Psalm 75 3

Psalm 75:3 kjv

The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

Psalm 75:3 nkjv

The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly. Selah

Psalm 75:3 niv

When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.

Psalm 75:3 esv

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah

Psalm 75:3 nlt

When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude

Psalm 75 verses

Psalm 75 3 Meaning

Psalm 75:3 declares God's absolute sovereignty and control over creation and human affairs. When the world seems to be collapsing into chaos, and its inhabitants are filled with despair or disorder, God steps in to reaffirm His foundational order. He alone possesses the power to uphold the stability of the cosmos and the moral structure of society, preventing total dissolution. This verse is a powerful assertion that even in times of global instability or moral decay, divine governance is the ultimate anchor.

Psalm 75 3 Context

Psalm 75 is an "Asaph" psalm, likely a congregational or royal psalm intended for liturgical use in Israel. It falls into the category of psalms dealing with God's kingship and righteous judgment. The broader context of Psalm 75 emphasizes that God is the supreme Judge who decides when to act (v. 2) and establishes or brings low rulers (vv. 6-7). Verse 3 comes after the Psalmist declares that he will judge justly at the appointed time. This implies a situation where human leaders might be failing or chaos is threatening, prompting a prayer for God's intervention. The historical setting is one where Israel might have been facing internal disorder, moral decline, or threats from foreign powers, making the affirmation of God's steadfast rule particularly crucial for hope and stability.

Psalm 75 3 Word analysis

• "The earth" (אֶרֶץ - 'erets): This Hebrew word broadly refers to the land, the whole planet, or humanity inhabiting it. Here, it denotes the entire created order, including both its physical structure and the societies dwelling upon it. The image suggests a universal scope of collapse.

• "and all its inhabitants" (וְכָל־יֹשְׁבֶיהָ - ve-khol-yosheveha): This phrase underscores that the instability is not limited to the physical realm but extends to humanity itself – their moral fabric, social structures, and very well-being. It can imply a state of panic, moral decay, or governmental breakdown.

• "are dissolving" (נְמֹגִים - nemogim): From the root מוּג (mug), meaning to melt, waver, decay, faint, or utterly waste away. It evokes a vivid picture of disintegration and loss of cohesion. It signifies a profound sense of collapse, akin to wax melting or a substance falling apart under pressure, reflecting both physical and societal ruin or a spirit of despair.

• "I" (אָנֹכִי - 'anokhi): This is the emphatic first-person singular pronoun for "I" in Hebrew, making God's intervention deeply personal and authoritative. It stresses that He, and He alone, is the source of true stability. It highlights His unique and sovereign agency.

• "set firm" / "establish" (תִכַּנְתִּי - tikkanti): From the root כּוּן (kun), meaning to make firm, establish, prepare, or render stable. This verb directly contrasts the previous verb "dissolving." It indicates an act of restoration and order-keeping. God does not just prevent collapse, but actively ensures foundational stability.

• "its pillars" (עַמּוּדֶיהָ - ammudeya): Literally "its pillars." In ancient cosmologies, the earth was often conceived as resting on pillars or foundations (e.g., Job 9:6). Metaphorically, these represent the underlying order, principles, and divine laws (both natural and moral) that uphold creation and society. It implies that these are not physical pillars, but rather the very framework of divine decree and righteous governance that prevent chaos.

• "Selah" (סֶלָה - Selah): A word of uncertain etymology, likely a musical or liturgical direction. It signifies a pause, an emphasis for reflection, or an instruction for instrumental interlude. In this context, it calls the reader to ponder the weighty truth of God's unshakeable sovereignty amidst universal instability.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolving": This paints a dire picture of cosmic and societal collapse, where stability and order seem lost. It represents humanity's despair or inability to maintain order.
  • "I set its pillars firm": This phrase introduces the divine solution to the pervasive chaos. The emphatic "I" demonstrates God's decisive and singular action to restore and maintain the foundational order, asserting His sovereign power against the forces of dissolution.
  • Juxtaposition: The verse creates a sharp contrast between universal breakdown and singular divine re-establishment, highlighting God as the only dependable source of stability in an otherwise disintegrating world.

Psalm 75 3 Bonus section

The metaphor of the earth's "pillars" is common in ancient Near Eastern cosmology and biblical poetry (e.g., 1 Sam 2:8; Job 9:6). It’s not meant to be a literal scientific description, but a poetic expression of foundational stability. This verse reinforces the concept of immanence, where God is actively involved in sustaining creation, not merely initiating it. The assertion "I set its pillars firm" implies both God's preserving grace and His imminent judgment which, paradoxically, re-establishes justice. The declaration connects deeply with the recurring biblical theme of God bringing order out of chaos, seen from the very first chapters of Genesis (Gen 1:2) to the promise of a new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1). It highlights divine control over cosmic governance, which is a facet of God’s holiness and omnipotence.

Psalm 75 3 Commentary

Psalm 75:3 serves as a profound theological anchor, especially potent in times of uncertainty. When humanity experiences perceived societal, moral, or even physical cosmic breakdown, feeling as though the very foundations are giving way, this verse boldly declares God’s enduring control. The imagery of the earth's "pillars" speaks not just to physical support, but also to the spiritual, moral, and governmental underpinnings of existence, which only God can truly maintain. He allows dissolution to occur up to a point, often as a judgment or a refining process, but ultimately He is the one who steps in to prevent total ruin, re-establishing His righteous order. This truth offers immense comfort, assuring that ultimate chaos will never prevail as long as the Sovereign Lord holds the reins. It calls believers to trust in His unfailing providence, knowing that even amidst apparent global unraveling, His cosmic plan remains fixed. For practical usage, this verse can bring reassurance in times of political turmoil, economic crises, or widespread moral decay, reminding us that God is actively in control and upholds the fabric of reality.