Psalms 8:7

KJV

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

KJV (with Strong's)

All sheep {H6792} and oxen {H504}, yea, and the beasts {H929} of the field {H7704};

Complete Jewish Bible

sheep and oxen, all of them, also the animals in the wilds,

Berean Standard Bible

all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field,

American Standard Version

All sheep and oxen, Yea, and the beasts of the field,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 8:7 elaborates on the profound truth of humanity's delegated authority over the created order, specifically the animal kingdom. This verse, nestled within a psalm that marvels at God's majestic glory and His surprising condescension to crown humanity with honor, provides concrete examples of the diverse creatures subjected to human stewardship, from domesticated livestock to wild beasts of the field, underscoring the comprehensive scope of this divine mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 8 is a majestic hymn of praise, opening with an exclamation of God's glorious name throughout the earth ([Psalms 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - God's Excellent Name")). The psalmist, David, then shifts to a profound reflection on humanity's place in creation. After marveling at God's condescension in considering humanity, who seems so small in comparison to the vast heavens ([Psalms 8:3-4](/psalms/8-3 "Psalm 8:3-4 - Humanity's Insignificance and God's Remembrance")), the psalm declares that God has crowned humanity with glory and honor and set them over the works of His hands ([Psalms 8:5-6](/psalms/8-5 "Psalm 8:5-6 - Humanity Crowned with Glory and Honor")). Verse 7, along with verse 8, serves to illustrate and specify the breadth of this dominion, listing various categories of animals—domesticated, wild, and aquatic—that are under human rule. The psalm then concludes by reiterating God's glorious name, bringing the theme full circle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, likely reflecting an ancient Israelite agrarian society where sheep and oxen were central to daily life, economy, and sustenance. These animals represented both wealth and labor, signifying a direct, practical relationship between humans and the animal kingdom. The "beasts of the field" would have included the wild animals inhabiting the surrounding wilderness and plains, representing the untamed aspects of nature. The psalmist's perspective would have been shaped by a worldview where God was the ultimate Creator and Sustainer, and humanity's role was understood within that divine order. The concept of dominion would have resonated with the foundational creation narratives, particularly [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate"), which established humanity's unique position as God's vice-regents on earth.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 8 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Human Dominion and Stewardship**, echoing the original creation mandate where humanity is tasked with ruling over and caring for creation. The specific enumeration of "sheep and oxen" (domesticated animals) and "beasts of the field" (wild animals) highlights the comprehensive scope of this authority, extending beyond immediate utility to the entire animal kingdom. This delegated authority underscores **God's Sovereign Design** for creation, where humanity is placed in a position of responsibility under God's ultimate sovereignty, reflecting His own meticulous care. It also speaks to **Humanity's Dignity and Purpose**, as God has bestowed upon them a unique and elevated role, crowning them with glory and honor ([Psalms 8:5](/psalms/8-5 "Psalm 8:5 - Humanity Crowned with Glory and Honor")) and placing all things under their feet ([Psalms 8:6](/psalms/8-6 "Psalm 8:6 - All Things Under Humanity's Feet")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheep (Hebrew, צֹאן, _tzo'n'_):** This term refers to flocks of small cattle, including both sheep and goats, which were fundamental to the ancient Israelite economy and way of life. They provided food, clothing, and sacrificial offerings. Their inclusion here signifies humanity's dominion over domesticated animals that are directly managed and utilized for human benefit.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, בָּקָר, _baqar'_):** This word denotes large cattle, specifically oxen or cows, which were crucial for agricultural labor (plowing, threshing) and also served as a source of meat and milk. Together with "sheep," "oxen" represents the essential domesticated animals that were integral to human survival and prosperity, emphasizing the practical and economic aspects of human dominion.
* **Beasts of the field (Hebrew, חַיְתוֹ שָׂדַי, _chayto saday'_):** This broader phrase encompasses all wild animals that inhabit the open country or wilderness, distinct from domesticated livestock. Their inclusion demonstrates that humanity's delegated authority is not limited to animals brought under direct human control but extends to the untamed, wild creatures, signifying a comprehensive and universal dominion over the entire terrestrial animal kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All sheep and oxen":** This clause specifies the domesticated animals over which humanity has been given dominion. "Sheep" and "oxen" represent the primary livestock that were vital for the sustenance, labor, and economy of ancient societies. Their mention highlights the direct and practical aspects of human interaction with and management of the animal kingdom, signifying a relationship of care, utilization, and oversight.
* **"yea, and the beasts of the field;":** The conjunction "yea, and" (Hebrew: גַּם, _gam_) serves to emphasize and extend the scope of the preceding statement. It indicates that humanity's dominion is not confined to the tamed and useful animals but comprehensively includes the wild, untamed creatures that roam the natural environment. This broadens the understanding of human responsibility to encompass the entire terrestrial animal kingdom, both those directly serving humanity and those existing independently in the wild.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 8:7 employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where the psalmist lists specific categories of animals ("sheep and oxen," "beasts of the field") to illustrate the comprehensive nature of humanity's dominion. This listing provides concrete examples, making the abstract concept of "all things" ([Psalms 8:6](/psalms/8-6 "Psalm 8:6 - All Things Under Humanity's Feet")) more tangible and relatable. There is also an element of **Merism**, where the mention of both domesticated animals (sheep, oxen) and wild animals (beasts of the field) serves to represent the totality of the animal kingdom. By naming these two distinct categories, the psalmist implies that humanity's authority extends over *all* creatures, from the most controlled to the most untamed. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Elaboration** on the preceding declaration in [Psalms 8:6](/psalms/8-6 "Psalm 8:6 - All Things Under Humanity's Feet"), providing specific details and concrete examples of what it means for "all things" to be "under his feet."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 8:7 stands as a powerful affirmation of humanity's unique position and responsibility within God's created order. It directly echoes the creation mandate given in Genesis, where God bestows upon humanity the charge to "have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a sacred trust, reflecting God's own benevolent rule and calling humanity to be His responsible stewards. The verse reminds us that while we are given authority, it is always a delegated authority, with God remaining the ultimate Sovereign and Owner of all creation, as declared in [Psalms 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "The Earth is the Lord's"). This theological understanding provides a foundational ethic for how humanity should interact with the natural world, emphasizing care, preservation, and wise management as an act of worship and obedience to the Creator.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate")
* [Psalms 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Hebrews 2:6-8](/hebrews/2-6 "Hebrews 2:6-8 - Humanity's Dominion and Christ's Supremacy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 8:7 challenges us to consider the profound implications of our God-given dominion over creation. It calls us to move beyond a utilitarian view of animals and the environment to embrace a posture of responsible stewardship. Our authority is not absolute ownership but a sacred trust, requiring us to manage the earth and its creatures in a way that honors the Creator. This means advocating for ethical treatment of animals, practicing sustainable living, and working to preserve biodiversity, recognizing that every creature, from the smallest insect to the largest whale, is part of God's magnificent design. Our care for creation becomes an act of worship, reflecting God's own meticulous care and love for His handiwork. It also fosters humility, reminding us that our elevated position is a gift, not an inherent right, and we are ultimately accountable to God for how we exercise this profound responsibility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "dominion" in Psalms 8:7 shape your understanding of humanity's role in the natural world today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to exercise responsible stewardship over creation in your daily life?**
* **How does recognizing God's ultimate ownership of all creation (as implied by delegated dominion) influence your view of environmental issues?**
* **In what ways can our treatment of animals reflect our reverence for the Creator?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse give humans permission to exploit animals without limits?**

Answer: No, the biblical concept of dominion, as expressed in Psalms 8:7 and throughout Scripture, is one of responsible stewardship, not reckless exploitation. The authority granted to humanity is a delegated authority, meaning it comes from God and is to be exercised in a manner consistent with His character and purposes. Just as a good king cares for his subjects, so humanity is called to care for creation. The original mandate in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Adam to work and keep the Garden") instructs Adam "to work and keep" the Garden, implying cultivation and protection, not destruction. Our dominion is meant to reflect God's wise and benevolent rule, fostering flourishing and order within creation, not chaos or abuse.

**How does this ancient text relate to modern environmental concerns and animal welfare?**

Answer: Psalms 8:7 provides a foundational theological framework for modern environmental ethics and animal welfare. It establishes that humanity has a unique and elevated responsibility for the natural world. This means that caring for the environment, combating climate change, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals are not merely secular concerns but deeply biblical imperatives. As God's appointed stewards, we are called to manage the earth's resources wisely, protect its ecosystems, and treat all living creatures with respect, recognizing their inherent value as part of God's creation. Our actions toward the non-human world are a reflection of our obedience and reverence for the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 8:7 speaks of humanity's delegated dominion, the New Testament reveals that this mandate finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews explicitly applies Psalm 8 to Jesus, noting that while humanity initially failed to fully exercise this dominion due to sin, God's plan was always for "all things" to be put "in subjection under his feet" through Christ ([Hebrews 2:8](/hebrews/2-8 "Hebrews 2:8 - All Things Subject to Christ")). Jesus, as the perfect Man and the Son of God, is the true and ultimate Lord over all creation. He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His resurrection and ascension demonstrate His cosmic authority, for God "put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church" ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ's Headship Over All Things")). Thus, the dominion spoken of in Psalms 8:7 is not merely a historical command but a prophetic anticipation of Christ's universal Lordship, under whom all creation will ultimately be reconciled and restored, ushering in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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.