Psalm 104 9

Psalm 104:9 kjv

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

Psalm 104:9 nkjv

You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth.

Psalm 104:9 niv

You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.

Psalm 104:9 esv

You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.

Psalm 104:9 nlt

Then you set a firm boundary for the seas,
so they would never again cover the earth.

Psalm 104 verses

Psalm 104 9 Meaning

Psalm 104:9 declares God's absolute sovereignty and control over the vast waters of the earth. It asserts that God established a fixed and unbreakable boundary for the seas, ensuring they will never again inundate or overwhelm the dry land as happened in the ancient flood. This verse speaks of divine order, the triumph over potential chaos, and the faithfulness of God's covenantal promise to preserve the earth's inhabitants.

Psalm 104 9 Context

Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn celebrating the Lord as the glorious and benevolent Creator of all things. It deeply echoes the Genesis creation account, portraying God's wisdom, power, and sustaining care evident throughout the natural world, from the heavens to the deepest parts of the earth. Verse 9 specifically fits within the description of God establishing the physical structure and order of the earth, particularly regarding the separation and containment of the primordial waters, reminiscent of the second and third days of creation. The historical context reflects a consistent belief in ancient Israel that Yahweh, their God, was the sole Creator, not one who wrestled with chaotic deities, but who spoke and it was so. The containment of the vast waters demonstrates His absolute authority over forces that other cultures often deified or saw as unpredictable.

Psalm 104 9 Word analysis

• You set a boundary (גְּבוּל – gĕvūl): "You": Refers directly to God, the active, personal agent of creation and control, distinct from and supreme over creation itself. "set": Implies an intentional, authoritative, and permanent act. It's not a temporary barrier but an established decree. "boundary" (גְּבוּל – gĕvūl): This Hebrew term signifies a physical border, a limit, a defined territory, or an edge. It indicates an ordered demarcation, establishing fixed limits for the expanses of water. This is crucial for distinguishing dry land from water, enabling life to thrive. It implies cosmic order against chaos.
• that they may not pass (עֲבֹר – ʿăḇōr): "they": Refers to the waters, often symbolizing powerful, unpredictable, or even chaotic forces in ancient Near Eastern thought. "may not pass": Expresses the absolute and inviolable nature of God's command. The waters are divinely restrained from overstepping their allotted bounds. This highlights God's continuing maintenance of the created order and His unwavering authority over nature.
• so that they might not again cover the earth: "so that": Indicates the divine purpose behind setting the boundary. "they might not again cover": This phrase strongly alludes to the Great Flood narrative in Genesis (chapters 7-9). God had once permitted the waters to cover the earth due to humanity's wickedness, but afterward, He made a covenant never to do so again. This clause implicitly affirms the enduring nature of that post-Flood covenant, reminding humanity of God's faithfulness and commitment to preserving creation within its established order. It reflects a promise of stability and security. "the earth": The inhabited land, where humanity dwells and flourishes. Its preservation is part of God's good creation.

Psalm 104 9 Bonus section

This verse implies not just a physical barrier but a theological one, symbolizing God's active, ongoing governance of the cosmos. The "boundary" for the sea is not merely the shoreline, but the divine command that continually holds the vast and powerful waters in check. The concept of God establishing limits applies to various aspects of His creation, not just physical waters. He sets moral limits, physical laws, and even limits for evil, showcasing His overarching control. This consistency in God's character offers a profound sense of security and stability to the believer, knowing that the God who commands the ocean also oversees all circumstances. The order established in creation prefigures the order God brings to human lives through His word and Spirit.

Psalm 104 9 Commentary

Psalm 104:9 provides a powerful affirmation of God's unchallengeable sovereignty over creation. It emphasizes that the boundaries of the oceans are not a product of natural accident or chaotic forces, but the result of God's deliberate, eternal decree. The Hebrew word gĕvūl (boundary) signifies a definite and unalterable limit, stressing divine design over chance. The phrase "that they may not pass" underscores the inviolability of God's command; the mighty, potentially destructive, waters remain perfectly contained. The most profound part, "so that they might not again cover the earth," directly echoes God's covenant after the Noahic flood (Gen 9:11). This demonstrates God's sustained commitment to His creation and His faithfulness to His promises. The verse also serves as a subtle polemic against pagan creation myths, where primordial waters were chaotic, untamed deities; here, the God of Israel effortlessly commands and subdues these same waters, not through conflict but through His authoritative word. This stability guarantees a suitable environment for life to thrive, reflecting God's providential care.