Psalms 33:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:6 stands as a profound declaration of God's effortless omnipotence in creation, asserting that the vast expanse of the heavens and all their innumerable celestial bodies were brought into existence through His mere spoken command and the life-giving emanation of His Spirit. This verse encapsulates the divine origin of the cosmos, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent, dynamic power of His word to call all things into being from nothing, thereby establishing Him as the singular, supreme Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 33 is a vibrant call to worship and a hymn of praise, strategically placed within the Psalter to celebrate God's faithfulness, righteousness, and mighty acts, particularly His role as Creator and Sovereign over all nations. Verses 6-9 form a distinct and pivotal unit within the psalm, specifically focusing on God's creative power as the foundational demonstration of His absolute authority. This section serves as a theological bedrock, illustrating that the universe was established not through chaotic struggle or laborious effort, but by the sheer, effortless power of God's spoken word. This divine creative act sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent declarations of God's providential care over humanity and His ultimate control over history, emphasizing that His plans endure forever, unlike the futile schemes of nations, as powerfully stated in [Psalms 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Enduring Counsel and Purpose").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, common creation narratives often depicted a chaotic struggle between various deities or primordial forces, with creation emerging from conflict, the dismembered bodies of gods, or pre-existing matter. In stark contrast, Psalms 33:6 presents a uniquely monotheistic and effortless creation. The Israelite worldview, as expressed here, emphasizes a singular, transcendent God who creates by divine fiat, a concept profoundly different from the polytheistic cosmogonies of surrounding cultures. The emphasis on "word" and "breath" would have resonated deeply with the Israelite understanding of God's active presence and power, particularly echoing the creative acts described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), where God speaks and things come into being, and the "Spirit of God" (Hebrew: _ruach Elohim_) hovers over the waters in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God over the Waters"). This verse served to affirm Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy and uniqueness to a people often tempted by the idolatrous practices of their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 33:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Sovereign Creative Power**. The vastness of the heavens and their "host" (celestial bodies) are presented as the direct, immediate result of God's command, highlighting His unmatched omnipotence and singular position as the ultimate Creator. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Efficacy and Power of God's Word**. The phrase "By the word of the LORD" is not merely descriptive; it is fundamentally causative. God's word is not just communication; it is an active, dynamic force that brings existence out of nothing, demonstrating that His decrees are inherently effective and accomplish precisely what they declare. This theme is foundational to understanding God's interaction with His creation and His people throughout Scripture, as echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose"). Finally, the parallelism with "the breath of his mouth" highlights the theme of **Effortless Creation**. Unlike human endeavors that require toil and struggle, God's creative acts are performed with divine simplicity and omnipotence, signifying His transcendence and the ease with which He brings about His will. This effortlessness underscores His absolute control and the inherent order He establishes in the cosmos, a truth beautifully declared in [Psalms 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) More than a mere utterance or sound, _dâbâr_ signifies an active, dynamic command, decree, or authoritative pronouncement. As derived from the root "to speak," it encompasses not only the spoken word but also the matter, thing, or affair spoken of. In this context, it embodies God's creative will being put into immediate and effective action. It is the very essence of God's authoritative speech, demonstrating that His spoken will is inherently powerful enough to bring material reality into existence. This concept of the potent, creative divine Word is a foundational theological principle throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative in Genesis to the prologue of John's Gospel.
* **Breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) This multifaceted word can denote "wind," "spirit," or "breath." Here, it functions as a poetic parallel to "word," reinforcing the idea of an effortless and powerful emanation from God. When associated with God's mouth, it evokes imagery of a life-giving, animating force, akin to the "Spirit of God" (_rûwach Elohim_) hovering over the waters in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit of God over the Waters"), or God breathing life into Adam in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam"). It underscores the vital, animating power inherent in God's creative act, suggesting that creation is not merely a mechanical process but an outflow of divine life.
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** (H6635) This term typically refers to an army, multitude, or organized assembly, often implying a structure or order. When applied to the heavens, as it is here, it denotes the vast number and ordered arrangement of celestial bodies—stars, planets, and galaxies—as if they constitute a divinely marshaled army or a perfectly ordered multitude under God's supreme command. This imagery emphasizes the cosmic order, the sheer scale of creation, and the fact that all celestial elements are subservient to the Creator's will, not chaotic or independent forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made":** This opening clause establishes both the divine agent and the primary means of creation. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) is unequivocally presented as the sole Creator, and His "word" (H1697, _dâbâr_) is the active, powerful instrument. "The heavens" (H8064, _shâmayim_) refers to the entire celestial expanse, encompassing everything beyond the earth, from the atmosphere to the furthest reaches of the cosmos. This phrase asserts that the entire cosmic order, with its immense scale and intricate design, came into being solely through God's authoritative command, without any pre-existing material or external assistance.
* **"and all the host of them":** This phrase expands on the scope of creation, emphasizing its totality and intricate detail. "All the host of them" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_) refers to the innumerable celestial bodies—stars, planets, galaxies, and perhaps even spiritual beings associated with the heavens—that populate the cosmic expanse. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's creative work, implying that nothing in the celestial realm exists outside of His direct origination. This "host" is not a chaotic jumble but an ordered multitude, reflecting the divine design and the Creator's meticulous organization.
* **"by the breath of his mouth":** This parallel clause reinforces and intensifies the meaning of the first. "Breath of his mouth" (H7307, _rûwach_ and H6310, _peh_) is a powerful poetic synonym for "word," highlighting the effortless, immediate, and vital nature of God's creative act. It suggests a divine exhalation, a single, potent utterance that brings forth the vastness of the cosmos. This imagery emphasizes that God's creative power is not laborious or strained but flows naturally and instantaneously from His very being, animating and ordering all things with divine ease and inherent vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 33:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message with both elegance and force. Central to its structure is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("By the word of the LORD were the heavens made"). "Word of the LORD" is paralleled by "breath of his mouth," both signifying God's authoritative utterance and creative power, while "the heavens" is paralleled by "all the host of them," encompassing the totality and order of the celestial creation. This parallelism not only adds poetic beauty but also reinforces the singular, effortless, and comprehensive nature of God's creative power. The phrase "breath of his mouth" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (breathing/speaking) to God to make His creative act comprehensible to human understanding, while still maintaining His transcendence and divine uniqueness. Furthermore, the use of "word" and "breath" can be seen as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where these terms stand in for the entirety of God's creative power, divine decree, and animating Spirit. Finally, the scope implied by "the heavens" and "all the host of them" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole (in this case, the entirety of the cosmos), emphasizing the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's creative work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:6 serves as a foundational declaration of God's omnipotence and sovereignty, establishing His unique status as the Creator of all things. The effortless nature of His creation by word and breath underscores His transcendence—He is distinct from and above His creation—yet also His immanence, as His very essence (word, breath) is the active force bringing reality into being. This creative power is not merely a historical event but a continuous demonstration of His ability to order chaos, sustain existence, and fulfill His purposes. It lays the groundwork for understanding God's absolute authority over nations, His meticulous providential care for His people, and the unwavering reliability of His promises, for if He can speak the cosmos into being, His every word is trustworthy and inherently effective. This verse invites humanity to worship a God whose power is limitless and whose wisdom is unfathomable, inspiring both profound awe and unwavering trust in His divine governance over all things.

