Psalms 104:17
Psalms 104:17 in Multiple Translations
where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses.
Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.
Where the birds make their nests: As for the stork, the fir-trees are her house.
Where the birds have their resting-places; as for the stork, the tall trees are her house.
Sparrows make their nests there; herons make their homes in the tall trees.
That ye birdes may make their nestes there: the storke dwelleth in the firre trees.
Where birds do make nests, The stork — the firs [are] her house.
where the birds make their nests. The stork makes its home in the cypress trees.
Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir-trees are her house.
He sent a man before them: Joseph, who was sold for a slave.
Birds make their nests in those trees; even storks make their nests in pine/fir trees.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:17
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 104:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁר
שָׁ֭ם
צִפֳּרִ֣ים
יְקַנֵּ֑נוּ
חֲ֝סִידָ֗ה
בְּרוֹשִׁ֥ים
בֵּיתָֽ/הּ
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁ֭ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
צִפֳּרִ֣ים
tsippôwr
H6833
bird
N-cp
יְקַנֵּ֑נוּ
qânan
H7077
to make a nest
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
חֲ֝סִידָ֗ה
chăçîydâh
H2624
stork
N-fs
בְּרוֹשִׁ֥ים
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
cypress
N-mp
בֵּיתָֽ/הּ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:17
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁ֭ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
צִפֳּרִ֣ים
tsippôwr
H6833
"bird"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a little bird, often hopping, and is used to describe a sparrow or fowl in the Bible, such as in Psalm 84:3.
Definition: 1) bird, fowl 1a) bird (singular) 1b) birds (coll) Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: bird, fowl, sparrow. See also: Genesis 7:14; Psalms 84:4; Psalms 8:9.
יְקַנֵּ֑נוּ
qânan
H7077
"to make a nest"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to build or occupy a nest, like a bird making its home. It appears in the Bible as a description of God's care for his people. The KJV translates it as make a nest.
Definition: 1) to make a nest 1a) (Piel) to make a nest 1b) (Pual) to be nested
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make...nest. See also: Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 22:23; Isaiah 34:15.
חֲ֝סִידָ֗ה
chăçîydâh
H2624
"stork"
N-fs
The stork is a kind of bird known for its maternal care, mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of devotion. In Leviticus and Deuteronomy, it is listed as an unclean bird, but its loyalty to its young is notable.
Definition: stork
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] feather, stork. See also: Leviticus 11:19; Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 8:7.
בְּרוֹשִׁ֥ים
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
"cypress"
N-mp
A cypress tree or a type of evergreen is what this word refers to, also used to make objects like lances or musical instruments, as seen in the KJV translation 'fir tree'.
Definition: 1) cypress, fir, juniper, pine 1a) a noble tree (lit.) 1b) of stateliness (fig.) 1c) material for temple
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: fir (tree). See also: 2 Samuel 6:5; Isaiah 14:8; Psalms 104:17.
בֵּיתָֽ/הּ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
- Sermons on Psalms 104:17
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
15wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
16The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,
17where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses.
18The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers. 19He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:12 | The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:19 | the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat. |
| 3 | Daniel 4:21 | whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested— |
| 4 | Matthew 13:32 | Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:23 | O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” |
| 6 | Obadiah 1:4 | Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 8:7 | Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 31:6 | All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. |
Psalms 104:17 Summary
This verse, Psalms 104:17, shows us how God provides a home for the birds in the trees, just like He provides for our needs. It reminds us that God cares for all creatures, big and small, and that we can trust in His kindness and generosity, as seen in Psalms 145:9. Just as the birds can build their nests in safety, we can find refuge in God's love and care, as stated in Matthew 6:26. By looking at the way God provides for the birds, we can learn to trust in His provision for our own lives, knowing that He will take care of us, as promised in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for birds to build their nests in the trees?
This verse highlights God's provision for all creatures, including the birds, as seen in Psalms 104:17, where He provides a home for them in the trees, similar to how He provides for humans, as stated in Matthew 6:26.
Why does the stork make its home in the cypresses?
The stork making its home in the cypresses, as mentioned in Psalms 104:17, demonstrates God's care for even the smallest details of creation, much like how He knows the number of hairs on our heads, as stated in Luke 12:7.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's kindness and generosity, as He provides for the needs of all creatures, from the birds to humans, demonstrating His love and care, as seen in Psalms 145:9 and Matthew 5:45.
What can we learn from the way God provides for the birds and other creatures?
We can learn about God's faithfulness and provision from the way He cares for the birds and other creatures, as stated in Psalms 104:17, and apply this to our own lives, trusting in His promise to provide for our needs, as stated in Philippians 4:19.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of birds building their nests in the trees speak to your heart about God's provision in your own life?
- What are some ways you can reflect on God's care for creation, and how can this impact your daily life?
- How can you apply the principle of God's provision for the birds to your own trust in His provision for your needs?
- What does this verse teach you about God's character, and how can you worship Him in response?
- How can you share the truth of God's provision and care with others, using this verse as an example?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:17
Where the birds make their nests,.... As they do in large, tall, spreading trees: not any particular "birds", as the sparrow, to which the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions, and Apollinarius,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:17
He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
The stork; which make their nests not only in the tops of houses, but also in the field and in high trees, as Varro and others have noted. The fir trees; which also are trees of great height and bigness; and which, being here said to afford the storks a house, are thereby supposed to be preserved and nourished by the rain water.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
Psalms 104:17 Where the birds make their nests: [as for] the stork, the fir trees [are] her house.Ver. 17. Where the birds make their nests] Each, according to their natural instinct, with wonderful art. As for the stork] That Pietaticultrix, as Petronius calleth her (and her name in Hebrew soundeth as much), because she nourisheth and cherisheth the old ones whereof she came; whence αντιπελαργειν, Genetricum senectam invicem educant (Plin.). Ciconiis pietas eximia inest (Solin.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
(17) Stork.—The LXX. give “heron,” but Dr. Tristram has shown that there is no need to prefer “heron” here, on account of “the nesting in fir trees,” since if near its feeding-grounds the stork readily selects a fir as the tallest and most convenient tree for its nest (Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 244). “The eagle and the stork On cliffs and cedar-tops their eyries build.”—MILTON.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
Verse 17. Where the birds make their nests] צפרים tsipporim signifies swallows, sparrows, and small birds in general; here opposed to the חסידה chasidah or stork. Perhaps the heron may be understood, which is said to be the first of all birds to build her nest, and she builds it on the very highest trees. The general meaning is, that God has provided shelter and support for the greatest and smallest birds; they are all objects of his providential regard.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:17
17. the stork] Chγsξdβh, the Heb. name for the stork, is connected with chĕ ?sĕ ?d, “lovingkindness, and it was so called from its affection for its young, a trait often noticed by Greek and Latin writers. Thus it is called πτηνῶνεὐσεβέστατονζῴων by Babrius (Fab. 13), and ‘avis pia’ or ‘pietaticultrix’ (Petron. 55. 6). Though in Western Europe the stork commonly builds its nest on houses, and in the East selects ruins where they are to be found, “where neither houses nor ruins occur, it selects any trees tall and strong enough to provide a platform for its huge nest, and for this purpose none are more convenient than the fir tree.” Tristram, Nat. Hist. of Bible, p. 248.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:17
Where the birds make their nests - Furnishing a home for the birds where they may breed their young.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:17
17. Birds make their nests—For which, as a subordinate reason, the “trees” (Psalms 104:16) were prepared.
Sermons on Psalms 104:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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 |
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The Stork by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the stork to emphasize the importance of kindness, care, and gratitude towards parents, drawing parallels between the stork's behavior towards i |
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"Before the Last depression..." by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God may be sending to America through natural disasters and economic indicators, drawing parallels to past events like the Great Depre |
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My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |
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(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |