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Commentary on Psalms 8 verses 3–9
David here goes on to magnify the honour of God by recounting the honours he has put upon man, especially the man Christ Jesus. The condescensions of the divine grace call for our praises as much as the elevations of the divine glory. How God has condescended in favour to man the psalmist here observes with wonder and thankfulness, and recommends it to our thoughts. See here,
I. What it is that leads him to admire the condescending favour of God to man; it is his consideration of the lustre and influence of the heavenly bodies, which are within the view of sense (Psa 8:3): I consider thy heavens, and there, particularly, the moon and the stars. But why does he not take notice of the sun, which much excels them all? Probably because it was in a night-walk, but moon-light, that he entertained and instructed himself with this meditation, when the sun was not within view, but only the moon and the stars, which, though they are not altogether so serviceable to man as the sun is, yet are no less demonstrations of the wisdom, power, and goodness of the Creator. Observe, 1. It is our duty to consider the heavens. We see them, we cannot but see them. By this, among other things, man is distinguished from the beasts, that, while they are so framed as to look downwards to the earth, man is made erect to look upwards towards heaven. Os homini sublime dedit, coelumque tueri jussit - To man he gave an erect countenance, and bade him gaze on the heavens, that thus he may be directed to set his affections on things above; for what we see has not its due influence upon us unless we consider it. 2. We must always consider the heavens as God's heavens, not only as all the world is his, even the earth and the fulness thereof, but in a more peculiar manner. The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's (Psa 115:16); they are the place of the residence of his glory and we are taught to call him Our Father in heaven. 3. They are therefore his, because they are the work of his fingers. He made them; he made them easily. The stretching out of the heavens needed not any outstretched arm; it was done with a word; it was but the work of his fingers. He made them with very great curiosity and fineness, like a nice piece of work which the artist makes with his fingers. 4. Even the inferior lights, the moon and stars, show the glory and power of the Father of lights, and furnish us with matter for praise. 5. The heavenly bodies are not only the creatures of the divine power, but subject to the divine government. God not only made them, but ordained them, and the ordinances of heaven can never be altered. But how does this come in here to magnify God's favour to man? (1.) When we consider how the glory of God shines in the upper world we may well wonder that he should take cognizance of such a mean creature as man, that he who resides in that bright and blessed part of the creation, and governs it, should humble himself to behold the things done upon this earth; see Psa 113:5, Psa 113:6. (2.) When we consider of what great use the heavens are to men on earth, and how the lights of heavens are divided unto all nations (Duet. 4:19, Gen 1:15), we may well say, "Lord, what is man that thou shouldst settle the ordinances of heaven with an eye to him and to his benefit, and that his comfort and convenience should be so consulted in the making of the lights of heaven and directing their motions!"
II. How he expresses this admiration (Psa 8:4): "Lord, what is man (enosh, sinful, weak, miserable man, a creature so forgetful of thee and his duty to thee) that thou art thus mindful of him, that thou takest cognizance of him and of his actions and affairs, that in the making of the world thou hadst a respect to him! What is the son of man, that thou visitest him, that thou not only feedest him and clothest him, protectest him and providest for him, in common with other creatures, but visited him as one friend visits another, art pleased to converse with him and concern thyself for him! What is man - (so mean a creature), that he should be thus honoured - (so sinful a creature), that he should be thus countenanced and favoured!" Now this refers,
1.To mankind in general. Though man is a worm, and the son of man is a worm (Job 25:6), yet God puts a respect upon him, and shows him abundance of kindness; man is, above all the creatures in this lower world, the favourite and darling of Providence. For, (1.) He is of a very honourable rank of beings. We may be sure he takes precedence of all the inhabitants of this lower world, for he is made but a little lower than the angels (Psa 8:5), lower indeed, because by his body he is allied to the earth and to the beasts that perish, and yet by his soul, which is spiritual and immortal, he is so near akin to the holy angels that he may be truly said to be but a little lower than they, and is, in order, next to them. He is but for a little while lower than the angels, while