* [Genesis 1:1-3](/genesis/1-1-3 "Genesis 1:1-3 - God Speaks Creation into Being"): "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth... And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
* [Hebrews 11:3](/hebrews/11-3 "Hebrews 11:3 - Worlds Framed by the Word of God"): "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](/2_peter/3-5 "2 Peter 3:5 - The Heavens and Earth by God's Word"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 33:6 calls us to a profound and transformative understanding of God's power and our place within His magnificent creation. To grasp that the entire cosmos, with its unfathomable vastness, intricate laws, and breathtaking beauty, sprang forth from the effortless "word" and "breath" of God should evoke an overwhelming sense of awe, humility, and worship. This realization compels us to adore a Creator whose power far exceeds our comprehension, fostering a spirit of reverence that acknowledges His supreme authority over all existence. Furthermore, if God's word is so potent that it can call the universe into existence, then His promises, His commands, and His every utterance concerning our lives are utterly reliable, effective, and guaranteed to accomplish His purposes. This truth inspires unwavering trust, reminding us that the God who spoke the stars into being is the very same God who faithfully guides our steps, provides for our needs, and works all things for His glory and our ultimate good. It encourages us to rest securely in His sovereignty, knowing that the One who effortlessly orders the cosmos also meticulously orchestrates the details of our lives, inviting us to live in confident dependence on His omnipotent and benevolent care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the effortless nature of God's creation, as described in this verse, deepen my sense of awe and worship for Him in practical ways?**
* **If the universe was formed by God's powerful word, how does this truth impact my trust in His promises and His ability to act powerfully in my own life, especially during times of uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in creation, amidst the challenges and uncertainties of daily life, and allow it to shape my perspective?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "word" and "breath" being used in parallel in Psalms 33:6?**

Answer: The parallel use of "word" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) and "breath" (Hebrew: _rûwach_) in Psalms 33:6 is highly significant, serving to emphasize the comprehensive, effortless, and vital nature of God's creative power. "Word" signifies God's authoritative command, His divine decree that brings things into being. It highlights the intentionality and power of His speech, where merely speaking is sufficient to create. "Breath," on the other hand, while a poetic synonym for "word," carries additional connotations. _Rûwach_ can also mean "spirit" or "wind," evoking the life-giving, animating force of God. This parallelism suggests that creation is not only a result of God's powerful command but also an emanation of His very being, His life-giving Spirit. It underscores the immediate and vital connection between the Creator and His creation. Together, they convey that creation was not a laborious task but an effortless act of divine will, carried out by the power inherent in God's spoken word, animated by His very breath or Spirit, as seen in the foundational creation account where the [Spirit of God hovered over the waters](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit of God over the Waters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 33:6, with its profound declaration of creation by God's "word" and "breath," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that the "Word" (Greek: _Logos_) through whom all things were made is none other than the pre-existent Son of God. [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator") explicitly states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." This identifies Jesus as the active agent of creation, the very "word of the LORD" through whom the heavens and all their host were brought into being. Furthermore, [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer") affirms, "For 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." This means that the same powerful Word who spoke the cosmos into existence is also the one who sustains it, holding all things together by His mighty power. The "breath of his mouth" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Holy Spirit, who is intimately involved in creation and re-creation, proceeding from the Father and the Son. Thus, Psalms 33:6 points forward to Christ not only as the cosmic Creator but also as the one who brings about a new creation in the hearts of believers, demonstrating His continuing power to speak life and order into existence ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the powerful Word who spoke the universe into being and who continues to speak life, truth, and salvation into our world.

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

Hebrews 11:3

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

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

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

John 1:3

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

Job 33:4

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

Psalms 33:9

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

Genesis 2:1

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