Psalms 136:9
Psalms 136:9 in Multiple Translations
the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The moon and stars to rule by night; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
The moon and the stars to have rule by night: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
The moon and stars to rule the night. For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
The moone and the starres to gouerne the night: for his mercie endureth for euer:
The moon and stars to rule by night, For to the age [is] His kindness.
the moon and stars to rule by night, for his loving kindness endures forever;
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Blessed be he that shall take and dash thy little ones against the rock.
He created the moon and stars to shine during the nighttime; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:9
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 136:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
הַ/יָּרֵ֣חַ
וְ֭/כוֹכָבִים
לְ/מֶמְשְׁל֣וֹת
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יָּרֵ֣חַ
yârêach
H3394
moon
Art | N-ms
וְ֭/כוֹכָבִים
kôwkâb
H3556
star
Conj | N-mp
לְ/מֶמְשְׁל֣וֹת
memshâlâh
H4475
dominion
Prep | N-cp
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:9
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יָּרֵ֣חַ
yârêach
H3394
"moon"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to the moon, the natural satellite of the earth. It is used in the Bible to describe the moon and its phases.
Definition: moon
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: moon. Yrechow. See H3405 (יְרִיחוֹ). See also: Genesis 37:9; Psalms 121:6; Psalms 8:4.
וְ֭/כוֹכָבִים
kôwkâb
H3556
"star"
Conj | N-mp
A star is a round or shining celestial body, and can also symbolize a prince or leader. It is used figuratively in the Bible to describe the Messiah or God's omniscience.
Definition: 1) star 1a) of Messiah, brothers, youth, numerous progeny, personification, God's omniscience (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: star(-gazer). See also: Genesis 1:16; Job 25:5; Psalms 8:4.
לְ/מֶמְשְׁל֣וֹת
memshâlâh
H4475
"dominion"
Prep | N-cp
This Hebrew word means having control or power over something, like a king ruling his kingdom. It's used to describe God's dominion over the world. In the Bible, it appears in Psalm 103:22 to describe God's rule over all His creation.
Definition: 1) rule, dominion, realm 1a) rule, dominion, realm, domain 1b) rule 1c) rule, dominion (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: dominion, government, power, to rule. See also: Genesis 1:16; Psalms 145:13; Psalms 103:22.
בַּ/לָּ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
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 136:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — 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.
9the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.
10He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. 11and brought Israel out from among them His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 31:26 | if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, |
| 2 | Psalms 8:3 | When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— |
| 3 | Psalms 89:36–37 | his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah |
Psalms 136:9 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is in control of everything, even the night, and that He uses the moon and stars to guide us. Just like the sun rules the day, as mentioned in Psalms 136:8, the moon and stars have their own special job. God's love for us is always there, no matter what time of day it is, and it never ends, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. This is a promise we can hold onto, just like the Israelites did when they were brought out of Egypt, as told in Exodus 12:31-32 and referenced in Psalms 136:10-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Psalmist mention the moon and stars in this verse?
The Psalmist mentions the moon and stars to highlight God's creation and sovereignty over the night, just as He has power over the day with the sun, as seen in Psalms 136:8. This emphasizes God's loving devotion and control over all aspects of creation, as also seen in Jeremiah 31:35.
What does it mean for the moon and stars to 'govern the night'?
For the moon and stars to govern the night means that God has appointed them to provide light and guidance during the darkest hours, much like the sun does during the day, as mentioned in Genesis 1:16. This speaks to God's provision and care for His creation.
How does this verse relate to God's loving devotion?
This verse, like the surrounding verses, emphasizes that God's loving devotion endures forever, as seen in Psalms 136:7 and Psalms 136:8. It highlights that God's love and faithfulness are not limited to specific actions or times but are constant and enduring, as also mentioned in Psalms 100:5.
What can we learn from the repetition of 'His loving devotion endures forever' in this chapter?
The repetition of 'His loving devotion endures forever' throughout Psalms 136 teaches us that God's love is a consistent and eternal attribute of His character, seen in both creation and redemption, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalms 103:17.
Reflection Questions
- How does the mention of the moon and stars in this verse make you think about God's role in your life during difficult or dark times?
- In what ways can you reflect God's loving devotion in your own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways you can remember and celebrate God's enduring love and faithfulness in your daily life?
- How does the concept of God governing the night through the moon and stars bring you comfort or peace?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:9
The moon and stars to rule by night,.... The lesser lights, and which indeed receive all their light Front the sun, Genesis 1:16; for his mercy [endureth] for ever; in continuing these lights, so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:9
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: To him that made great lights ... The sun to rule by day ... The moon and stars to rule by night - i:e., in relation to this earth and
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:9
Psalms 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 9. The moon and stars to rule by night] For by day they all veil to the sun; from whom also they borrow much of their light. The moon hath her name in Hebrew from moisture, as refreshing the earth with her cool influences; and thrusting forth precious things therein, Deuteronomy 33:14.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:9
9. O give thanks unto him that chooseth the sons of Zadok to be priests (cp. Ezekiel 40:46), for &c.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:9
The moon and stars to rule by night - Genesis 1:16. For his mercy ... - As a proof also of his benignity and mercy.
Sermons on Psalms 136:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 4 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of redemption and its significance in the Christian life. He refers to the four words for redeem found in the Schofield Bible. The |
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Renewing of Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience as a pastor during the Great Depression in England. He recalls a time when his church experienced a revival and how even a s |
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The Casual Receiving of Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God. He highlights the gratitude we should have for God's presence in our lives and the promises |
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Sonship With the Father - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church taking responsibility for the well-being of their fellow human beings, particularly those who are marginalized a |
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Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-08 Those for Whom Christ Died by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. He emphasizes the immense value of our redemption and the staggering reality that Jesus died |
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Wonders of God-02 Psalm 8-the Starry Heavens by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty and power of God's creation, specifically focusing on the sun and the stars. He emphasizes that God's understanding is infinite a |
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God Cares and Loves You 1 - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel explores the profound love and care of God towards humanity, despite our insignificance in the vast universe. Drawing from Psalms 8, the speaker reflec |