Psalms 104:9
Psalms 104:9 in Multiple Translations
You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth.
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; That they turn not again to cover the earth.
You made a limit over which they might not go, so that the earth would never again be covered by them.
You set a boundary for the oceans so they would not come back and cover the earth.
But thou hast set them a bounde, which they shall not passe: they shall not returne to couer the earth.
A border Thou hast set, they pass not over, They turn not back to cover the earth.
You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, that they don’t turn again to cover the earth.
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
Which he made to Abraham; and his oath to Isaac:
Then you set a boundary for the oceans, a boundary that they cannot cross; their water will never again cover the whole earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:9
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 104:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גְּֽבוּל
שַׂ֭מְתָּ
בַּל
יַֽעֲבֹר֑וּ/ן
בַּל
יְ֝שׁוּב֗וּ/ן
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
גְּֽבוּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
שַׂ֭מְתָּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יַֽעֲבֹר֑וּ/ן
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יְ֝שׁוּב֗וּ/ן
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:9
גְּֽבוּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
שַׂ֭מְתָּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יַֽעֲבֹר֑וּ/ן
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יְ֝שׁוּב֗וּ/ן
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
- Sermons on Psalms 104:9
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
7At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away—
8the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them—
9You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:10–11 | when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
| 2 | Genesis 9:11–15 | And I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:22 | Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. |
| 4 | Isaiah 54:9 | “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. |
| 5 | Job 26:10 | He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. |
| 6 | Psalms 33:7 | He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. |
Psalms 104:9 Summary
This verse means that God set a limit for the oceans so they would not cover the earth again. He did this to provide a home for people and animals to live, just like we see in Psalms 104:10-11 where it talks about God providing water for the animals. It shows us that God is powerful and in control of His creation, as we also see in Jeremiah 33:25-26. By setting this boundary, God is showing us His love and care for us, and reminding us to trust in His power and provision, just like it says in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boundary is being referred to in Psalms 104:9?
The boundary in Psalms 104:9 is the limit God set for the oceans, so they would not cover the earth again, similar to the account in Genesis 9:11 where God promised not to destroy the earth with a flood again.
Why did God set this boundary?
God set this boundary to provide a habitat for humans and animals to live, as seen in Psalms 104:10-11 where it talks about the provision of water for the beasts of the field, and also to remind us of His power and control over creation, as stated in Job 38:8-11.
Is this boundary still in effect today?
Yes, the boundary set by God is still in effect today, and it is a testament to His faithfulness and power, as seen in Jeremiah 33:25-26 where it talks about God's covenant with day and night and the fixed order of heaven and earth.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse teaches us about God's sovereignty, power, and provision, as seen in other verses like Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6:26, where it talks about God's care for His creation and His ability to provide for our needs.
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of God setting boundaries in nature relate to His boundaries in my life?
- What are some ways I can see God's provision and care in my daily life, just like the beasts of the field receive water from the springs?
- How can I trust in God's power and control over creation when I face challenges and uncertainties in my life?
- In what ways can I be a good steward of the earth and its resources, recognizing that God has set boundaries for our benefit?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:9
Thou hast set a bound, that they may not pass over,.... The Targum adds, "to the rolling waves of the sea.'' Set doors with bolts and bars, cliffs, rocks, and shores: and, what is more surprising,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:9
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
A bound; even the sand of the sea-shore, as it is expressed, , which, though in itself contemptible, and a very poor defence to the earth against that swelling and raging element, yet by God’ s almighty power and gracious providence is made sufficient for that purpose; which is noted as a wonderful work of God, , &c. The earth, to wit, the whole earth, as it did in the beginning of the creation. This was God’ s appointment, and the course of nature settled by him. But when men transgressed their bounds, all the laws of God and men, it is not strange if the waters also transgressed their bounds, and once again overwhelmed the earth in the general deluge.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
Psalms 104:9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.Ver. 9. Thou hast set a bound, &c.] A certain compass and course; an argument of God’ s singular and sweet power and providence. See Job 38:10-11,
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
(9) A bound.—It is striking to observe what a deep impression their little line of coast, the barrier which beat off the waves of the Mediterranean, made on the Hebrew mind. The sea was an object of dread. Or if dread passes into reverent wonder, as in Psalms 104:25-26, it ends there; the Jew never took delight in the sea. Hence, the coast has for him only one purpose and suggestion. It is not for enjoyment or recreation, or even for uses of commerce. It is simply the defence set by God against the hostile waters.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
Verse 9. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass] And what is this bound? The flux and reflux of the sea, occasioned by the solar and lunar attraction, the rotation of the earth on its own axis, and the gravitation of the waters to the centre of the earth. And what is the cause of all these? The will and energy of God. Thus the sea is prevented from drowning the earth equally where there are flat shores as where the sea seems hemmed in by huge mounds of land and mountains. The above, not these, are the bounds which it cannot pass, so that they cannot turn again to cover the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:9
9. The reference is not to the Flood, but to the original separation of land and water confirmed after the Flood (Genesis 9:9 ff.). Cp. Job 38:10-11; Proverbs 8:29.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:9
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over - See Job 26:10, note; Job 38:10-11, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:9
9. Thou hast set a bound—This impassable boundary of the ocean was a perpetual wonder to the Hebrew mind as a mark of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; (Job 26:10; Job 38:10-11; Jeremiah 5:22;)
Sermons on Psalms 104:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Darkness Has Crossed a Line by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the belief in a forthcoming spiritual awakening in New York City, not due to human efforts but because darkness has crossed a line, challenging the authority |
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When the Godly Fall by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4, emphasizing the urgency of getting right with God. He appeals to the listeners to take action immediately and not delay. He shares |
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(Genesis) Genesis 8:20-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the evil nature of man's heart from a young age. He mentions how youth today have rebelled and their imaginations have turned towards evil. T |
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(Genesis #9) God in Covenant by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to communicate His word to us and desires our comfort and service. The preacher highlights the covenant God made with all cre |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 14 - Destruction of the Babylon by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The audience i |
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Of the Faithfulness of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the faithfulness of God as an essential attribute that defines His nature, asserting that without faithfulness, God would not be God. He illustrates this by re |
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A Message for the Nations by Art Katz | Art Katz delivers a powerful message emphasizing that the nations of the world often disregard God's sovereignty and purpose, choosing instead to define their own destinies. He arg |