his great soul is cooped up in a house of clay, but the children of the resurrection shall be isangeloi - angels' peers (Luk 20:36) and no longer lower than they. (2.) He is endued with noble faculties and capacities: Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour. He that gave him his being has distinguished him, and qualified him for a dominion over the inferior creatures; for, having made him wiser than the beasts of the earth and the fowls of heaven (Job 35:11), he has made him fit to rule them and it is fit that they should be ruled by him. Man's reason is his crown of glory; let him not profane that crown by disturbing the use of it nor forfeit that crown by acting contrary to its dictates. (3.) He is invested with a sovereign dominion over the inferior creatures, under God, and is constituted their lord. He that made them, and knows them, and whose own they are, has made man to have dominion over them, Psa 8:6. His charter, by which he holds this royalty, bears equal date with his creation (Gen 1:28) and was renewed after the flood, Gen 9:2. God has put all things under man's feet, that he might serve himself, not only of the labour, but of the productions and lives of the inferior creatures; they are all delivered into his hand, nay, they are all put under his feet. He specifies some of the inferior animals (Psa 8:7, Psa 8:8), not only sheep and oxen, which man takes care of and provides for, but the beasts of the field, as well as those of the flood, yea, and those creatures which are most at a distance from man, as the fowl of the air, yea, and the fish of the sea, which live in another element and pass unseen through the paths of the seas. Man has arts to take these; though many of them are much stronger and many of them much swifter than he, yet, one way or other, he is too hard for them, Jam 3:7. Every kind of beasts, and birds, and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed. He has likewise liberty to use them as he has occasion. Rise, Peter, kill and eat, Act 10:13. Every time we partake of fish or of fowl we realize this dominion which man has over the works of God's hands; and this is a reason for our subjection to God, our chief Lord, and to his dominion over us.
2.But this refers, in a particular manner, to Jesus Christ. Of him we are taught to expound it, Heb 2:6-8, where the apostle, to prove the sovereign dominion of Christ both in heaven and in earth, shows that he is that man, that son of man, here spoken of, whom God has crowned with glory and honour and made to have dominion over the works of his hands. And it is certain that the greatest favour that ever was shown to the human race, and the greatest honour that ever was put upon the human nature, were exemplified in the incarnation and exaltation of the Lord Jesus; these far exceed the favours and honours done us by creation and providence, though they also are great and far more than we deserve. We have reason humbly to value ourselves by it and thankfully to admire the grace of God in it, (1.) That Jesus Christ assumed the nature of man, and, in that nature, humbled himself. He became the Son of man, a partaker of flesh and blood; being so, God visited him, which some apply to his sufferings for us, for it is said (Heb 2:9), For the suffering of death, a visitation in wrath, he was crowned with glory and honour. God visited him; having laid upon him the iniquity of us all, he reckoned with him for it, visited him with a rod and with stripes, that we by them might be healed. He was, for a little while (so the apostle interprets it), made lower than the angels, when he took upon him the form of a servant and made himself of no reputation. (2.) That, in that nature, he is exalted to be Lord of all. God the Father exalted him, because he had humbled himself, crowned him with glory and honour, the glory which he had with him before the worlds were, set not only the head of the church, but head over all things to the church, and gave all things into his hand, entrusted him with the administration of the kingdom of providence in conjunction with and subserviency to the kingdom of grace. All the creatures are put under his feet; and, even in the days of his flesh, he gave some specimens of his power over them, as when he commanded the winds and the seas, and appointed a fish to pay his tribute. With good reason therefore does the psalmist conclude as he began, Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth, which has been honoured with the presence of the Redeemer, and is still enlightened by his gospel and governed by his wisdom and power!
In singing this and praying it over, though we must not forget to acknowledge, with suitable affections, God's common favours to mankind, particularly in the serviceableness of the inferior creatures to us, yet we must especially set ourselves to give glory to our Lord Jesus, by confessing that he is Lord, submitting to him as our Lord, and waiting till we see all things put under him and all his enemies made his footstool.
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. [Psalms 8:4-6] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. [Psalms 8:4-6] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
"What is man, that You are mindful of him? Or the son of man, that You visit him?" [Psalm 8:4]. It may be asked, what distinction there is between man and son of man. For if there were none, it would not be expressed thus, "man, or son of man," disjunctively. For if it were written thus, "What is man, that You are mindful of him, and son of man, that You visit him?" it might appear to be a repetition of the word "man." But now when the expression is, "man or son of-man," a distinction is more clearly intimated. This is certainly to be remembered, that every son of man is a man; although every man cannot be taken to be a son of man. Adam, for instance, was a man, but not a son of man. Wherefore we may from hence consider and distinguish what is the difference in this place between man and son of man; namely, that they who bear the image of the earthy man, who is not a son of man, should be signified by the name of men; but that they who bear the image of the heavenly Man, [1 Corinthians 15:49] should be rather called sons of men; for the former again is called the old man and the latter the new; but the new is born of the old, since spiritual regeneration is begun by a change of an earthy, and worldly life; and therefore the latter is called son of man. "Man" then in this place is earthy, but "son of man" heavenly; and the former is far removed from God, but the latter present with God; and therefore is He mindful of the former, as in far distance from Him; but the latter He visits, with whom being present He enlightens him with His countenance. For "salvation is far from sinners;" and, "The light of Your countenance has been stamped upon us, O Lord." So in another Psalm he says, that men in conjunction with beasts are made whole together with these beasts, not by any present inward illumination, but by the multiplication of the mercy of God, whereby His goodness reaches even to the lowest things; for the wholeness of carnal men is carnal, as of the beasts; but separating the sons of men from those whom being men he joined with cattle, he proclaims that they are made blessed, after a far more exalted method, by the enlightening of the truth itself, and by a certain inundation of the fountain of life. For he speaks thus: "Men and beasts You will make whole, O Lord, as Your mercy has been multiplied, O God. But the sons of men shall put their trust in the covering of Your wings. They shall be inebriated with the richness of Your house, and of the torrent of Your pleasures You shall make them drink. For with You is the fountain of life, and in Your light shall we see light. Extend Your mercy to them that know You." Through the multiplication of mercy then He is mindful of man, as of beasts; for that multiplied mercy reaches even to them that are afar off; but He visits the son of man, over whom, placed under the covering of His wings, He extends mercy, and in His light gives light, and makes him drink of His pleasures, and inebriates him with the richness of His house, to forget the sorrows and the wanderings of his former conversation. This son of man, that is, the new man, the repentance of the old man begets with pain and tears. He, though new, is nevertheless called yet carnal, while he is fed with milk; "I would not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal," says the Apostle. And to show that they were already regenerate, he says, "As unto babes in Christ, I have given you milk to drink, not meat." And when he relapses, as often happens, to the old life, he hears in reproof that he is a man; "Are ye not men," he says, "and walk as men?"
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SUMMARY
Psalms 8:4 captures the psalmist's profound wonder and humility upon contemplating the vastness of God's creation, particularly the celestial bodies, in contrast to the seemingly insignificant nature of humanity. It poses a rhetorical question that marvels at the astonishing condescension and personal attention of the Almighty Creator towards frail, mortal human beings, highlighting God's inexplicable mindfulness and benevolent visitation. This verse sets the stage for understanding humanity's unique dignity and divinely appointed role within creation, not due to inherent merit, but solely by God's sovereign grace.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 8:4 is rich in literary artistry. The primary device is Rhetorical Question, which is not posed to elicit an answer but to express profound wonder, humility, and awe at God's incomprehensible grace. The question serves to highlight the vast chasm between God's infinite majesty and humanity's finite nature, making God's attention all the more astonishing. Parallelism is also central, as the verse employs synonymous parallelism ("man" and "son of man"; "mindful" and "visitest") to reinforce and expand upon the core idea, comprehensively encompassing all of humanity and the depth of God's benevolent regard. This doubling of terms intensifies the expression of wonder. The verse also employs Contrast, implicitly juxtaposing the immense scale of the cosmos (mentioned in prior verses) with the smallness of humanity, thereby magnifying the significance of God's personal attention.