Psalms 147:4
Psalms 147:4 in Multiple Translations
He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
He counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.
He sees the number of the stars; he gives them all their names.
He knows how many stars he made, and commands all of them by name.
He counteth the nomber of the starres, and calleth them all by their names.
Appointing the number of the stars, To all them He giveth names.
He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: his word runneth swiftly.
He has determined how many stars there will be, and he gives names to all of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:4
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 147:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מוֹנֶ֣ה
מִ֭סְפָּר
לַ/כּוֹכָבִ֑ים
לְ֝/כֻלָּ֗/ם
שֵׁמ֥וֹת
יִקְרָֽא
מוֹנֶ֣ה
mânâh
H4487
to count
V-Qal
מִ֭סְפָּר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
לַ/כּוֹכָבִ֑ים
kôwkâb
H3556
star
Prep | N-mp
לְ֝/כֻלָּ֗/ם
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms | Suff
שֵׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:4
מוֹנֶ֣ה
mânâh
H4487
"to count"
V-Qal
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.
מִ֭סְפָּר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
לַ/כּוֹכָבִ֑ים
kôwkâb
H3556
"star"
Prep | 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.
לְ֝/כֻלָּ֗/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שֵׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
- Sermons on Psalms 147:4
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
2The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.
3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
4He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.
5Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. 6The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:26 | Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. |
| 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 148:3 | Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. |
| 4 | Genesis 15:5 | And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” |
Psalms 147:4 Summary
This verse, Psalms 147:4, tells us that God is so powerful and wise that He knows exactly how many stars there are in the sky and even calls each one by name. This shows us that God is very interested in every detail of His creation, from the biggest stars to our own lives, as seen in Matthew 10:30 where it says He knows the number of hairs on our heads. It's comforting to know that the same God who created the stars and knows them by name also cares for us and knows our names. This reminds us of the promise in Jeremiah 33:22, where it says the host of heaven cannot be numbered, yet God knows them all, and we can trust in His great power and love for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God determines the number of the stars?
This means that God is all-powerful and knows every detail of His creation, as seen in Psalms 147:4, and is also reflected in Jeremiah 33:22 where it says the host of heaven cannot be numbered, yet God knows them all.
How can God call each star by name?
This is a demonstration of God's infinite knowledge and personal care for every part of His creation, much like how He knows the number of hairs on our heads as mentioned in Matthew 10:30.
What does this verse tell us about God's character?
It reveals God's omnipotence, attention to detail, and personal involvement in His creation, which is also seen in Genesis 1:1 where God spoke and created the universe.
How does this relate to our everyday lives?
Understanding God's power and care in creation can give us comfort and confidence in His ability to care for us, as expressed in Matthew 6:26 where Jesus teaches that if God feeds the birds, He will also provide for us.
Reflection Questions
- As I consider the vastness of the stars, how does this affect my perspective on God's power and my place in the universe?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's attention to detail in creation to my own life and trust in His care?
- How does the knowledge that God knows and calls each star by name impact my understanding of His personal involvement in my life?
- What are some ways I can reflect on the greatness of God as described in Psalms 147:4 and apply it to my worship and prayer life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars,.... Which no man can do exactly; see Genesis 15:5; the ancient astronomers pretended to tell them, as Aratus and Eudoxus (o), and fixed their number at a thousand
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. He telleth (or, literally, determines) the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars, which no man can do, . For those thousand and twenty-five which astrononers number, are only such as are most distinctly visible to the eye, and most considerable for their influences. He calleth them all by their names: this signifies, 1. That He exactly knows them as we do those whom we can call by name; he is able to give distinct names to each of them, because he accurately understands their several natures and operations. 2. That he hath a sovereign power over them, as men have over their children, or servants, or soldiers, whom they can call by name; that he appointeth and governeth all their motions and influences to the fulfilling of his own pleasure and purposes.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
Psalms 147:4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by [their] names.Ver. 4. He telleth the number of the stars] Which to man is impossible, as Aristotle maintaineth against those astronomers, that tell us they are a thousand and some hundreds. But Abraham was a great astronomer; yet he could never do it, Genesis 15:5, and the wiser sort of astrologers have rightly distinguished the stars into numerable and innumerable as to men. He calleth them all by their names] As knowing exactly their nature; and authoritatively commanding every of them to do his pleasure. How much more can God call together his outcasts, and cause them to return; especially since he calleth those things that are not as if they were, Romans 4:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
(4) Stars.—This proof of God’s power to help, by reference to the stars of heaven, which are beyond man’s power to count, much more to name, but which the Almighty both numbers and names, seems rather abruptly introduced, but the train of thought is clear. To assemble the dispersed of Israel, however numerous and scattered, was easy to the ruler of the hosts of heaven. The original promise to Abraham was, of course, in the poet’s mind, but still more Isaiah 40:26-28, from which the expression may have been taken. The dramatic “Lift your eyes on high and behold” supplies the link needed in the abrupt entrance of the thought of the psalm.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
Verse 4. He telleth the number of the stars] He whose knowledge is so exact as to tell every star in heaven, can be under no difficulty to find out and collect all the scattered exiles of Israel.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:4
1–6. Praise Jehovah, the restorer of Israel, the sovereign ruler of the world.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars - He counts them all. God only can do this.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:4
4. He telleth the… stars—Here is something more than poetical embellishment. He who thus knows and calls the stars, much more knows and names his people.
Sermons on Psalms 147:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Attributes of God - Greatness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the doubts and uncertainties that people may have about how anything good can come out of certain situations. However, he emphas |
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Wonders of Creation Redemption - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonders of God in creation and emphasizes the need to have greater thoughts of God. He mentions the extraordinary coordination of mind, |
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Dallas Area Conference 1993-07 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sacrifices and suffering of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. Despite the immense challenges and betrayals he faced, Jesus rem |
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A Song for God's Love Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith teaches from Psalm 145, emphasizing the goodness and mercy of the Lord. He encourages believers to bless God by speaking of the glory of His king |
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Jesus Christ Is God by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible truth of the gospel. He describes Jesus as the judge who dies for criminals and the advocate who pays the fine for his client |
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Your Name by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather reflects on the uniqueness of names and shares humorous encounters of meeting individuals with the same name as him. He draws a parallel to the name 'Christian' and enco |