Psalms 146:6

KJV

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein [is]: which keepeth truth for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

Which made {H6213} heaven {H8064}, and earth {H776}, the sea {H3220}, and all that therein is: which keepeth {H8104} truth {H571} for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; he keeps faith forever.

Berean Standard Bible

the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.

American Standard Version

Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that in them is; Who keepeth truth for ever;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:6 extols the unparalleled greatness and unwavering faithfulness of God by declaring Him as the sovereign Creator of the entire cosmos—heaven, earth, and sea—and the eternal preserver of truth. This verse serves as the foundational premise for the psalmist's call to trust exclusively in the Lord, contrasting His immutable power and integrity with the inherent transience and unreliability of human rulers and earthly might. It establishes God's character as the ultimate source of all existence and the steadfast anchor of all dependable reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 146 opens and closes with the emphatic command, "Praise ye the LORD!" (Hallelujah!). It is the first of the final five Hallelujah Psalms (Psalms 146-150), which collectively form a grand crescendo of praise. Immediately preceding verse 6, the psalmist issues a strong warning: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help" ([Psalms 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalms 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Man")). This caution is grounded in the reality that human life is fleeting, as "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish" ([Psalms 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalms 146:4 - The Frailty of Man")). Verse 6 then provides the indispensable theological basis for *why* one should not trust in man but rather in God, by highlighting His eternal creative power and unwavering truthfulness. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 146:7-9](/psalms/146-7-9 "Psalms 146:7-9 - God's Justice and Care for the Oppressed")) elaborate on the practical outworkings of God's character, demonstrating how His creative power and truthfulness translate into justice, provision, and protection for the vulnerable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, as a collection, reflect the spiritual and historical experiences of ancient Israel. In a world often dominated by powerful, yet ultimately fallible, earthly kings and empires, the psalmist's declaration serves as a radical counter-cultural statement. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often deified their rulers or viewed them as divine representatives, placing immense trust in their strength and wisdom. However, Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh called for exclusive allegiance to the one true God. This psalm likely emerged from a context where the people faced temptation to rely on political alliances or human leaders for security, perhaps during periods of oppression or instability. The emphasis on God as Creator would have resonated deeply with the foundational narratives of Israel's identity, particularly the [creation account in Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and God's powerful acts of deliverance, such as the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). The concept of God "keeping truth forever" would have been particularly comforting to a people who had experienced the broken promises of human rulers and the shifting sands of geopolitical power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core theological themes running through the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, asserting God's absolute control and power as the sole Creator of all things, from the vast heavens to the depths of the sea. This theme is foundational to understanding God's authority over all creation and history, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Unfailing Power"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness (Hesed)**. The phrase "which keepeth truth for ever" speaks to God's eternal reliability, His steadfast commitment to His covenant, His promises, and His very character. Unlike human beings who are prone to change and deception, God's truth is immutable and eternal, providing a secure foundation for trust and hope ([Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness")). Finally, the verse establishes a **Foundation for Trust and Worship**. By presenting God as both the all-powerful Creator and the eternally faithful Keeper of truth, the psalmist provides irrefutable reasons to place complete reliance on Him, fostering a spirit of profound awe and worship that permeates the entire psalm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This term encompasses not only the initial act of creation but also the ongoing work of shaping, fashioning, and ordering. In this context, it highlights God's active, sovereign role as the architect and sustainer of the cosmos, emphasizing His boundless power and creative energy that brought all things into being and continues to govern them.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** H571, contracted from אָמָן (aman); meaning "stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness." This word signifies more than mere factual accuracy; it speaks to God's inherent reliability, faithfulness, and integrity. When the psalmist declares that God "keepeth truth," it means His character is utterly dependable, His promises are sure, and His covenant is steadfast, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** H5769, properly, "concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity." This powerful term underscores the boundless and unending nature of God's faithfulness and truth. It conveys that God's integrity and reliability are not subject to the limitations of time, decay, or change, but are eternal attributes, offering an unchanging anchor in a transient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein [is]:"** This opening clause unequivocally declares God as the sole and ultimate Creator of the entire cosmos. "Heaven, and earth, the sea" is a merism, a literary device that uses two or three contrasting parts to represent the whole, signifying the totality of creation—from the celestial realms to the terrestrial and aquatic domains. The phrase "and all that therein [is]" further emphasizes the comprehensive scope of His creative act, encompassing every creature, every element, and every detail within these vast realms. This establishes God's absolute power and sovereignty over all existence.
* **"which keepeth truth for ever:"** This second clause shifts from God's creative power to His moral and relational character. The verb "keepeth" implies active preservation and unwavering adherence, while "truth" (ʼemeth) denotes faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. This statement asserts that God is eternally consistent with His own nature, His promises, and His covenant. Unlike human beings who may falter or deceive, God's word is eternally binding, and His character is immutably trustworthy. This attribute provides the ultimate ground for human hope and confidence.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent **literary devices** in Psalms 146:6 to underscore God's supreme attributes. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the phrase "heaven, and earth, the sea." This technique uses a pair or series of contrasting parts to represent the totality, effectively conveying that God created *everything*—from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth and sea. This emphasizes His comprehensive sovereignty and omnipotence. Furthermore, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** between God's eternal nature and the transient nature of human beings (as established in the preceding verses). While human "thoughts perish" ([Psalms 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalms 146:4 - The Frailty of Man")), God "keepeth truth for ever," highlighting His unchanging reliability. The use of the active verb "keepeth" (shâmar) for truth also implies **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God the active role of guarding and preserving an abstract concept, thereby emphasizing His dynamic and personal engagement with His own character and promises. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Declaration**, serving as a theological anchor for the psalm's overarching message of trust and praise in God alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:6 serves as a profound theological statement, anchoring the believer's hope in the immutable character of God. It seamlessly weaves together the doctrine of creation with the doctrine of God's faithfulness, presenting a God who is not only powerful enough to bring all things into existence but also righteous enough to remain eternally true to His word and nature. This dual emphasis provides a robust foundation for trust, contrasting sharply with the fleeting reliability of human institutions and leaders. The verse proclaims that the very same God who spoke the universe into being is the one whose promises never fail, whose character is unblemished, and whose covenant love endures through all generations. This truth forms the bedrock of biblical faith, assuring believers that their ultimate security rests not in temporal power but in the eternal, trustworthy Creator.

