Psalms 72:5
Psalms 72:5 in Multiple Translations
May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations.
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, And so long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May his life go on as long as the sun and moon, through all generations.
May they respect him as long as the sun and the moon shine above, for all generations.
They shall feare thee as long as the sunne and moone endureth, from generatio to generation.
They fear Thee with the sun, and before the moon, Generation — generations.
They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
They are not in the labour of men: neither shall they be scourged like other men.
I desire that your people will revere you as long as the moon shines, forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:5
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 72:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִֽירָא֥וּ/ךָ
עִם
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֥י
יָ֝רֵ֗חַ
דּ֣וֹר
דּוֹרִֽים
יִֽירָא֥וּ/ךָ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
N-cs
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
יָ֝רֵ֗חַ
yârêach
H3394
moon
N-ms
דּ֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-ms
דּוֹרִֽים
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-mp
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 72:5
יִֽירָא֥וּ/ךָ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יָ֝רֵ֗חַ
yârêach
H3394
"moon"
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.
דּ֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
דּוֹרִֽים
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-mp
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
- Sermons on Psalms 72:5
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
3May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness.
4May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
5May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations.
6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. 7May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | Psalms 72:17 | May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. |
| 3 | Daniel 7:14 | And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. |
| 4 | Daniel 2:44 | In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. |
| 5 | Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:21 | to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 3:28 | When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 15:24–25 | Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. |
| 9 | Psalms 72:7 | May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more. |
| 10 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
Psalms 72:5 Summary
Psalms 72:5 is saying that people should respect and reverence God for as long as the world exists, which is a really long time. This means that we should always try to obey God and do what He says, because He is our Creator and loves us, as seen in Psalms 103:13. By fearing God, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and bring glory to His name, as encouraged in Romans 12:1. This verse is reminding us to have a deep respect for God and to live our lives in a way that honors Him, every day, and to trust in His goodness and love, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear God in Psalms 72:5?
To fear God means to have a deep reverence and respect for Him, acknowledging His power and authority, as seen in Psalms 111:10, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
How long is the duration of fearing God mentioned in this verse?
According to Psalms 72:5, the fear of God should last as long as the sun shines and the moon remains, which symbolizes a perpetual and ongoing reverence for Him, through all generations, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:24.
Is fearing God a negative emotion?
No, fearing God is not a negative emotion, but rather a positive and healthy response to His majesty and holiness, as expressed in Psalms 33:8, which says to bless the Lord and fear Him, for He is worthy of our reverence and worship.
How can we apply the concept of fearing God in our daily lives?
We can apply the concept of fearing God by living a life of obedience to His commands, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13, and by seeking to honor and glorify Him in all that we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper fear and reverence for God in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my fear of God is not based on fear of punishment, but rather on a deep respect and love for Him?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate my fear of God to those around me, such as my family, friends, and community?
- How can I balance the concept of fearing God with the idea of God's love and grace, as expressed in John 3:16?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:5
They shall fear thee,.... The King Messiah, the Judge of the poor, and the destroyer of the oppressor: either the tyrants and oppressors themselves shall fear him, and such who have been aiding and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:5
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
Fear; or, reverence, or worship, as this word is used, , compared with , and elsewhere. Thee; either, 1. Thee, O king, to whom he suddenly turneth his speech. And so this is hyperbolically true of Solomon, but truly and literally of Christ. Or rather, 2. Thee, O God, of whom he had spoken before, and that in the second person, ,2, as it is here; whereas he never speaks of the king in the whole Psalm in the second person, but constantly in the third. And so the sense is, This shall be another blessed fruit of this righteous government, that together with peace true religion shall be established, and that throughout all generations, as it here follows; which was begun in Solomon’ s days, and continued, though not without interruption, in the time of his successors, the kings of Judah, and afterwards until Christ, in and by whom this prediction and promise was most fully accomplished. As long as the sun and moon endure, Heb. with the sun and before the moon, i.e. whilst they continue in the heavens. Others expound it thus, both day and night, as the twelve tribes are said to serve God, . But the former interpretation seems more probable, by comparing this verse with .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
Psalms 72:5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.Ver. 5. They shall fear thee] Who hast blessed them with so good a king; such as maketh it his main care to set up God, wherever he hath to do. As long as the sun and moon endureth] The Lacedemonians publicly professed, Quoad sol eodem itinere meabit, quo nunc meat, eo usque nunquam societatem cum Xerxe coibimus, While the sun shall hold on his course we will never make a league with Xerxes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
(5) They shall . . .—Literally, may they fear Thee (coevally) with the sun, and in the face of the moon, generation of generation. For the preposition, “coevally with,” see Dan. 3:33; (Hebrew) and comp. the Latin use of cum— “Cum sole et luna semper Aratus erit.” OVID: Amor., xv. 16. The phrase “in the presence of the moon” (see the same expression, Psalms 72:17, and compare Job 8:16), means, not by the moonlight, but as long as the moon shines. (Comp. Psalms 72:7.) On the other hand, our phrase “under the moon” refers to space. With this passage Psalms 89:36-37, alone in Hebrew poetry exactly compares, or may perhaps have been borrowed from here. Whether God or the king is the object of the “fear” spoken of in this verse is a question that must remain unanswered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
Verse 5. They shall fear thee] There is no sense in which this can be spoken of Solomon, nor indeed of any other man: it belongs to Jesus Christ, and to him alone. He is the Prince of peace, who shall be feared and reverenced "through all generations, and as long as the sun and moon endure."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:5
5. They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, And so long as the moon doth shine, throughout all generations. Who is addressed? Not the king, who is spoken of throughout in the third person, but God. The just administration of the king will promote reverence for God, Whose representative he is (cp. 1 Kings 8:40; Matthew 5:16), so long as the established course of nature lasts. For the order of nature as an emblem of permanence cp. Jeremiah 31:35 ff; Jeremiah 33:20 ff. The LXX however represents a different reading: He shall endure as long as the sun, &c.: a reference to the promise of eternal dominion to the house of David, as in Psalms 72:17 : cp. Psalms 89:4; Psalms 89:29; Psalms 89:36-37; Psalms 21:4. The word presumed by the LXX (ιΰψικ) closely resembles that in the Massoretic Text (ιιψΰεκ), so far as the consonants are concerned, and it may have been the original reading: still, the text gives a good sense.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:5
They shall fear thee - That is, “men” shall fear thee, or thou shalt be feared, or reverenced. The idea is, that his reign would continue, or that he would be obeyed during all the time mentioned here.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:5
5. They shall fear thee—On account of thy righteous judgments. See Revelation 15:4.
Sermons on Psalms 72:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christ Glorified as the Builder of His Church by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of choosing to believe in Christ before it is too late. He warns against mocking religion and scoffing at Christ, as the judgmen |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 4. the Needy When He Crieth by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's laws and regulations, particularly in relation to treating others with kindness and compassion. He emphasizes |
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Concerning the Place of the Messiah's Birth. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the prophetic significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, citing Micah 5:2 to affirm that Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He argues that the expe |
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The Ancient of Days on the Judgment Throne by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Christ, highlighting the need for repentance, righteousness, and readiness for judgment. It delves |
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4) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 6 by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker reviews the main themes of the previous chapters in the book of Daniel, focusing on sovereignty, discipline, holiness, perseverance, pressure, courage, d |
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The Priority of Christ\t- Part 2 by Tom Wells | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the authority of Jesus Christ and the program he has set in motion to spread the gospel, bring in his elect, benefit the church, and judge the |
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Model for Praying - Part 3 by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker describes his experience of staying in an old Hindu temple and witnessing people worshiping idols. He expresses his horror at seeing people worshiping n |