Psalms 136:6
Psalms 136:6 in Multiple Translations
He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that spread forth the earth above the waters; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
To him by whom the earth was stretched out over the waters: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
To him who spread out the earth over the waters. For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
Which hath stretched out the earth vpon the waters: for his mercie endureth for euer:
To Him spreading the earth over the waters, For to the age [is] His kindness.
to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his loving kindness endures forever;
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let my tongue cleave to my jaws, if I do not remember thee: If I make not Jerusalem the beginning of my joy.
He is the one who caused the ground to rise up above the deep waters; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:6
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 136:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/רֹקַ֣ע
הָ֭/אָרֶץ
עַל
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
לְ/רֹקַ֣ע
râqaʻ
H7554
to beat
Prep | V-Qal
הָ֭/אָרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:6
לְ/רֹקַ֣ע
râqaʻ
H7554
"to beat"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to beat or pound something, like metal, to shape or expand it. It is used to describe the process of making metal plates for the tabernacle in Exodus. The word also implies a sense of passion or strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stamp, beat out 1a2) one who beats out (participle) 1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating) 1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: beat, make broad, spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch. See also: Exodus 39:3; Isaiah 40:19; Psalms 136:6.
הָ֭/אָרֶץ
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 136:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 136:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
- Sermons on Psalms 136:6
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
4He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.
5By His insight He made the heavens. His loving devotion endures forever.
6He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.
7He made the great lights— His loving devotion endures forever. 8the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 24:2 | For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. |
| 2 | Genesis 1:9 | And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:12 | The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. |
| 4 | Isaiah 42:5 | This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: |
| 5 | Job 26:7 | He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing. |
| 6 | Psalms 104:2–3 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. |
| 7 | Isaiah 44:24 | Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth, |
| 8 | Zechariah 12:1 | This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him: |
| 9 | 2 Peter 3:5–7 | But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. |
| 10 | Job 37:18 | can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze? |
Psalms 136:6 Summary
Psalms 136:6 tells us that God spread out the earth upon the waters, showing His amazing power and creative genius. This verse reminds us that God is in control of everything, including the earth and the waters, just like He separated the land and sea in Genesis 1:9-10. It also tells us that God's loving devotion endures forever, which means He always loves and cares for us, no matter what. This promise of God's eternal love and faithfulness can give us hope and peace, especially when we remember that He is always with us, as promised in Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God spread out the earth upon the waters?
This phrase describes God's creative power in forming the earth, as seen in Psalms 136:6, and is reminiscent of Genesis 1:9-10, where God separates the land from the waters, demonstrating His control over creation.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalms 136?
Psalms 136:6 is part of a larger passage that praises God for His creation and redemption, with each verse ending in 'His loving devotion endures forever', emphasizing God's eternal love and faithfulness, as also seen in Psalms 107:1 and Jeremiah 31:3.
What is the significance of the earth being 'upon the waters'?
The image of the earth upon the waters may symbolize God's power over chaos, as water often represents chaos or the unknown in biblical symbolism, such as in Psalms 104:6-9 and Isaiah 51:10.
How can we apply the concept of God's loving devotion enduring forever in our daily lives?
Understanding that God's loving devotion endures forever, as stated in Psalms 136:6, can give us hope and comfort in difficult times, reminding us of His eternal faithfulness, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:8 and Hebrews 13:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you've seen God's creative power and loving devotion in your life, and how can you express gratitude for these blessings?
- How does the knowledge that God spread out the earth upon the waters affect your view of His power and control over the world?
- In what ways can you reflect God's loving devotion in your relationships with others, and what does this mean for your interactions with family, friends, and community?
- What are some challenges or difficulties you're facing right now, and how can the promise of God's enduring loving devotion encourage and sustain you?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:6
To him that stretcheth out the earth above the waters,.... Or, "besides the waters" (t), close by them, and yet secures the earth from being covered with them; see Psalms 24:2; for his mercy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:6
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters - not immediately over, but raised out of and above them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
Stretched out the earth above the waters; of which See Poole ""; See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
Psalms 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 6. To him that stretched out the earth, &c.] A perpetual mercy to all earthly creatures, as is elsewhere set forth, Genesis 1:9 Psalms 24:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
(6) While this section in many points recalls the account of creation in Genesis, it employs terms from other parts of Scripture. Stretched out.—A word and idea peculiar to Isaiah and this psalm (Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24); properly to beat out with the feet, then to overlay with a plate of metal (Isaiah 40:12). The earth is regarded as a flat plate that has been beaten out and spread on the face of the waters, whereas in Genesis it is pictured as emerging out of the waters.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
Verse 6. Stretched out the earth above the waters] Or, upon the waters. This seems to refer to a central abyss of waters, the existence of which has not been yet disproved.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:6
6. that spread forth the earth upon the waters] Cp. Psalms 135:6, note; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24; Psalms 24:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:6
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters - Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:9; see the notes at Psalms 24:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:6
6. Stretched out the earth above the waters—Another instance wherein external nature is described, not scientifically, but popularly, as it appears to the senses.
Sermons on Psalms 136:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
2 Peter 3:5 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the willful ignorance of those who profess Christianity yet choose to disregard the foundational truths of creation and divine judgment. He explains that the h |
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(Genesis) Genesis 1:9-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the creation of the earth as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that God called the dry land "earth" and created it as a habitable place f |
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Easter Conference 1979-03 New Creation by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God. He compares the fast-paced and busy nature of life in the USA to the need for individ |
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The Origin of the Universe by John Whitcomb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the origin of the universe from a biblical and scientific perspective. They mention that the Son of God brought the entire univer |
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Eternity to Eternity 06 Genesis 1:9 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of completion and the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He shares the story of Hudson Taylor, who initially had doubts about G |
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This Ark Can Go Through Fire by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches on the significance of Noah's ark as a foreshadowing of Christ's atonement on the cross. He emphasizes the importance of water baptism as a symbol of cleansin |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 1:9-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the creation narrative in Genesis 1:9-31, emphasizing God's inventive genius in creating life and the intricate designs of nature. He highlights the significan |