* [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, broken promises, and shifting allegiances, Psalms 146:6 offers an unwavering anchor for the soul. It calls us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and hope. When human systems fail, leaders disappoint, and circumstances become unstable, this verse reminds us that there is one constant: the God who created everything and whose truth endures forever. This truth should inspire profound confidence and peace, knowing that the Designer of the cosmos is also the Guardian of integrity. Our worship is deepened when we contemplate His boundless power in creation and His perfect faithfulness in keeping His word. Practically, this means we are called to align our lives with His eternal truth, to build our foundations on His unchanging character, and to find our security not in what we can control or what others promise, but in the unshakeable reality of who God is. It encourages us to live with a perspective that transcends the immediate, recognizing that the Creator of all is eternally sovereign and utterly dependable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God as the Creator of "heaven, and earth, the sea" impact your sense of His power and authority in your daily life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place trust in human strength or promises rather than in God's eternal truth?**
* **What specific "truths" or promises of God do you find most comforting or foundational, knowing that He "keepeth truth for ever"?**
* **How can the unwavering faithfulness of God, as described in this verse, inspire you to live a more truthful and faithful life yourself?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence as the Creator of the entire universe. "Heaven, and earth, the sea" is a comprehensive way of saying "everything," from the celestial bodies to all life on land and in the oceans. It signifies that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all existence, and therefore, He possesses ultimate authority over all things. This foundational truth is echoed throughout Scripture, from the opening words of [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") to the New Testament's affirmation that [all things were created through Him and for Him](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created by Christ").

**Why is it significant that God "keepeth truth for ever"?**

Answer: This statement highlights God's eternal faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. Unlike human beings whose promises can be broken and whose character can waver, God's truth is an unchanging attribute of His very being. The Hebrew word for "truth" (ʼemeth) encompasses concepts of steadfastness and trustworthiness. Thus, God "keeping truth for ever" means He is eternally consistent with His own character, His covenant promises, and His divine word. This provides an unshakeable foundation for faith and hope, assuring believers that God's word is utterly dependable and His nature is eternally constant, as affirmed in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:6, in its declaration of God as the Creator and eternal Keeper of truth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is not merely an agent of creation but the very means by which all things were made. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") states, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made," and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") further clarifies that "by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him." Thus, the psalm's assertion that God "made heaven, and earth, the sea" points directly to the pre-existent Christ as the active, divine Creator. Furthermore, the truth that God "keepeth truth for ever" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), the living Word of God who never changes ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")). In Christ, God's creative power is fully displayed, and His eternal truth is not just preserved but perfectly revealed and enacted, offering humanity the ultimate object of trust and the very embodiment of divine faithfulness.

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

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

Psalms 136:5

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 136:6

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: