Psalms 104:12
Psalms 104:12 in Multiple Translations
The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches.
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
By them the birds of the heavens have their habitation; They sing among the branches.
The birds of the air have their resting-places by them, and make their song among the branches.
Birds build their nests in trees along the streams, singing from among the leaves.
By these springs shall the foules of the heauen dwell, and sing among the branches.
By them the fowl of the heavens doth dwell, From between the branches They give forth the voice.
The birds of the sky nest by them. They sing among the branches.
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
When they were but a small number: yea very few, and sojourners therein:
Birds make their nests alongside the streams, and they sing among the branches of the trees.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 104:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲ֭לֵי/הֶם
עוֹף
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
יִשְׁכּ֑וֹן
מִ/בֵּ֥ין
עֳ֝פָאיִ֗ם
יִתְּנוּ
קֽוֹל
עֲ֭לֵי/הֶם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עוֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
יִשְׁכּ֑וֹן
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ/בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Prep
עֳ֝פָאיִ֗ם
ʻŏpheʼ
H6073
branch
N-mp
יִתְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:12
עֲ֭לֵי/הֶם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עוֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
יִשְׁכּ֑וֹן
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
מִ/בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עֳ֝פָאיִ֗ם
ʻŏpheʼ
H6073
"branch"
N-mp
This word refers to a branch of a tree, covering it with foliage. It is used in the Bible to describe the parts of a tree.
Definition: branch, foliage Aramaic equivalent: o.phi (עֳפִי "foliage" H6074)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: branch. See also: Psalms 104:12.
יִתְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
- Sermons on Psalms 104:12
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
10He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains.
11They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches.
13He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works. 14He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:11 | I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. |
| 2 | Psalms 148:10 | wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds, |
| 3 | Matthew 8:20 | Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” |
| 4 | Psalms 84:3 | Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God. |
| 5 | Psalms 147:9 | He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 6 | Psalms 104:16–17 | The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted, where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses. |
| 7 | Matthew 6:26 | Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? |
Psalms 104:12 Summary
Psalms 104:12 tells us that God provides for the birds, giving them a place to nest and sing, just like He provides for us. The verse reminds us that God cares for all creatures, big and small, and wants us to thrive and praise Him (as seen in Matthew 6:26). The image of the birds and the springs in this verse shows us God's love and care for His creation, and encourages us to appreciate and care for the world around us. By looking at this verse, we can see that God is a God who provides and cares for us, just like He does for the birds, and we can trust in His goodness and love (Psalms 100:5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the birds nesting beside the springs in Psalms 104:12?
The birds nesting beside the springs in Psalms 104:12 symbolizes God's provision and care for all creatures, as seen in Psalms 104:10-11 where He sends forth springs to give drink to every beast of the field. This care is reminiscent of Matthew 6:26, where Jesus teaches that God feeds the birds of the air.
Why do the birds sing among the branches in this verse?
The birds singing among the branches in Psalms 104:12 represents the joy and praise that arises from God's creation and provision, much like the psalmist's own praise in Psalms 100:1-5, where all creatures are called to praise the Lord.
How does Psalms 104:12 relate to the broader theme of God's creation?
Psalms 104:12 is part of a larger passage that celebrates God's creation and care for the earth, as seen in Psalms 104:10-14, and is consistent with the creation account in Genesis 1:1-31, where God creates and provides for all living things.
What can we learn from the image of birds nesting and singing in this verse?
The image of birds nesting and singing in Psalms 104:12 teaches us about God's attention to detail and His desire for all creatures to thrive and praise Him, as expressed in Psalms 145:10, where all God's works praise Him.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the birds nesting beside the springs, what are the ways in which God provides for me and gives me life?
- How can I, like the birds singing among the branches, express my own praise and joy to God for His creation and care?
- What are some ways in which I can appreciate and care for God's creation, as seen in Psalms 104:12 and the surrounding verses?
- How does the image of the birds and the springs in this verse remind me of God's promise to satisfy the earth with the fruit of His works, as seen in Psalms 104:13?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:12
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation,.... Another use of the springs, fountains, and rivers of water; by the sides and on the shores of these, some birds delight to be, and on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:12
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation - "fowl of the air" (Genesis 1:30; Genesis 2:19).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
By them; either upon the waters, where many fowls have their common abode; or in the ground nigh unto them; or in the trees, which commonly grow by the banks of rivers. Which sing among the branches; which, being delighted and refreshed by the waters, send forth their pleasant notes.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
Psalms 104:12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, [which] sing among the branches.Ver. 12. By them shall the fowls of the heaven] Assuetae ripis volucres, et fluminis alveo (Virg.). Which sing among the branches] Most melodiously, many of them; therefore it is reckoned as a judgment to lose them, Jeremiah 4:25; Jeremiah 9:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
(12) By them.—Better, above them, i.e., in the trees and bushes growing on the bank of the stream. Translate by the present, have their homes.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
Verse 12. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation] All fowls love verdure, and have their residence where they can find wood and water.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:12
12. Beside them dwell the birds of the heaven; From among the leafage they utter their song. Beside the springs and streams grow the trees which are the home of the birds, whose song of praise to their Maker ever rises from their branches.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:12
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation - Among them the fowls of the air dwell. That is, among the trees which spring up by the fountains and water-courses. The whole picture is full of animation and beauty.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:12
12. By them—Literally, Above, or over, “them;” that is, over the banks of these streams, by which trees are nourished, the birds have their habitation, and give forth their voices.
Sermons on Psalms 104:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 105 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the praises and confessions to the Lord, the importance of seeking God's face continually, and the everlasting covenant God made |
|
Feathered Friends - Matt. 6:26 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell preaches on the valuable lessons we can learn from observing the birds of the air, highlighting their care for offspring, diversity, and the provision of God for all c |
|
God's Burden for Zion by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and |
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When God Sets His Heart on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although the world may be abusing God's patience, we should not be impatient or solely focused on judgment. Instead, we should seek red |
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The Humility of Christ (Conference Call) by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being true servants of Christ and being willing to get our hands dirty. He highlights the need for humility and brokenness |
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Oh God, How Long Shall the Enemy Reproach by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church resembling the original pattern set by Jesus. He highlights the need for believers to take up their cross and f |
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The Blessing of Being Like Jesus by Dick Brogden | The video discusses the importance of understanding and reacting to the world of Islam, particularly in the Arab world. It emphasizes that Islam is the premier challenge of our tim |