Psalms 104:26
Psalms 104:26 in Multiple Translations
There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
There go the ships; There is leviathan, whom thou hast formed to play therein.
There go the ships; there is that great beast, which you have made as a plaything.
Ships sail there, and Leviathan, that you made to play in it.
There goe the shippes, yea, that Liuiathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
There do ships go: leviathan, That Thou hast formed to play in it.
There the ships go, and leviathan, whom you formed to play there.
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, which thou hast made to play therein.
He sent Moses his servant: Aaron the man whom he had chosen.
We see the ships which sail along! We see the huge sea monster, which you made to ◄splash around/play► in the sea.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:26
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 104:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֭ם
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
יְהַלֵּכ֑וּ/ן
לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ן
זֶֽה
יָצַ֥רְתָּ
לְ/שַֽׂחֶק
בּֽ/וֹ
שָׁ֭ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
fleet
N-fp
יְהַלֵּכ֑וּ/ן
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ן
livyâthân
H3882
Leviathan
N-ms
זֶֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
יָצַ֥רְתָּ
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְ/שַֽׂחֶק
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:26
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.
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
"fleet"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for ship or fleet is used in the Bible to describe a vessel that sails on the water. It appears in Numbers 24:24 and Proverbs 30:19, often referring to the men who sail on these ships, known as seamen.
Definition: 1) ship 1a) men of ships, seamen
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: ship(-men). See also: Genesis 49:13; Proverbs 30:19; Psalms 48:8.
יְהַלֵּכ֑וּ/ן
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ן
livyâthân
H3882
"Leviathan"
N-ms
Leviathan refers to a massive sea creature, possibly a crocodile or dragon, and is also used symbolically to represent Babylon. It appears in the Bible as a powerful monster.
Definition: a sea monster, dragon 1a) large aquatic animal such as crocodile 1b) perhaps the extinct dinosaur, plesiosaurus, exact meaning unknown, 1c) a mythical or proverbial creature
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: leviathan, mourning. See also: Job 3:8; Psalms 74:14; Psalms 104:26.
זֶֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
יָצַ֥רְתָּ
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
לְ/שַֽׂחֶק
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 104:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:26
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
- Sermons on Psalms 104:26
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
24How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.
25Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small.
26There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.
27All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. 28When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 107:23 | Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. |
| 2 | Isaiah 27:1 | In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. |
| 3 | Psalms 74:14 | You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert. |
| 4 | Job 41:1–34 | “Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly? Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life? Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens? Will traders barter for him or divide him among the merchants? Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears? If you lay a hand on him, you will remember the battle and never repeat it! Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming? No one is so fierce as to rouse Leviathan. Then who is able to stand against Me? Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine. I cannot keep silent about his limbs, his power and graceful form. Who can strip off his outer coat? Who can approach him with a bridle? Who can open his jaws, ringed by his fearsome teeth? His rows of scales are his pride, tightly sealed together. One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them. They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated. His snorting flashes with light, and his eyes are like the rays of dawn. Firebrands stream from his mouth; fiery sparks shoot forth! Smoke billows from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds. His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames pour from his mouth. Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him. The folds of his flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable. His chest is as hard as a rock, as hard as a lower millstone! When Leviathan rises up, the mighty are terrified; they withdraw before his thrashing. The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood. No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him. A club is regarded as straw, and he laughs at the sound of the lance. His undersides are jagged potsherds, spreading out the mud like a threshing sledge. He makes the depths seethe like a cauldron; he makes the sea like a jar of ointment. He leaves a glistening wake behind him; one would think the deep had white hair! Nothing on earth is his equal— a creature devoid of fear! He looks down on all the haughty; he is king over all the proud.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 27:9 | The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise. |
| 6 | Genesis 49:13 | Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon. |
| 7 | Job 3:8 | May it be cursed by those who curse the day — those prepared to rouse Leviathan. |
Psalms 104:26 Summary
Psalms 104:26 describes the sea as a place where ships pass and where God formed a large sea creature called Leviathan to play. This verse reminds us of God's power and creativity in creating the world and all its creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:1 and Psalms 19:1-6. Just as God provides for Leviathan and the other creatures in the sea, He also provides for our needs, as stated in Matthew 6:25-34 and Psalms 107:23-32. By reflecting on God's creation, we can cultivate a sense of wonder and awe at His majesty and provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leviathan in Psalms 104:26?
Leviathan is a reference to a large sea creature, possibly a whale or a dinosaur, that was formed by God to inhabit the sea, as seen in Psalms 104:26 and also mentioned in Job 41:1, where God describes it as a fearsome creature that He created.
Why does the Bible describe Leviathan as frolicking in the sea?
The Bible describes Leviathan as frolicking in the sea to highlight God's creative power and playfulness, as seen in Psalms 104:26, and to remind us of the beauty and wonder of His creation, as stated in Psalms 19:1-6.
What can we learn from the ships passing through the sea in Psalms 104:26?
The ships passing through the sea in Psalms 104:26 remind us of human activity and God's provision for our needs, as seen in Matthew 4:18-22, where Jesus calls His disciples to be fishers of men, and in Psalms 107:23-32, where God rescues those who sail the seas.
How does Psalms 104:26 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 104:26 is part of a larger description of God's creation, from the earth and its creatures in Psalms 104:24-25, to the sea and its inhabitants in Psalms 104:25-26, and ultimately to God's provision for all creatures in Psalms 104:27-30, as seen in the statement 'All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season' in Psalms 104:27.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of Leviathan frolicking in the sea evoke in my heart and mind, and how can I apply that to my own relationship with God?
- How can I balance my appreciation for human achievement, such as the ships passing through the sea, with a recognition of God's sovereign power and creativity?
- What are some ways that I can reflect on God's provision for all creatures, as seen in Psalms 104:27, in my own life and circumstances?
- How can I cultivate a sense of wonder and awe at God's creation, as described in Psalms 104:24-30, in my daily life and worship?
- What does the description of God's creation in Psalms 104:24-30 reveal about His character and nature, and how can I apply that to my own walk with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:26
There go the ships,.... From place to place, from one end of the world to the other, for the sake of merchandise (r); this is one of the four things that were too wonderful for Solomon, "the way of a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:26
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
That leviathan; either the whale or the crocodile; of which See Poole "", See Poole ""; who being of such vast strength and absolute dominion in the sea, tumbles in it with great security, and sports himself with other creatures, which he taketh and devoureth at his pleasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
Psalms 104:26 There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.Ver. 26. There go the ships] The use whereof was first showed by God in Noah’ s ark, whence afterwards Audax Iapeti genus, Japhet’ s offspring sailed, and replenished the islands. There is that leviathan] Whereof see Job 41:1-34, with notes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
(26) Ships.—The poet writes like one who had been accustomed to see the navies of Phœnicia, one of the indications which leads to the hypothesis that he belonged to the northern part of Palestine. And here for once we seem to catch a breath of enthusiasm for the sea—so rare a feeling in a Jew. Leviathan.—See Psalms 74:14. In Job (Job 41) it is the crocodile, but here evidently an animal of the sea, and probably the whale. Several species of cetacea are still found in the Mediterranean, and that they were known to the Hebrews is clear from Lamentations 4:3. Various passages from classic authors support this view. Whom Thou . . .—This clause is rendered by some “whom Thou hast made to play with him” (so LXX. and Vulg.), referring to Job 41:5. It is a rabbinical tradition that Leviathan is God’s play thing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
Verse 26. There go the ships] By means of navigation, countries the most remote are connected, and all the inhabitants of the earth become known to each other. He appears at this time to have seen the ships under sail. That leviathan] This may mean the whale, or any of the large marine animals. The Septuagint and Vulgate call it dragon. Sometimes the crocodile is intended by the original word. To play therein.] Dreadful and tempestuous as the sea may appear, and uncontrollable in its billows and surges, it is only the field of sport, the play-ground, the bowling-green to those huge marine monsters.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:26
26. The stately ships, which excited the wonder and admiration of the landsman (Proverbs 30:19; Isaiah 2:16), seem part of the life of the sea, and the mention of them suggests its use as a means of transit. there is that leviathan] There is leviathan, whom thou hast formed, either (1) to play therein, or (2) to play with him. Both renderings are grammatically possible. For (1) Job 40:20 offers a parallel, and for (2) Job 41:5 (Heb. 40:29). But (1) suits the context best. The thought required is not that the wildest and strongest of God’s creatures are but as it were His tame pets, but that the sea is the playground of the mighty monsters which display His power and goodness as they disport themselves there in the enjoyment of their life. In Job 41 leviathan means the crocodile, but here the name is evidently used of sea-monsters generally, particularly the great cetaceans, of which there are many, and formerly were probably many more, in the Mediterranean.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:26
There go the ships - There the vessels move along - objects that would, of course, attract the attention of one looking at the sea, and admiring its wonders.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:26
26. There go the ships—The Phoenicians, with whom the Hebrews were well acquainted at this time, were the masters of commerce throughout the world. Leviathan—The whale, or sea monster. See on Psalms 74:14.
Sermons on Psalms 104:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Blessing of Affliction by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about a man named Brother Harry who initially struggled with his preaching. However, after surrendering to God, his life tur |
|
Seeing Wonders by Gary Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and stepping out in faith, even in the midst of storms and challenges. It encourages believers to trust in God's plan f |
|
Take, Bless, Break & Give by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the feeding of the 5,000, a story found in all four gospels. He emphasizes that this event is a sign, pointing to somethi |
|
"Five Loaves and Two Fishes" Ch. 6:1-21 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the significance of the miracles of the feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water in the Gospel of John, emphasizing the teachi |
|
Christ the Savior From the Tempest. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the account of the disciples' desperate plea to Jesus during a violent storm at sea, emphasizing their sense of imminent danger and their faith in Christ's ab |
|
A Place Called Wits' End! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual significance of reaching 'wit's end,' a state where human resources and understanding are exhausted, as illustrated in Psalms 107. He expla |
|
Deep Faith by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of facing trials and challenges in life, comparing them to sailing in the sea where every wind, whether north, south, east, or west, |