Psalm 104 16

Psalm 104:16 kjv

The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

Psalm 104:16 nkjv

The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,

Psalm 104:16 niv

The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

Psalm 104:16 esv

The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

Psalm 104:16 nlt

The trees of the LORD are well cared for ?
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

Psalm 104 verses

Psalm 104 16 Meaning

Psalm 104:16 signifies God's magnificent and abundant provision for His creation, specifically highlighting the majestic "trees of the Lord." It asserts that even the greatest and longest-lived trees, such as the renowned cedars of Lebanon, are not self-sufficient but are divinely sustained, filled, and nourished by God's ongoing care and power, as He Himself "planted" them. This verse praises God as the ultimate Giver of life, vigor, and abundance to all creation.

Psalm 104 16 Context

Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise to God as the glorious Creator and faithful Sustainer of the cosmos. It paints a detailed poetic picture of God's active involvement in ordering and maintaining the natural world, paralleling aspects of the Genesis account of creation (Genesis 1). The psalm moves from the vastness of the heavens and waters (v. 2-9) to the provision for living creatures (v. 10-12), then focuses on the land and vegetation, particularly agricultural provision for humans (v. 13-15). Verse 16 continues this theme, emphasizing God's care even for wild, non-cultivated, and extraordinarily grand vegetation. The "cedars of Lebanon" were legendary in the ancient Near East for their immense size, strength, longevity, and economic value (used for temples and palaces). By asserting that these formidable trees are "of the Lord" and "He planted" them and ensures they are "full," the psalmist attributes all power, sustenance, and wisdom not to nature's inherent power or pagan deities (like Baal, associated with rain and fertility), but exclusively to YHWH, the one true God. This provides a strong, implicit polemic against contemporary polytheistic beliefs that parceled out dominion over different aspects of nature to various gods.

Psalm 104 16 Word Analysis

• The trees: In Hebrew, עֲצֵי (ʿatzēy), the construct plural of tree or wood. Here, "the trees" broadly refers to all vegetation, specifically moving into the majestic. The genitive connection to "of the Lord" signifies divine ownership and origin.
• of the Lord: יְהוָה (YHWH), the covenant name of God, revealing Him as the active, self-existent One. This phrase "trees of the Lord" emphasizes that these are not just ordinary trees but are especially chosen or notable, directly cared for by God, highlighting their special standing and ultimate dependence on Him for their existence and vitality.
• are full of sap: יִשְׂבְּעוּ (yiśb^eʿû). This is derived from the root שׂבע (sabaʿ), meaning "to be satisfied," "to be filled," "to be satiated," or "to have abundance." The KJV's "full of sap" is an interpretation of this abundant satisfaction in the context of trees. It conveys the idea that God ensures they are deeply nourished, vibrant, and overflowing with life, not merely having some internal liquid but being robustly flourishing. It points to a deep, internal sustenance that leads to vigorous life.
• the cedars: אֶרְזֵי (ʾerzēy). Cedars (specifically Cedrus libani) are a specific type of majestic conifer. In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, they symbolized strength, majesty, endurance, beauty, and often, pride or greatness. Their mention specifies the scale of God's care, extending to the grandest and seemingly self-sufficient parts of creation.
• of Lebanon: הַלְּבָנוֹן (haL^ebānôn). Referring to the mountainous region known for its extensive and famed cedar forests. This geographical tag underscores the real, physical magnitude and reputation of these trees, making God's direct involvement in their vitality even more astounding.
• which he hath planted: אֲשֶׁר נָטָע (ʾašer nāṭaʿ). The relative pronoun "which" and the verb "planted" in the perfect tense affirm divine agency. This declaration reiterates that God is the original and continuous source of their existence and life. It is not an arbitrary natural process, but a deliberate act of divine installation and ongoing maintenance. This counters any notion of autonomous natural processes, reaffirming God's continuous sovereignty.

Words-group Analysis:

• "The trees of the Lord": This phrase imbues creation with divine ownership and purpose. These are not merely natural occurrences but God's deliberate works, objects of His personal care and glory.
• "are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon": This transition moves from a general statement of abundance to a specific, superlative example. It emphasizes that the very grandest and strongest of trees are equally and abundantly nourished by God, their famed might stemming directly from His provision. The Hebrew "satisfied" (yiśb^eʿû) applied to cedars suggests they possess an immense inner vigor and vitality directly imparted by divine sustenance.
• "which he hath planted": This reinforces the Creator's active and intimate involvement in the very origins and ongoing existence of these majestic trees. It's not just a casual observation of nature, but a theological declaration of God's direct hand.

Psalm 104 16 Bonus section

• The deliberate choice of "cedars of Lebanon" is not arbitrary. In ancient cosmology, these trees, some reaching 100-120 feet tall, were viewed with awe, symbolizing strength and rootedness. Their very flourishing and abundance testify to a power far greater than their own, underlining the "of the Lord" ownership.
• This verse poetically shows God's sustainment extending beyond humanity's direct benefit or use, embracing the broader ecosystems He has established. His care is universal, not limited to what serves humanity directly.
• The use of yiśb^eʿû (satisfied/filled) is vital; it means more than just a literal fluid. It implies being fully nourished, satiated, and brimming with life, a deeper state of wellbeing provided by God.

Psalm 104 16 Commentary

Psalm 104:16 serves as a profound testament to God's continuous and bountiful provision throughout creation. It moves beyond human agricultural efforts described previously to acknowledge God's active sustainment of wild and colossal elements of nature. The "trees of the Lord," particularly the cedars of Lebanon, are emblematic of creation's grandeur, seemingly self-sufficient in their vastness and long life. Yet, the psalmist powerfully asserts that even these titans are utterly dependent on God. The phrase "are full of sap" (or "are satisfied") powerfully conveys their vibrant health and abundance directly derived from God's inexhaustible source, rather than internal resources or environmental factors alone. God does not merely create and withdraw; He actively "waters" and "fills" His creation, demonstrating His meticulous, caring, and present sovereignty. This verse highlights that the visible vitality and majesty of nature are a direct reflection of God's invisible attributes—His immense power, boundless wisdom, and unfailing generosity—continually working in the world. It is a reminder that even the most enduring and seemingly robust parts of the created order are intimately nourished by the hand of their Maker, standing as monuments to His ceaseless activity.