Ein |
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(Genesis) Genesis 1:20-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the creation story as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that when God created the world, it was good. He mentions that God created variou |
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David in Training for Kingship by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between David's seemingly peaceful nature as a musician and poet, and his ultimate destiny as a great warrior. The speaker emphas |
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God's Burden for Zion by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and |
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Seminar 3 - Dinosaurs and the Bible by Kent Hovind | This seminar addresses the perceived conflict between dinosaur fossils and the biblical account of creation, exploring the field of cryptozoology to shed light on hidden animals li |
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Childrens Video About Dinosaurs by Kent Hovind | This sermon by Dr. Kent Hovind discusses dinosaurs, highlighting the inaccuracies in the teaching of their history, emphasizing that dinosaurs did not live millions of years ago bu |
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God of Our Monsters by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God uses the imagery of the hippopotamus and crocodile to illustrate the overwhelming problems, or 'monsters', that Job faces in his life. These cre |