Psalms 33:5

KJV

He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He loveth {H157} righteousness {H6666} and judgment {H4941}: the earth {H776} is full {H4390} of the goodness {H2617} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the grace of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion.

American Standard Version

He loveth righteousness and justice: The earth is full of the lovingkindness of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 33:5 presents a profound declaration concerning the dual nature of God's character and His pervasive presence in creation. It asserts that the Lord's very being is defined by an intrinsic love for moral uprightness and the administration of justice, establishing Him as the ultimate standard of equity. This foundational truth is then complemented by the affirmation that His benevolent, steadfast love permeates and fills the entire earth, revealing a divine goodness that is both universal in scope and active in its manifestation, providing a secure basis for trust and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 33 is a vibrant and exultant hymn, a call to worship the Lord for His supreme sovereignty, creative power, and providential care over all creation and human history. The preceding verses (Psalm 33:1-4) invite the righteous to sing new songs of praise, emphasizing that the word of the Lord is right and true, and all His works are done in faithfulness. Verse 5 flows directly from this foundational declaration of God's trustworthiness and truthfulness, asserting that His actions and decrees are not arbitrary but are rooted in His inherent moral character. It builds upon the idea that God’s counsel stands forever and the thoughts of His heart to all generations (Psalm 33:11), providing the moral and benevolent framework for such an enduring plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for communal worship, Psalm 33 reflects an understanding of God distinct from the capricious deities of the surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. While other cultures might have attributed power to their gods, the God of Israel is uniquely characterized by an unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice (`tzedeq` and `mishpat`). In a world where human kings often ruled arbitrarily or unjustly, the psalmist highlights Yahweh as the divine King whose reign is perfectly equitable and whose "goodness" (`chesed`) is not limited to a select few but extends universally. This concept of a just and benevolent ruler would have offered immense comfort and stability to the Israelite community, contrasting sharply with the often-oppressive realities of earthly empires.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **moral perfection of God**, portraying Him not merely as powerful, but as inherently righteous and just, setting the standard for all moral order. Secondly, it highlights God's **universal benevolence and providential care**, asserting that His steadfast love and mercy are not confined but are abundantly present throughout all creation, sustaining and ordering the world. This echoes the divine character revealed to Moses in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace"). Thirdly, the verse provides a profound **basis for trust and hope**, assuring believers that the world is governed by a God whose actions are always just and whose presence is always marked by goodness. This divine order provides a stark contrast to the chaos and injustice often experienced in the human realm, affirming God's ultimate control and beneficent purpose, as seen in the psalmist's confidence in [Psalm 119:64](/psalms/119-64 "Psalm 119:64 - The Earth Full of God's Mercy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק, _tzedeq_):** This Hebrew term signifies moral rectitude, conformity to a divine standard, and integrity. When applied to God, it speaks to His inherent uprightness, His perfect adherence to His own holy nature, and His absolute moral purity. It implies that God's character is the very definition of what is right and just.
* **Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, _mishpat_):** Often paired with `tzedeq`, `mishpat` refers to justice, fair decision-making, and the administration of law. It encompasses not only punitive justice but also restorative justice, the establishment of what is right, and the maintenance of order. God's "judgment" ensures that equity prevails and that His moral standards are upheld in the world.
* **Goodness (חֶסֶד, _chesed_):** This rich and multifaceted Hebrew word, translated here as "goodness," is one of the most profound descriptors of God's character. It signifies His loyal love, covenant faithfulness, steadfast mercy, and active benevolence. It is God's enduring, compassionate love that extends to all His creation, providing, sustaining, and demonstrating His unfailing commitment to His promises and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He loveth righteousness and judgment":** This clause reveals God's intrinsic moral nature. It is not merely that God *acts* righteously or *executes* judgment, but that He *loves* them. This implies that righteousness and judgment are not external obligations but are deeply embedded within His very being and character. His affections are aligned with perfect justice and moral integrity, making Him the ultimate standard of what is good and right. This love for righteousness ensures that His rule is never arbitrary or corrupt.
* **"the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD":** This second clause describes the pervasive manifestation of God's character in the created order. The "goodness" (`chesed`) of the Lord, His steadfast love and mercy, is not confined to a specific people or place but saturates the entire earth. This speaks to His constant provision, His sustaining power, the intricate order of creation, and His benevolent care for all living things. It is a declaration that despite the presence of sin and suffering, God's active, compassionate presence and benevolent purposes are universally evident and ultimately triumphant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 33:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or complementary parallelism, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. The first line establishes God's internal character ("He loveth righteousness and judgment"), while the second demonstrates the external manifestation of that character ("the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD"). This creates a comprehensive picture of God's being and action. **Anthropomorphism** is also present in the phrase "He loveth," attributing a human emotion (love) to God to make His character more relatable and understandable, emphasizing His active delight in justice and righteousness. Furthermore, the phrase "the earth is full" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overflowing and pervasive nature of God's goodness, suggesting that it is not merely present but abundant and inescapable throughout all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully intertwines the themes of God's holy character and His benevolent providence. God's love for righteousness and judgment establishes His absolute moral authority and reliability, ensuring that His governance of the universe is always just and true. This inherent justice is not a cold, detached principle but is intimately connected to His `chesed`, His steadfast love and goodness, which actively permeates and sustains all creation. Therefore, the order, beauty, and provision in the world are not random occurrences but are tangible expressions of a God who is both perfectly righteous and infinitely good. This dual revelation of God's character provides a robust foundation for faith, demonstrating that His power is always wielded with integrity and compassion.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Ways")
* [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by profound injustice, widespread suffering, and moral ambiguity, Psalm 33:5 offers a bedrock of divine truth and a wellspring of hope. It calls us to anchor our understanding of reality in the unwavering character of God: a God who not only defines but *loves* righteousness and judgment. This means we can trust that His ultimate purposes are just and that His rule is entirely equitable, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfair. Furthermore, the declaration that "the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD" invites us to cultivate a posture of gratitude and awareness, recognizing the countless manifestations of His steadfast love and benevolent provision in our daily lives—from the breath we breathe to the beauty of creation, from unexpected kindness to enduring faithfulness. This verse challenges us not only to acknowledge God's character but also to reflect it in our own lives, actively pursuing righteousness and advocating for justice while extending goodness and compassion to others, becoming instruments of His pervasive `chesed` in a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's love for "righteousness and judgment" shape your perspective on global events and personal challenges?**
* **In what tangible ways do you perceive "the goodness of the LORD" filling the earth in your daily life?**
* **How can you more intentionally reflect God's `chesed` (steadfast love and goodness) in your relationships and interactions with the world around you?**
* **What specific actions can you take to advocate for righteousness and justice in your sphere of influence, knowing that God Himself loves these qualities?**

