Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

By the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} were the heavens {H8064} made {H6213}; and all the host {H6635} of them by the breath {H7307} of his mouth {H6310}.

By the word of ADONAI the heavens were made, and their whole host by a breath from his mouth.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.

By the word of Jehovah were the heavens made, And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Commentary

Psalms 33:6 declares the immense and effortless power of God in creation. It states, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." This verse beautifully encapsulates the divine origin of the cosmos, emphasizing that the entire universe came into existence through God's mere command.

Context

Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise, calling the righteous to rejoice in the LORD. It celebrates God's faithfulness, His righteousness, and His mighty acts, particularly His role as Creator and Sovereign over all nations. Verses 6-9 specifically focus on God's creative power, demonstrating that the heavens and all their components were established not by struggle or labor, but by the effortless power of His spoken word. This sets the stage for understanding God's absolute authority and control over His creation.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Creative Power: The verse highlights that the vastness of the heavens and their countless celestial bodies ("all the host of them") were made by God alone. This points to His unmatched power and unique position as the ultimate Creator.
  • The Power of God's Word: The phrase "By the word of the LORD" underscores that God's creative act was accomplished through divine speech. His word is not merely communication; it is active, powerful, and effective, bringing existence out of nothing (Hebrews 11:3).
  • Effortless Creation: The parallelism with "the breath of his mouth" further emphasizes the ease and instantaneous nature of God's creation. Unlike human endeavors that require toil, God's creative acts are performed with divine simplicity and omnipotence.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Word" (Hebrew: dabar): More than just a sound, dabar signifies an active, dynamic command or decree. In this context, it implies God's authoritative will being put into effect, bringing about creation. This concept of the powerful divine Word is foundational throughout Scripture.
  • "Breath" (Hebrew: ruach): This word can mean "wind," "spirit," or "breath." Here, it serves as a poetic parallel to "word," reinforcing the idea of a life-giving, powerful, and effortless emanation from God that brings things into being. It evokes imagery of the Spirit of God hovering over the waters in Genesis 1:2.
  • "Host" (Hebrew: tsaba'): Refers to an army or multitude, often used for celestial bodies (stars, planets, etc.), implying their vast number and organized arrangement as if an ordered army under divine command.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates deeply with other biblical accounts of creation and the power of God's word:

  • Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." This foundational verse introduces the Creator.
  • John 1:1-3: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Here, the "Word" (Logos), identified as Jesus Christ, is presented as the agent of creation.
  • 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." This New Testament verse directly affirms creation by God's word.
  • Psalm 148:5: "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created; he commanded, and they were established." A direct parallel to Psalms 33:6, emphasizing creation by command.

Practical Application

Psalms 33:6 invites us to a profound sense of awe and worship. Understanding that the entire cosmos, with its intricate balance and vastness, sprang forth from God's mere word:

  • Inspires Trust: If God can speak the universe into existence, His word is utterly reliable and powerful in our lives. We can trust His promises and His plans.
  • Cultivates Humility: It reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of creation, fostering humility before an infinitely powerful God.
  • Encourages Worship: The sheer power and majesty displayed in creation should lead us to praise and adore the Creator. The heavens truly declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).
  • Reinforces God's Sovereignty: This verse underscores that God is in complete control, not only of creation but also of history and the lives of His people.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:3 (29 votes)

    Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

  • 2 Peter 3:5 (18 votes)

    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:

  • John 1:1 (18 votes)

    ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

  • John 1:3 (18 votes)

    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  • Job 33:4 (17 votes)

    The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

  • Psalms 33:9 (15 votes)

    For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

  • Genesis 2:1 (13 votes)

    ¶ Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.