What is the "deep" (tehom) in this verse, and how does it relate to Genesis?

The "deep" (Hebrew: *tehom*) refers to the vast, primeval ocean or abyss that covered the earth before the dry land appeared. It is the same term used in Genesis 1:2 where it describes the earth as "without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." In ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, such primordial waters were often associated with chaos or even hostile deities. However, in the biblical narrative, *tehom* is presented as entirely subject to God's control, not a force He struggles against, but one He effortlessly commands and shapes. Psalms 104:6 emphasizes God's sovereign power over this initial, unformed state of creation, highlighting His ability to bring order out of what was initially formless and void.

How does this verse illustrate God's power over chaos?

Psalms 104:6 powerfully illustrates God's power over chaos through the metaphor of covering the "deep" (the chaotic, unformed waters) "as with a garment." This imagery transforms the immense, potentially threatening abyss into something easily managed and controlled by God. Just as one puts on or takes off a garment with ease, so God effortlessly exercises dominion over the vast waters. The subsequent statement that "the waters stood above the mountains" further emphasizes the sheer scale of this watery expanse, yet it was completely subordinate to God's will. This demonstrates that God does not merely tame chaos; He is inherently superior to it, bringing order and boundaries to the most unruly elements of creation without struggle or effort. This divine control is a recurring theme, seen even in Jesus calming the storm, demonstrating His authority over natural forces.

Is this verse describing a global flood, like Noah's flood?

No, Psalms 104:6 is not describing Noah's global flood. Instead, it refers to the initial, primordial state of the earth during the creation process, as depicted in Genesis 1. Before the dry land emerged, the entire earth was covered by water, a state of "formless and void" where the waters stood above even the highest points. Noah's flood, described in Genesis 6-9, was a subsequent act of judgment and re-creation, where existing land was submerged. Psalms 104:6 speaks to the very beginning of the cosmos, when God first began to bring order and form to the raw materials of the universe.

104:5 104:5

Psalms 104:6

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Bible Versions

Thou coveredst it with the deep as [with] a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

Thou coveredst {H3680} it with the deep {H8415} as with a garment {H3830}: the waters {H4325} stood {H5975} above the mountains {H2022}.

You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a vesture; The waters stood above the mountains.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 7:19

And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that [were] under the whole heaven, were covered.
2 Peter 3:5

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
Genesis 1:2

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:10

And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.

Bible Versions

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