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 8:4 stands as a foundational text for understanding the biblical doctrine of humanity (anthropology) and God's relationship with His creation. It articulates a profound tension: humanity's inherent frailty and insignificance when compared to the Creator, yet simultaneously, humanity's unique and exalted status as the object of God's special care and purpose. This tension is resolved not by human merit, but by divine grace. The verse foreshadows God's consistent posture of drawing near to humanity, culminating in the incarnation. It challenges any notion of a deistic God who is distant and uninvolved, presenting instead a God who actively remembers and intervenes. This divine mindfulness is the basis for human dignity, responsibility, and the potential for a covenant relationship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 8:4 invites us into a posture of profound humility and awe-filled gratitude. In a world that often struggles with human worth—either inflating it to self-sufficiency or diminishing it to meaninglessness—this verse offers a divine perspective. It reminds us that our value is not derived from our achievements, our intelligence, or our power, but solely from God's unmerited grace and intentional regard. Contemplating the vastness of the universe and then realizing that the Creator of all is "mindful" of us and "visits" us should humble us deeply, correcting any sense of self-importance. Simultaneously, it should fill us with an overwhelming sense of dignity and purpose. If the Almighty God cares for us, then our lives, our choices, and our struggles are not inconsequential. This understanding should motivate us to live lives worthy of such divine attention, stewarding the gifts and dominion God has entrusted to us, and responding to His love with worship and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Psalms 8:4 suggesting that humanity is insignificant?
Answer: Not at all. While the psalmist expresses wonder at humanity's relatively small stature compared to the cosmos, the rhetorical question "What is man...?" is not a statement of insignificance but of profound astonishment at God's disproportionate and benevolent attention. The point is not that humanity is worthless, but that God's care for us is so immense and unexpected given His infinite majesty. The subsequent verses in Psalms 8:5-8 explicitly state that God has crowned humanity with glory and honor and given them dominion, affirming humanity's unique and exalted position in creation, all by divine decree.
What is the difference between "man" and "son of man" in this verse?
Answer: In Psalms 8:4, "man" (ʼĕnôwsh') and "son of man" (_bên 'âdâm'_) are used in poetic parallelism to refer comprehensively to humanity. While both terms denote human beings, ʼĕnôwsh' often emphasizes human frailty, mortality, and weakness, highlighting our transient nature. Bên 'âdâm' (literally "son of Adam") also refers to humanity generally, often emphasizing our earthly origin and common human experience. The use of both terms together underscores the psalmist's wonder at God's attention to all of humankind, in all its humble and dependent aspects. This dual phrasing ensures a complete and emphatic expression of the human condition before the Almighty.
Does "visitest" imply judgment or blessing?
Answer: The Hebrew word pâqad' ("visitest") can indeed carry both connotations in different biblical contexts (e.g., judgment in Isaiah 13:11 or blessing in Genesis 21:1). In the context of Psalms 8:4, surrounded by declarations of God's glory and humanity's divinely appointed dominion, pâqad' clearly implies a benevolent visitation. It signifies God's purposeful, active, and caring presence, an intervention for the good of humanity, demonstrating His mindful attention and provision rather than a punitive inspection.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound question of Psalms 8:4 finds its ultimate and most glorious answer in the person of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews directly quotes this passage in Hebrews 2:6-8, applying the "son of man" who was made "a little lower than the angels" not merely to humanity in general, but specifically to Jesus. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, truly became "man" (ʼĕnôwsh') and "son of man" (_bên 'âdâm'_), fully embracing human frailty and mortality, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). In His incarnation, God did not merely "visit" humanity from afar; He fully entered into the human condition, demonstrating the ultimate act of divine condescension and mindfulness. Through His suffering and resurrection, Jesus, as the perfect "Son of Man," not only restored humanity's intended dominion over creation, which Adam lost, but also inaugurated a new creation, securing eternal life and true glory for all who believe (Romans 5:17). He is the one in whom God's astonishing care for humanity is perfectly embodied and eternally fulfilled, making possible a direct, personal relationship with the Creator, a relationship that began with God being "mindful" of us and culminated in His dwelling among us (John 1:14).