Psalms 8:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Complete Jewish Bible:

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place -

Berean Standard Bible:

When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

American Standard Version:

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

When I consider^{H7200} thy heavens^{H8064}, the work^{H4639} of thy fingers^{H676}, the moon^{H3394} and the stars^{H3556}, which thou hast ordained^{H3559};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 8:3

Psalm 8:3, which in some translations may be numbered as Psalm 8:4, is part of a hymn attributed to King David, expressing awe and wonder at the majesty of God's creation. The verse reflects on the celestial realm, invoking the grandeur of the heavens, the moon, and the stars, which are described as the work of God's fingers. This imagery highlights the vastness and intricacy of the universe, contrasting it with the smallness and insignificance of humanity.

The historical context of this psalm is set within the religious life of ancient Israel, where the night sky would have been clearly visible due to minimal light pollution. The stars and planets were often seen as divine or as signs from God, and their regular movements across the sky would have been well known to the shepherds and farmers of the time. The psalmist's reflection on the cosmos would resonate with an audience familiar with the night sky's profound beauty and the sense of order it represented.

Themes of Psalm 8 include the glory and sovereignty of God, the praiseworthiness of the Creator, and the humble status of humanity in comparison to the divine works. The verse underscores the idea that despite human limitations, people are still made with a capacity to appreciate and reflect on the wonders of the universe, which in turn leads to the glorification of God. It also touches on the theme of divine care, suggesting that the same God who set the stars in place is mindful of human beings and their place within the created order. This verse invites the reader to join in a posture of reverence and contemplation, considering the vastness of the cosmos as a testament to God's power and creativity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8064
   There are 395 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַיִם
   Transliteration: shâmayim
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'-yim
   Description: dual of an unused singular שָׁמֶה; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s).
   
3. Strong's Number: H4639
   There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַעֲשֶׂה
   Transliteration: maʻăseh
   Pronunciation: mah-as-eh'
   Description: from עָשָׂה; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property; act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought.
   
4. Strong's Number: H676
   There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶצְבַּע
   Transliteration: ʼetsbaʻ
   Pronunciation: ets-bah'
   Description: from the same as צֶבַע (in the sense of grasping); something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe; finger, toe.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3394
   There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרֵחַ
   Transliteration: yârêach
   Pronunciation: yaw-ray'-akh
   Description: from the same as יֶרַח; the moon; moon. Yrechow. See יְרִיחוֹ.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3556
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כּוֹכָב
   Transliteration: kôwkâb
   Pronunciation: ko-kawb'
   Description: probably from the same as כַּבּוֹן (in the sense of rolling) or כָּוָה (in the sense of blazing); a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince; star(-gazer).
   
7. Strong's Number: H3559
   There are 210 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כּוּן
   Transliteration: kûwn
   Pronunciation: koon
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed.