Psalm 33 5

Psalm 33:5 kjv

He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Psalm 33:5 nkjv

He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Psalm 33:5 niv

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Psalm 33:5 esv

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

Psalm 33:5 nlt

He loves whatever is just and good;
the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.

Psalm 33 verses

Psalm 33 5 Meaning

Psalm 33:5 reveals God’s inherent nature as one who loves and upholds righteousness and justice. It then declares that this divine character is not hidden but actively fills the entire earth, primarily through His unwavering and covenantal steadfast love, often called hesed. It emphasizes that the very fabric of creation testifies to His morally perfect reign and compassionate presence.

Psalm 33 5 Context

Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise and trust in God, specifically extolling Him as the Sovereign Creator and Lord of history. It follows Psalm 32, which celebrates God's forgiveness, setting the stage for communal worship that extols divine attributes. Chapter 33 moves from calling the righteous to rejoice in God (v. 1) to recounting His mighty acts in creation by His word (vv. 6-9) and His sovereign control over nations and their plans (vv. 10-12). Verse 5, therefore, serves as a theological anchor within this song, stating the unchanging character that underlies His creative power and His providential rule. This declaration of God's nature would have provided great comfort and assurance to ancient Israel, contrasting with the fickle and often immoral deities of surrounding nations and the instability of human kingdoms. It underscores that the LORD operates consistently according to His own perfect standards and unfailing love, upon which the created order and all of human existence ultimately depend.

Psalm 33 5 Word Analysis

• He loves (אָהֵב - ʾahev): This Hebrew verb signifies deep affection, delight, and commitment, not merely a preference. It indicates God's essential being is oriented towards these qualities. His love is active and volitional.

• righteousness (צְדָקָה - tsedakah): This refers to conformity to a divine standard, integrity, uprightness in action and character. It is often understood in terms of fulfilling covenant obligations and acting justly, especially towards those in need. It encompasses God's ethical perfection.

• and justice (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): This term denotes God's governance, His judgments, decrees, and the execution of righteousness. It specifically implies active equity and the correction of wrong, often involving legal or governmental fairness, particularly the defense of the vulnerable. It's the practical application of tsedakah.

• the earth (אֶרֶץ - ʾerets): Can refer to the physical land, the country (Israel), or the whole globe, the inhabited world. In this context, it broadly signifies the entire created realm, emphasizing the cosmic scope of God’s influence.

• is full (מָלֵא - male'): Conveys an overflowing abundance, saturation. It implies a visible, pervasive presence, not merely a scattered few instances. The earth is not merely touched by God’s love but immersed in it.

• of the steadfast love (חֶסֶד - ḥesed): This is a pivotal Hebrew concept, often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty, or covenant faithfulness. It describes a deep, loyal, and committed love, especially within a relationship (like a covenant). God’s hesed is consistent, unfailing, and extends perpetually to those with whom He is in covenant and also universally in His general providence.

• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal, covenantal name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and promise-keeping God. It is His particular name used when expressing His deep commitment and relationship.

• He loves righteousness and justice: This phrase speaks to the intrinsic nature of God. Righteousness is His character, and justice is the outflow of that character into action within His dominion. This divine attribute is not arbitrary but essential to who God is, distinguishing Him sharply from human rulers who often rule capriciously or unjustly. It presents a divine blueprint for moral order in creation.

• the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD: This declaration moves from God's internal character to its outward, observable manifestation. Because God is righteous and just, His hesed pervades creation. This "fullness" is seen in His creative acts, His providential care for all living things, His patience, and His ongoing faithfulness, even amidst human rebellion. It speaks to the goodness and order woven into the fabric of the universe as a direct result of His unwavering loyalty and benevolent care.

Psalm 33 5 Bonus Section

The linkage between God's tsedakah and mishpat (righteousness and justice) and His ḥesed (steadfast love) is crucial. In biblical thought, these attributes are not separate but interconnected. God's righteousness determines what is right, His justice executes it, and His hesed is the motivation and expression of these actions, particularly in His covenantal dealings with humanity. His justice is not a cold, impartial law, but one permeated by His unfailing love. Conversely, His love is not a sentimentality that disregards moral order, but is exercised in accordance with His perfect righteousness and justice. This ensures that God’s actions, whether in creation, judgment, or redemption, are always morally pure and faithfully loving. The pervasive "fullness" of His hesed speaks to the active and encompassing nature of God's benevolent rule, influencing not just spiritual matters but the very order and preservation of the physical world. This implies a world ultimately under the dominion of a benevolent and just King, rather than arbitrary forces or uncaring deities.

Psalm 33 5 Commentary

Psalm 33:5 presents a profound truth about God's nature and His interaction with His creation. The verse seamlessly links God’s moral essence – His deep affection for and adherence to righteousness and justice – with the visible expression of His unfailing love across the entire world. His love for righteousness (tsedakah) means He aligns Himself perfectly with what is morally right, acting in absolute integrity. His love for justice (mishpat) means He actively brings about this righteousness in His rule, correcting wrongs, establishing equity, and championing fairness, particularly for the vulnerable. These are not merely abstract concepts; they are the bedrock of His throne (Ps 89:14; 97:2).

The second part of the verse declares that this very divine character, expressed primarily through His hesed – His loyal, committed, and benevolent love – saturates the whole earth. This isn't just about general goodness; it's about the pervasive evidence of God's active, faithful presence that maintains and sustains creation. It means that the intricate design of the universe, the rhythm of seasons, the sustenance of life, and even the existence of moral conscience among humans are all manifestations of His hesed. It serves as a reminder that even when circumstances appear difficult, God's essential character of love, righteousness, and justice continues to permeate the world. This understanding inspires trust, recognizing that ultimate governance is rooted in unwavering divine goodness.Practical Usage:

• Cultivates trust in God's perfect governance, even in chaotic times.
• Encourages believers to emulate God's love for righteousness and justice in their own lives.
• Reminds us that God’s steadfast love is abundant and not conditional on our fluctuating merit.