Psalms 104:31

KJV

¶ The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

KJV (with Strong's)

The glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} shall endure for ever {H5769}: the LORD {H3068} shall rejoice {H8055} in his works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May the glory of ADONAI last forever! May ADONAI rejoice in his works!

Berean Standard Bible

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works.

American Standard Version

Let the glory of Jehovah endure for ever; Let Jehovah rejoice in his works:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:31 stands as a magnificent declaration of God's eternal majesty and His profound, enduring delight in the entirety of His creation. This verse encapsulates the Psalmist's awe and worship, affirming that the divine splendor revealed in the universe is not transient but everlasting, and that the sovereign Creator Himself finds deep satisfaction and joy in the intricate beauty and perfect order of all that He has brought into being. It serves as a climactic affirmation within a hymn celebrating God's ongoing work as Sustainer of all life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a grand hymn of praise, often described as a poetic exposition of the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The psalm systematically unfolds God's creative work, moving from the cosmic (heavens, light, waters, earth's foundations in [Psalms 104:1-9](/psalms/104-1-9 "Psalms 104:1-9 - God's Creation of Cosmos")) to the terrestrial (springs, trees, animals, human provision in [Psalms 104:10-23](/psalms/104-10-23 "Psalms 104:10-23 - God's Provision for Earth")) and finally to the vastness of the sea and its creatures ([Psalms 104:24-26](/psalms/104-24-26 "Psalms 104:24-26 - God's Dominion Over the Sea")). The psalm then pivots to God's continuous sustenance of all life, emphasizing His absolute control over life and death ([Psalms 104:27-30](/psalms/104-27-30 "Psalms 104:27-30 - God Sustains All Life")). Verse 31 acts as a theological climax, shifting from the *description* of creation to a *declaration* about the Creator's inherent nature and His joyful relationship with His handiwork, serving as a doxological capstone before the Psalmist's personal commitment to worship in [Psalms 104:33-35](/psalms/104-33-35 "Psalms 104:33-35 - The Psalmist's Vow of Praise").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during or after the post-exilic period, Psalm 104 reflects the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the sole, incomparable Creator, distinct from the polytheistic creation myths of surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. While sharing some imagery with texts like the Egyptian "Hymn to Aten," the psalm fundamentally reorients creation praise to the one true God, emphasizing His transcendent power, wisdom, and benevolent care, rather than chaotic forces or capricious deities. The concept of "glory" (כָּבוֹד, _kavod_) was central to Israelite theology, signifying God's weighty presence, honor, and visible manifestation of His majesty, often associated with the tabernacle or temple ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). The idea of God "rejoicing" in His works would have been a profound affirmation of His personal engagement and satisfaction, contrasting with deities who might create out of necessity or conflict.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes of Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Transcendence of God**, affirming that His glory is not contingent upon creation but is an eternal attribute, yet fully revealed through His works. Secondly, it highlights God's **Immanence and Active Sustenance**, demonstrating that He is not a distant clockmaker but intimately involved in upholding His universe, finding joy in its flourishing. This theme is echoed in passages like [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things"), where Christ is said to hold all things together. Thirdly, the verse celebrates **Divine Wisdom and Order in Creation**, implying that God's works are so perfectly designed and sustained that they bring Him ultimate satisfaction, reflecting His infinite wisdom as seen throughout [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call") and [Job 38-41](/job/38-41 "Job 38-41 - God's Challenge to Job"). Finally, it emphasizes **God's Joy and Delight**, a profound theological truth that God is not merely powerful but also good and joyful, finding pleasure in His own perfect expression of Himself through creation, reminiscent of the "it was good" refrain in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** The Hebrew word כָּבוֹד (_kâbôwd_) literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to God's inherent majesty, splendor, honor, and visible manifestation of His presence. It denotes the sum of His attributes that command respect and awe. Here, it speaks to the enduring, substantial, and awe-inspiring nature of God's being, which is perpetually revealed through His creation.
* **Endure for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** The Hebrew word עֹלָם (_ʻôwlâm_), often translated "for ever" or "everlasting," properly means "concealed" or "the vanishing point," and by extension, "time out of mind (past or future)," practically signifying eternity or perpetuity. In this context, it emphasizes the timelessness and unchanging nature of God's glory. Unlike human glory or the transient beauty of the natural world, God's splendor is not subject to decay, diminution, or the passage of time. It is an eternal reality, providing a stable foundation for all existence.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׂמַח (_sâmach_) is a primitive root meaning "to brighten up," or figuratively, "to be blithe or gleesome." It conveys a deep, active sense of gladness, delight, and pleasure. When applied to the LORD, it highlights God's emotional engagement with His creation. This is not a passive observation but an active, joyful affirmation of His handiwork. It implies that God's works perfectly fulfill His intentions and bring Him immense satisfaction, reflecting His goodness and the inherent "goodness" of creation itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever":** This clause declares the eternal and unchanging nature of God's inherent majesty and the visible manifestation of His presence. It asserts that the splendor, honor, and weight of God's being are not temporary or subject to the vicissitudes of time, but are perpetual. This enduring glory is the foundation of His reign, the source of all life, and the constant backdrop against which all creation exists. It assures the worshiper of God's unwavering power, presence, and faithfulness, providing an unshakeable anchor for faith.
* **"the LORD shall rejoice in his works":** This second clause reveals a deeply personal and relational aspect of God. It signifies that the Creator is not detached or indifferent to what He has made, but takes immense pleasure and satisfaction in His creative acts and the ongoing existence of His handiwork. This "rejoicing" echoes the repeated divine affirmation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") that God saw His creation as "good," culminating in the declaration that "it was very good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God Saw All That He Had Made, and Behold, It Was Very Good")). God's joy is a testament to the perfection, purpose, and beauty embedded within His creation, confirming its divine design and His benevolent disposition towards it.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:31 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line ("the LORD shall rejoice in his works") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first line ("The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever"). The enduring glory of God is intrinsically linked to His joyful satisfaction in His works; His eternal nature is reflected in the perfection that brings Him delight. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident in the phrase "the LORD shall rejoice," attributing a human emotion (joy) to God to convey His profound personal engagement and satisfaction with His creation in a way that humans can comprehend. This device makes God relatable while preserving His transcendence. The verse also functions as a powerful **Doxology**, a statement of praise that concludes a section or an entire work, affirming God's attributes as worthy of worship. Furthermore, the entire psalm, culminating in this verse, is a masterful example of **Hymnody**, a poetic form dedicated to praising God, often recounting His mighty acts, in this case, creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects God's eternal nature with His active engagement and delight in His creation. It teaches us that God's glory is not merely an abstract concept but is dynamically expressed and perpetually sustained through the universe He has made. His joy in His works underscores the inherent goodness and purpose of creation, validating its existence as a reflection of His perfect will and wisdom. This divine satisfaction invites humanity to share in that joy, recognizing the world as a testament to God's artistry and benevolent provision. It also speaks to God's immutability; His glory endures because He is unchanging, and His joy in His perfect works is therefore also eternal, providing a secure foundation for hope and worship.

