Psalms 75:3
Psalms 75:3 in Multiple Translations
When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars. Selah
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I have set up the pillars of it. [Selah
When the earth and all its people become feeble, I am the support of its pillars. (Selah.)
When the earth quakes, and all its inhabitants tremble, I am the one who holds it steady. Selah.
The earth and all the inhabitantes thereof are dissolued: but I will establish the pillars of it. Selah.
Melted is the earth and all its inhabitants, I — I have pondered its pillars. Selah.
The earth and all its inhabitants quake. I firmly hold its pillars. Selah.
The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.
And his place is in peace: and his abode in Sion:
When the earth shakes and all the creatures on the earth tremble, I am the one who will ◄keep its foundations steady/prevent it from being destroyed►. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 75:3
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 75:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֭י
אֶקַּ֣ח
מוֹעֵ֑ד
אֲ֝נִ֗י
מֵישָׁרִ֥ים
אֶשְׁפֹּֽט
כִּ֭י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
אֲ֝נִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
מֵישָׁרִ֥ים
mêyshâr
H4339
uprightness
N-mp
אֶשְׁפֹּֽט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 75:3
כִּ֭י
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.
אֶקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
אֲ֝נִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
מֵישָׁרִ֥ים
mêyshâr
H4339
"uprightness"
N-mp
Uprightness refers to being fair and just, as seen in the Bible. It can also mean smoothness or straightness, often used to describe doing things rightly.
Definition: 1) evenness, uprightness, straightness, equity 1a) evenness, level, smoothness 1b) uprightness, equity 1c) rightly (as adv)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, (things that are) right(-eously, things), sweetly, upright(-ly, -ness). See also: 1 Chronicles 29:17; Proverbs 2:9; Psalms 9:9.
אֶשְׁפֹּֽט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 75:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 75:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 75:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 75:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 75:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 75:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
- Sermons on Psalms 75:3
Context — God’s Righteous Judgment
1We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works.
2“When I choose a time, I will judge fairly.
3When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars. Selah
4I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn. 5Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 2:8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 2 | Isaiah 24:19 | The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently. |
| 3 | Hebrews 1:3 | The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. |
| 4 | Psalms 60:1–3 | You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:28 | Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:7 | And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 24:1–12 | Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word. The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive. The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. In the streets they cry out for wine. All joy turns to gloom; rejoicing is exiled from the land. The city is left in ruins; its gate is reduced to rubble. |
| 8 | Isaiah 49:8 | This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances, |
| 9 | Psalms 78:60–72 | He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage. Fire consumed His young men, and their maidens were left without wedding songs. His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament. Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty warrior overcome by wine. He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame. He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim. But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever. He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 5:2 | Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” |
Psalms 75:3 Summary
This verse reminds us that even when the world around us seems to be falling apart, God is still in control. He is the one who holds up the foundations of the earth and keeps everything from collapsing. This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and power, as described in Jeremiah 32:17, and it should give us confidence and trust in Him, even in the toughest times. Just like the psalmist, we can trust that God will bear up the pillars of our lives, if we will only trust in Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the earth and its dwellers to quake?
This phrase suggests a time of great turmoil or upheaval, similar to what is described in Psalm 46:2-3, where the earth gives way and the mountains tremble into the heart of the sea. In such times, God remains steadfast and in control.
What are the pillars that God bears up in this verse?
The pillars likely refer to the foundations of the earth, as described in Psalm 104:5, which God has established to hold the earth in place. This image emphasizes God's power and sovereignty over creation.
Why does the verse end with 'Selah'?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that likely indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, similar to its use in Psalm 3:2. It invites the reader to stop and consider the weight of God's words and the significance of His role in sustaining the earth.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that even in times of turmoil or uncertainty, God is always in control and sustaining the world around us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10. We can trust in His power and sovereignty, just as the psalmist does here.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen God's power and sovereignty at work in my own life, even in times of turmoil or upheaval?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and confidence in God's ability to sustain me and the world around me, even when everything seems to be shaking?
- What are some 'pillars' in my own life that I am trying to hold up on my own, rather than trusting God to bear them up for me?
- In what ways can I reflect God's sovereignty and power to those around me, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 75:3
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved,.... Or "melted" (p); the inhabitants, through fear and dread of the righteous Judge, appearing in the clouds of heaven, and of the wrath that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 75:3
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
Dissolved; or, melted, consumed or destroyed; partly by the ill government of Saul and Ish-bosheth, and the great officers of state and war under them; and partly by intestine divisions and wars. I bear up the pillars of it: howsoever I am traduced by mine enemies as the great disturber of the land, I must do myself this right, to affirm that, under God, I do support and establish it, by maintaining religion and justice, and by setting us good magistrates, and encouraging good ministers, and good men, which are indeed the pillars of a nation.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
Psalms 75:3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.Ver. 3. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved] Both Church and commonwealth here are utterly out of order; I shall endeavour mine utmost to set all to rights, and so to preserve the world from ruin, which subsisteth by and for the sake of God’ s Israel, Absque stationibus non staret mundus. I bear up the pillars of it] Semen sanctum statumen terrae, Isaiah 6:13, The holy seed upholdeth the state. David did (as Lucan saith of Cato), toti genitum se credere mundo; Jesus Christ much more; he is the true Atlas, upholding all things by the word of his power, Hebrews 1:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
(3) The earth . . .—Better— “Are earth and all its inhabitants dissolved? It was I adjusted its pillars.” (See Hannah’s song, 1 Samuel 2:8.) Though the crisis be such that all is confusion and anarchy (comp. Isaiah 24:19-20 for the figure), there is no cause for fear; there is still a Ruler in heaven, He who built up the edifice which now seems to totter to its fall. The verb rendered in the Authorised Version “bear up,” is used in Job 28:15, Isaiah 40:12 in the sense of “weighing” or “measuring;” but with the same allusion to the creative work of God. Here it plainly means, so to adjust the pillars as to make them equal to the weight they have to bear. The “pillars” are the “mountains,” as in Job 26:11. (See Note, Psalms 24:2.) Comp. Shelley— “Sunbeam proof, I hang like a roof, The mountains its columns are.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
Verse 3. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved] They all depend on me; and whenever I withdraw the power by which they exist and live, they are immediately dissolved. I bear up the pillars of it.] By the word of my power all things are upheld, and without me nothing can subsist. Those who consider this Psalm to have been written by David before he was anointed king over ALL Israel, understand the words thus: "All is at present in a state of confusion; violence and injustice reign: but when 'I shall receive the whole congregation,' when all the tribes shall acknowledge me as king, I will reorganize the whole constitution. It is true that the land and all its inhabitants are dissolved-unsettled and unconnected by the bands of civil interest. The whole system is disorganized: 'I bear up the pillars of it;' the expectation of the chief people is placed upon me; and it is the hope they have of my coming speedily to the throne of all Israel that prevents them from breaking out into actual rebellion."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 75:3
3. The first line virtually forms the protasis of the sentence: Though the earth &c.; I have set up the pillars of it. Though all the world is in terror and confusion, I (emphatic) have established a moral order in it. The material world is often compared to a building with its foundations and pillars (1 Samuel 2:8; Job 9:6; Job 38:4 ff.); and the moral world is described by the same figure. Cp. Psalms 11:3; Psalms 82:5. I bear up] Lit. I have proportioned, or, adjusted by line and measure. The rendering of R.V. marg., When the earth … I set up, will mean that when confusion reigns, God re-establishes order: but it is better to understand the perfect tense (I have set up) of the fundamental laws which God has from the first ordained.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 75:3
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved - The word rendered “dissolved” means properly to melt, to flow down; then, to melt away, to pine away, to perish. Isaiah 64:7; Job 30:22; Nahum 1:5; Psalms 107:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 75:3
3. The earth and all the inhabitants… are dissolved—A figurative description of a wasted country and a dispirited people. Dissolved— Melted, become faint with fear and discouragement. Psalms 107:26; Ezekiel 21:15.
Sermons on Psalms 75:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Solomon's Temple a Figure of the Church; and the Two Pillars, Jachin and Boaz, Typical of Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of Solomon's Temple as a representation of the Church, emphasizing the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which symbolize Christ. He explains that |
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The Righteous Ennobled and Exalted by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches about the book of Job, emphasizing the importance of discerning between the opinions of man and the declarations of God within the text. He highlights the |
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His Anointing (1 Samuel 16, 17) by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and 17, illustrating how it represents God's grace amidst Israel's spiritual decline. He highlights that D |
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At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite |
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Of the Conflagration of the Universe. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the universal conflagration of the universe, emphasizing the literal interpretation of biblical prophecies regarding the end times, particularly the burning o |
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Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn |
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Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the |