### FAQ
**If the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD, why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?**

Answer: This is a profound and ancient question, often referred to as the problem of evil. Psalm 33:5 asserts God's *character* and the *pervasiveness* of His goodness, not the absence of evil. The Bible teaches that suffering and evil entered the world through humanity's rebellion against God (the Fall, as described in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity")). While sin has marred creation and introduced suffering, God's goodness (`chesed`) continues to be present in His sustaining grace, His common grace (blessings extended to all humanity, like sunshine and rain, as mentioned in [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Grace for All")), His redemptive work, and His ultimate promise to restore all things. The "fullness" of His goodness implies that His benevolent purposes and active presence are still at work, even amidst brokenness, providing hope and a path to redemption. It reminds us that His character remains just and good, and His ultimate victory over evil is assured (see [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 33:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's love for righteousness and judgment, living a life of absolute moral purity and upholding divine justice in every action. As the very Word of God made flesh (as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's character. His crucifixion, in particular, demonstrates how God's righteousness and judgment are satisfied: God, being just, could not simply overlook sin, but in Christ, He provided the perfect sacrifice that both upholds His righteous standard and offers forgiveness, making Him "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (as explained in [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness and Justification")). Furthermore, the "goodness of the LORD" that fills the earth is supremely manifested in Christ. Through His incarnation, ministry, healing, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated God's `chesed`—His steadfast love, mercy, and active benevolence—in tangible ways, bringing light into darkness and offering salvation to all who believe (as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together (as affirmed in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), ensuring that the earth is indeed permeated by His divine goodness, even as He works to redeem it and establish His righteous kingdom fully.

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

Psalms 11:7

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psalms 119:64

¶ The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

Psalms 45:7

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Psalms 145:15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.