Psalms 111:8 — Word Study
WLCסְמוּכִ֣ים לָעַ֣ד לְעוֹלָ֑ם עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם בֶּאֱמֶ֥ת וְיָשָֽׁר׃
BSAThey are upheldçâmak [sustained, supported] foreverʻad [for perpetuity, to eternity] and everʻôwlâm [always, without end] enactedʻâsâh [established, made] in truthʼemeth [faithfulness, stability] and uprightnessyâshâr [righteousness, justice]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| סְמוּכִ֣ים | [they are] sustained | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine plural |
| לָעַ֣ד | for ever | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לְעוֹלָ֑ם | for ever | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם | [they are] done | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine plural |
| בֶּאֱמֶ֥ת | in faithfulness | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְיָשָֽׁר׃ | and upright[ness] | Conjunction |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness. |
| KJV | They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. |
| ASV | They are established for ever and ever; They are done in truth and uprightness. |
| YLT | They are sustained for ever to the age. They are made in truth and uprightness. |
| WEB | They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness. |
| BBE | They are fixed for ever and ever, they are done in faith and righteousness. |
The translations agree on the meaning of סְמוּכִ֣ים — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence comprises a main clause with two additional phrases that provide context on duration and manner.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbסָמַךְ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 111:8
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Nature of God's Worksgenerated
Psalm 111:8 reflects on the nature of God's works, emphasizing their eternal stability and righteousness. This verse follows a description of God's trustworthy actions and serves as a declaration of His enduring truth and justice, which are foundational to His character. It highlights how God's decrees are not only established but are also characterized by faithfulness and uprightness, as seen throughout the psalm.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:18 | For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. |
| 2 | Romans 3:31 | Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. |
| 3 | Psalm 19:9 | The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. |
| 4 | Psalm 119:127–128 | Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. |
| 5 | Romans 7:12 | So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סְמוּכִ֣ים, se.mu.Khimgenerated
The word סְמוּכִ֣ים (se.mu.Khim) is a passive participle derived from the verb סָמַךְ (samakh), meaning to support or sustain. It conveys the idea of being upheld or supported, indicating a continuous action that emphasizes God's role in maintaining His creation and commands.
This participle is masculine plural, indicating that it refers to multiple subjects, likely God's works or decrees. The use of the passive voice suggests that these works are not self-sustaining but are upheld by an external force, which in this context is God Himself.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we refer to the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which uses the term sustained.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around two finite verbs: סְמוּכִ֣ים and עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם, which are the main actions describing God's works. The sentence is built around these verbs, with prepositional phrases that elaborate on the nature and characteristics of these actions.
The phrase בֶּאֱמֶ֥ת and וְיָשָֽׁר serve as descriptors, indicating that the works are established in truth and uprightness. This structure emphasizes the reliability and moral integrity of God's actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates סְמוּכִ֣ים as ἐστηριγμέναι, which carries a similar meaning of being supported or upheld. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of God's sustaining power over His creations.
The use of πεποιημέναι for עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם indicates a completed action, emphasizing that God's works are not only done but are firmly established, aligning with the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 111:8 states that God's works are upheld forever, established in truth and righteousness. This means that God's actions are reliable and just, reflecting His character and promises.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that God's actions and decrees are eternal and reliable, not subject to change or decay.
The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and justice, indicating that His works are grounded in truth.
Truth is essential as it reflects the stability and reliability of God's nature and His promises.
Righteousness indicates that God's actions are just and morally upright, aligning with His character.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's sustaining presence in my life?
- How can I apply the principles of truth and righteousness in my daily actions?
- What does it mean for me to uphold truth and justice in my interactions with others?
- How can I trust in God's eternal nature when facing challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo comments on this verse, noting its emphasis on the enduring nature of God's works and their moral foundation.