* [Psalms 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "Psalms 145:13 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Will Stand Forever")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God, to Receive Glory and Honor and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:31 offers a profound invitation to worship and re-evaluate our perspective on God and His world. Knowing that the glory of the LORD endures forever should instill in us an unshakeable confidence in His character – His promises are steadfast, His power is unwavering, and His love is eternal. This truth anchors our faith in a turbulent world, reminding us that the ultimate reality is God's unchanging majesty. Furthermore, understanding that the LORD rejoices in His works transforms our appreciation for creation. It calls us to see the natural world not merely as resources or scenery, but as a vibrant expression of divine artistry, a source of God's own delight. This should inspire us to greater stewardship, reverence, and wonder for the environment, recognizing that to care for creation is to honor the Creator. It also challenges us to consider our own "works" – our actions, our contributions, our lives – and whether they are undertaken in a way that brings joy and honor to God, reflecting His own perfect satisfaction in His creative endeavors. Our lives, too, can become a source of God's delight when lived in alignment with His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the eternal nature of God's glory impact your sense of security and hope in a changing world?**
* **In what specific ways can you better acknowledge and appreciate God's "works" in your daily life, from the grand to the minute?**
* **What does it mean for God to "rejoice" in His creation, and how might this truth influence your own joy and purpose in your daily tasks and relationships?**
* **How can our stewardship of creation, both locally and globally, reflect God's delight in His own handiwork and bring Him glory?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly experience emotions like "joy" as humans do?**

Answer: While we must be careful not to project human limitations onto God, the Bible frequently uses anthropomorphic language to describe God's character and actions in ways we can understand. When Psalms 104:31 states "the LORD shall rejoice in his works," it signifies that God takes genuine, profound satisfaction and delight in His creation. This is not a fleeting human emotion, but an expression of His perfect nature and His benevolent disposition towards what He has made. It underscores that creation perfectly fulfills His wise and good purposes, bringing Him ultimate pleasure, as seen in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God Saw All That He Had Made, and Behold, It Was Very Good") where He declared His creation "very good." It speaks to His active engagement and non-detachment from the world, affirming that His creation truly reflects His glorious character and brings Him immense, eternal pleasure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not only the agent through whom all things were created, as [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Were Made Through Him") declares that "all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," but He is also the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The eternal glory of the LORD, which endures forever, is perfectly embodied and revealed in Christ. Furthermore, Christ is the one through whom God's works are not only created but also sustained ("upholding the universe by his word of power" in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")) and ultimately redeemed, bringing God even greater joy. The "works" in which the LORD rejoices include not only the original creation but also the new creation inaugurated through Christ's redemptive work. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ restores humanity to its intended relationship with God and creation, bringing forth a new heavens and a new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")), in which God's glory will shine eternally and His joy in His redeemed works will be complete and everlasting. Thus, the joy of the LORD in His works culminates in the work of redemption accomplished by Christ, making it possible for all creation to truly glorify God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 1:31

¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Luke 15:22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

Luke 15:24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Isaiah 62:5

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.