Psalm 104 32

Psalm 104:32 kjv

He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:32 nkjv

He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:32 niv

he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:32 esv

who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!

Psalm 104:32 nlt

The earth trembles at his glance;
the mountains smoke at his touch.

Psalm 104 verses

Psalm 104 32 Meaning

Psalm 104:32 vividly portrays the absolute power and majestic presence of God. When He merely "looks" upon the earth, it responds with trembling, signifying a profound upheaval or reverence. When He "touches" the mountains, the very symbols of stability and enduring strength, they react by smoking, evoking imagery of volcanic activity or the fiery manifestations of His divine presence, notably at Mount Sinai. This verse underscores God's complete sovereignty and immediate control over creation, asserting that all natural phenomena are a direct response to His will and action, compelling all of creation to acknowledge His awesome power.

Psalm 104 32 Context

Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of creation, celebrating YHWH as the glorious and meticulous architect, builder, and sustainer of the universe. It often mirrors the sequence of creation events found in Genesis 1, detailing God's acts in setting the heavens, laying the foundations of the earth, gathering the waters, providing for flora and fauna, and ordering all life. The psalm transitions from God's immense power in cosmic creation (vv. 1-9) to His ongoing, intricate providence over the natural world and its inhabitants (vv. 10-23). This verse (104:32) appears near the conclusion of this section, powerfully summarizing God's immediate and overwhelming control over the natural world, reinforcing the theme of His continuous and active sovereignty over creation. It also stands as a potent assertion against pagan beliefs common in the ancient Near East that attributed control over elements and natural phenomena to multiple, limited, or often conflicting deities, explicitly declaring YHWH alone possesses such absolute, unchallenged authority.

Psalm 104 32 Word analysis

• He looks (הַמַּבִּיט - hammabbîṭ): This is a Hiphil participle, indicating an active, causative, and sustained "looking" or "beholding." It's not a casual glance but an attentive gaze, implying deep insight, intentional observation, and potent effect. This "look" is an expression of His divine presence and authority.

• at the earth (לָאָרֶץ - lāʾāreṣ): Refers to the ground, the dry land, or metaphorically the entire planet, encompassing all that is perceived as solid and stable.

• and it trembles (וַתִּרְעַד - wattirʿaḏ): A Piel verb, indicating intense or repeated action. The verb rā'aḏ (רעֲד) signifies a violent shaking, quaking, or trembling. This reaction of the earth demonstrates its profound and involuntary response to God's mere presence or attention. It highlights God's inherent power, where even a glance from Him causes fundamental shifts.

• He touches (יִגַּע - yiggaʿ): A simple Qal imperfect verb, indicating a direct and complete action. The act of "touching" emphasizes God's immediate and intimate proximity to His creation, implying both careful crafting and powerful impact. It's an anthropomorphism conveying direct interaction.

• the mountains (בֶּהָרִים - behārîm): Mountains are typically symbols of steadfastness, permanence, and majesty in nature. Their response underlines the ultimate supremacy of God's power, as even the most immovable parts of creation are responsive to Him.

• and they smoke (וַיֶּעֱשָׁנוּ - wayyeʿĕšānû): A Piel imperfect verb. The verb ʿāshaḇ (עשׁנ) means "to smoke" or "to be smoke-filled." This evokes imagery associated with divine appearances, specifically the theophany at Mount Sinai (Exod 19:18), where God's descent caused the mountain to smoke and tremble. It signifies a tangible manifestation of God's fiery holiness, presence, and powerful might.

• He looks at the earth, and it trembles: This phrase establishes a profound cause-and-effect relationship. God's mere gaze is sufficient to elicit a powerful physical reaction from the seemingly immutable earth. This highlights His omnipotence and absolute sovereignty, where even His focused attention is enough to bring about a response of reverence or disequilibrium.

• He touches the mountains, and they smoke: This parallel structure reinforces the theme of God's immediate and transformative power. The mountains, traditionally stable and formidable, cannot withstand the direct contact of God. Their smoking symbolizes the intense heat and overwhelming presence of His holiness and glory, akin to volcanic activity or divine fiery manifestations, reiterating that no part of creation is outside His direct influence and awe-inspiring presence.

Psalm 104 32 Bonus section

The profound impact described in Psalm 104:32 — the trembling earth and smoking mountains — primarily serves to evoke worship and reverential fear (אֵמָה - eimah) toward YHWH. This trembling and smoking are not simply demonstrations of power but also often signify a divine visitation or judgment. While the psalm largely focuses on God's benevolent provision, this verse provides a crucial reminder that the same power which sustains also compels a response from all creation, sometimes even a terrifying one. It ensures that awe of God is mingled with a deep respect for His overwhelming might. The deliberate imagery harks back to foundational Israelite experiences of God, particularly the theophany at Sinai, thereby linking the daily operations of nature to the direct, historical interactions of God with His people, solidifying the idea that the Creator is the God of the Covenant.

Psalm 104 32 Commentary

Psalm 104:32 offers a succinct yet profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and majestic power over the entirety of His creation. Through anthropomorphic actions—"looks" and "touches"—the psalmist conveys God's intimate and active engagement with the world He made. The trembling of the earth and the smoking of mountains are not chaotic events but direct, controlled responses to the Divine presence. This verse functions as a powerful summary of the preceding descriptions of creation's responsiveness to God, moving from the detailed orchestration of natural elements to the ultimate reality of His overriding authority. It elicits worship by showcasing a God so mighty that His very glance and touch invoke cosmic reactions, reminding believers of His unchallenged dominion and inspiring reverence for His glory. In a practical sense, it reinforces trust in a God who commands even the fundamental forces of nature, implying His complete capacity to care for and govern all things, instilling both awe and confidence.