But "they stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and equity" [Psalms 111:8]. It is equitable and just that we should labour here and repose there.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 111 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 111:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey stand fast for ever and ever,.... Not only the covenant and its promises do, but both law and Gospel, the commandments of the one and the doctrines of the other; the law is an eternal law, as to
Read John Gill on Psalms 111 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. They stand fast (literally, are firmly supported) forever and ever - referring to "His commandments" or charges (Psalms 111:7).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 111 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThey stand fast, Heb. they are established upon the sure foundations of truth and uprightness, as it follows. Are done; constituted or ordered.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 111 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 111:8 They stand fast for ever and ever, [and are] done in truth and uprightness.Ver. 8. They stand fast for ever and ever] The promises are infallible, good sure hold, not yea and nay, but yea and amen. And are done] i.e. Ordained, made, and ratified.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 111 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. They stand fast for ever] סמוכים semuchim, they are propped up, buttressed, for ever. They can never fail; for God's power supports his works, and his providence preserves the record of what he has done.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 111 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. Stablished for ever and ever, Made in truth and uprightness. This verse further characterises Jehovah’s precepts, and to suit his acrostic the poet uses the word ‘ãsûyîm in the sense of ‘made,’ ‘enacted,’ not in its common sense of ‘done,’ ‘performed’ (Psalms 103:18).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 111 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThey stand fast forever and ever - Margin, “established.” The Hebrew word means “sustained, supported.” They will not fail or fall.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 111 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible8. They stand fast for ever and ever—Literally, They [both his works and his commandments, Psalms 111:7,] are established from eternity to eternity. The idea of duration must here be taken in its widest sense.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 111 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness.
They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness.
They are forever firm, and should be faithfully and properly carried out.
Tyndale line
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
They are established for ever and ever; They are done in truth and uprightness.
They are established for ever and ever, they are done in truth and uprightness.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
They are stablished for euer and euer, and are done in trueth and equitie.
Strictly literal
Maintained for ever and ever, done in truth and uprightness.
They are sustained for ever to the age. They are made in truth and uprightness.
They are sustained forever and for all time. They are made in truth and uprightness.
They are well supported for ever and eternally: they are framed in truth and uprightness.
They are established forever, to be observed faithfully and properly.
From the Latin
His heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
Simplified
They remain rock-solid forever. He was true and right in saying what should be done.
They are fixed for ever and ever, they are done in faith and righteousness.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all six words matched, confirming the consistency of the message about God's enduring support and righteousness.
סְמוּכִ֣ים לָעַ֣ד לְעוֹלָ֑ם עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם בֶּאֱמֶ֥ת וְיָשָֽׁר׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 111:8
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
סָמַךְ (samakh) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lean, lay, rest, or support. It encompasses various actions such as propping up, sustaining, and bracing oneself. The word appears in different forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Piel, indicating different nuances of support and sustenance. Notably, it is used in contexts that can be both favorable and unfavorable.
סָמַךְ 48 vb. lean, lay, rest, support
Qal 41
lean or lay hand upon
intrans. thy wrath hath rested upon me
support, uphold, sustain
Niph. reflex. support, or brace oneself
Pi. sustain (refresh, revive) me with raisin-cakes.
base
H5564 סָמַךְ lean, lay, rest, support
5564 camak saw-mak'
a primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively);
reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or
unfavorable sense):--bear up, establish, (up-)hold, lay,
lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay
(self), sustain.
סָמַךְ (sa.makh) — to support.
1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against
1a2) to support, uphold, sustain
1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself
1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine pluralHVqsmpa
עַד, transliterated as ad, refers to the concept of perpetuity, encompassing both past and future time. It signifies a duration that can imply eternity or continuous existence. The term is associated with ancient mountains in the context of the past and is used to denote the idea of forever in relation to the future, particularly in reference to God's existence.
עַד and וָעֶ֑ד (so alw.) n.m. perpetuity (= advancing time)
of past time: ancient mountains
of future time, לָעַד for ever
base
H5703 עַד, וָעֶ֑ד perpetuity . of past time: ancient mountains
. of future time, לָעַד for ever
5703 `ad ad
from 5710; properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e. (by
implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity
(substantially as a noun, either with or without a
preposition):--eternity, ever(- lasting, -more), old,
perpetually, + world without end.
see HEBREW for 05710
עַד (ad) — perpetuity.
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)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
עוֹלָם (owlam) refers to concepts of long duration, antiquity, and futurity, encompassing meanings like eternity and perpetual existence. It is derived from a root meaning 'concealed' or 'the vanishing point.' The term is used to describe both ancient times and an indefinite future, indicating continuity and everlastingness.
עוֹלָם 439 n.m. long duration, antiquity, futurity
base
H5769 עוֹלָם long duration, antiquity, futurity
5769 `owlam o-lawm'
or lolam {o-lawm'}; from 5956; properly, concealed, i.e. the
vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future),
i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
(especially with prepositional prefix) always:--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
(+ without end). Compare 5331, 5703.
see HEBREW for 05956
see HEBREW for 05331
see HEBREW for 05703
עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: enduring.
: enduring/eternal
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
עוֹלָם (o.lam) — Everlasting.
This name means long duration, everlasting, perpetual
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: any time.
: any_time
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
עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: antiquity.
: old/ancient
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.
עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make
Qal 2524
do (1560 t.)
deal with
oft. in phr. do kindness with
abs. act, act with effect
make (670 t.)
produce, yield
prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
make offering
attend to, put in order
observe, celebrate, religious festival
acquire property of various kinds
appoint priests
bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
use
spend, pass, days of life
Niph.
97be done
be made, of concr. things
be produced from vine
be prepared, of food
be offered
be observed, passover
be used
Pu. I was made
base
[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze
base
H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)
. deal with
. oft. in phr. do kindness with
. abs. act, act with effect
. . make (670 + t.)
. produce, yield
. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
. make offering
. attend to, put in order
. observe, celebrate, religious festival
. acquire property of various kinds
. appoint priests
. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
. use
. spend, pass, days of life
. . be done
. . be made, of concr. things
. be produced from vine
. be prepared, of food
. be offered
. be observed, passover
. be used
. I was made
H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze
6213 `asah aw-saw'
a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and
widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,
appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,
bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal
(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)
execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +
finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go
about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X
indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,
make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,
bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,
provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,
spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be
(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.
: do/perform
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
1a2c) to prepare
1a2d) to make (an offering)
1a2e) to attend to, put in order
1a2f) to observe, celebrate
1a2g) to acquire (property)
1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute
1a2i) to bring about
1a2j) to use
1a2k) to spend, pass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be done
1b2) to be made
1b3) to be produced
1b4) to be offered
1b5) to be observed
1b6) to be used
1c) (Pual) to be made
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.
(Piel) to press, squeeze
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.
: make(OBJECT)
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine pluralHVqsmpa
אֱמֶת (emeth) encompasses concepts of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. It signifies reliability and stability, often in the context of ethical or religious knowledge. The word can also function as an adverb meaning 'in truth' or 'truly.' There is a consistent emphasis on its meanings related to certainty and trustworthiness across the entries.
אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness
reliability, sureness
stability, continuance
faithfulness, reliableness
truth
adv. in truth, truly
base
H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness
. stability, continuance
. faithfulness, reliableness
. truth
. adv. in truth, truly
571 'emeth eh'-meth
contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty,
truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment,
faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.
see HEBREW for 0539
אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: faithful.
: faithful
1) firmness, faithfulness, truth
1a) sureness, reliability
1b) stability, continuance
1c) faithfulness, reliableness
1d) truth
1d1) as spoken
1d2) of testimony and judgment
1d3) of divine instruction
1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge
1d5) true doctrine
adv
2) in truth, truly
אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: true.
: true
1) firmness, faithfulness, truth
1a) sureness, reliability
1b) stability, continuance
1c) faithfulness, reliableness
1d) truth
1d1) as spoken
1d2) of testimony and judgment
1d3) of divine instruction
1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge
1d5) true doctrine
adv
2) in truth, truly
אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: certain.
: certain/fixed
1) firmness, faithfulness, truth
1a) sureness, reliability
1b) stability, continuance
1c) faithfulness, reliableness
1d) truth
1d1) as spoken
1d2) of testimony and judgment
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
An infinite attribute of Jehovah; adapted to make perfect both the confidence of those who believe his word and rely on his promises, and the despair of those who doubt his word and defy his threatenings, De 28:26 Nu 23:19 Ps 89:33-34 Heb 10:23.
→ EXHORTATION TO Ps 12:1; 31:23; Pr 20:6; 28:20; Mt 10:22; 24:45-47; 25:14-23; Lu 12:42-44; 16:10-12; 19:12-27; 1Co 4:2; Re 2:10
See OBEDIENCE, EXHORTATION TO
See PERSEVERANCE
See MINISTERS, FAITHFUL
See REPROOF, FAITHFULNESS IN
→ INSTANCES OF
Abraham Ga 3:9
Moses Heb 3:5
David 2Sa 22:22-25
Elijah 1Ki 19:10,14
יָשָׁר (yashar) means straight or upright, covering a range of meanings from physical straightness to moral correctness. It can refer to something that is pleasing, just, or fitting, as well as the concept of uprightness itself. The term is also associated with a figure named Jashar, mentioned in Joshua 10:13.
יָשָׁר adj. straight, right
straight, level
right, pleasing
straightforward, just, upright
abstr., uprightness
base
H3477 יָשָׁר straight, right . straight, level
. right, pleasing
. straightforward, just, upright
. abstr., uprightness
3477 yashar yaw-shawr'
from 3474; straight (literally or figuratively):--convenient,
equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous),
straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).
see HEBREW for 03474
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Also means: ya.shar (יָשָׁר "upright" H3477I)
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — Jashar.
A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsa