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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 8:3 When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/8-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_008_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 8:3 - How Majestic is Your Name!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place--" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/8-2.htm" title="Psalm 8:2">◄</a> Psalm 8:3 <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm" title="Psalm 8:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have set in place;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When I see Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have established;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When I see <i>and</i> consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have established,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have set in place-<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I look at the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you established—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For I see Your heavens, a work of Your fingers, "" [The] moon and stars that You established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For I see Thy heavens, a work of Thy fingers, Moon and stars that Thou didst establish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I shall see thy heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and the stars which thou didst prepare.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 8:4>For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: the moon and the stars, which you have founded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For thy heavens have seen the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they have seen your Heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have prepared,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When I behold Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast established;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I will regard the heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and stars, which thou hast established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/8-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=616" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/8.htm">How Majestic is Your Name!</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I behold</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: me·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">Your heavens,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śê (N-mpc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/676.htm" title="676: ’eṣ·bə·‘ō·ṯe·ḵā (N-fpc:: 2ms) -- A finger. From the same as tseba'; something to sieze with, i.e. A finger; by analogy, a toe.">of Your fingers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3394.htm" title="3394: yā·rê·aḥ (N-ms) -- Moon. From the same as yerach; the moon.">the moon</a> <a href="/hebrew/3556.htm" title="3556: wə·ḵō·w·ḵā·ḇîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A star. Probably from the same as Kabbown or kavah; a star; figuratively, a prince.">and the stars,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">which</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: kō·w·nā·nə·tāh (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">You have set in place—</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Genesis 1:16</a></span><br />God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Isaiah 40:26</a></span><br />Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-9.htm">Job 9:9</a></span><br />He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-31.htm">Job 38:31-33</a></span><br />Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? / Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear and her cubs? / Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-1.htm">Psalm 19:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-2.htm">Psalm 104:2</a></span><br />He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/136-7.htm">Psalm 136:7-9</a></span><br />He made the great lights—His loving devotion endures forever. / the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever. / the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-35.htm">Jeremiah 31:35</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-8.htm">Amos 5:8</a></span><br />He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth—the LORD is His name—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Nehemiah 9:6</a></span><br />You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-10.htm">Hebrews 1:10</a></span><br />And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3</a></span><br />By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a></span><br />Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-11.htm">Revelation 4:11</a></span><br />“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;</p><p class="hdg">When</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-1.htm">Psalm 19:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-2.htm">Psalm 111:2</a></b></br> The works of the LORD <i>are</i> great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-12.htm">Job 22:12</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!</p><p class="hdg">work</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-6.htm">Psalm 33:6</a></b></br> By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a></b></br> In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19</a></b></br> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This <i>is</i> the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.</p><p class="hdg">moon</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/104-19.htm">Psalm 104:19</a></b></br> He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/136-7.htm">Psalm 136:7-9</a></b></br> To him that made great lights: for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/148-3.htm">Psalm 148:3</a></b></br> Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/5-1.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/psalms/8-2.htm">Established</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-6.htm">Fingers</a> <a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/31-26.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/psalms/8-2.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/job/40-12.htm">Places</a> <a href="/job/38-7.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/job/39-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/9-13.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/24-2.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Fingers</a> <a href="/psalms/8-8.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/72-5.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/psalms/9-6.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/136-9.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/psalms/9-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">God's glory is magnified by his works, and by his love to man</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When I behold Your heavens</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's awe and wonder at the vastness and beauty of the heavens. The heavens are often seen as a testament to God's majesty and power. In biblical context, the heavens are considered the realm of God, a place of divine order and authority. The act of beholding suggests contemplation and recognition of God's creation. This aligns with <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, where God creates the heavens and the earth, establishing His sovereignty over all creation.<p><b>the work of Your fingers</b><br>The use of "fingers" anthropomorphizes God, attributing human characteristics to Him to convey the intimacy and care involved in creation. This imagery suggests precision and artistry, indicating that the universe is not a product of random chance but of deliberate design. In <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18</a>, the "finger of God" is also mentioned in the context of the tablets of the covenant, emphasizing divine craftsmanship and authority.<p><b>the moon and the stars</b><br>The moon and stars are part of the celestial bodies created by God, as described in <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Genesis 1:16</a>. They serve as markers of time and seasons and are often associated with God's covenant promises, such as in <a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a>, where God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars. The regularity and order of these celestial bodies reflect God's faithfulness and unchanging nature.<p><b>which You have set in place—</b><br>This phrase underscores God's sovereignty and control over the universe. The setting in place of the moon and stars indicates intentionality and purpose. It suggests that everything in creation has its appointed place and function, as seen in <a href="/job/38-33.htm">Job 38:33</a>, where God questions Job about the ordinances of the heavens. This also points to the stability and reliability of God's creation, which is a reflection of His eternal nature.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/8.htm">Psalm 8</a>, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He often reflected on God's creation in his writings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>Refers to the sky and celestial bodies, symbolizing the vastness and majesty of God's creation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moon_and_stars.htm">Moon and Stars</a></b><br>Specific elements of the heavens that David mentions, highlighting their beauty and the order God has established in the universe.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_fingers.htm">God's Fingers</a></b><br>A metaphorical expression indicating God's power and precision in creation, emphasizing His personal involvement and craftsmanship.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>The act of God bringing the universe into existence, demonstrating His omnipotence and sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_majesty_in_creation.htm">God's Majesty in Creation</a></b><br>Reflect on the vastness and beauty of the universe as a testament to God's majesty and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humanity's_place_in_creation.htm">Humanity's Place in Creation</a></b><br>Consider our smallness in comparison to the universe, yet recognize our unique value and purpose as part of God's creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_precision_of_god's_work.htm">The Precision of God's Work</a></b><br>Appreciate the order and precision in creation, which reflects God's wisdom and intentionality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_through_observation.htm">Worship Through Observation</a></b><br>Use the observation of nature as an opportunity to worship and praise God for His creative work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust in God's control and order in the universe, which extends to His care and plan for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_8_3-4_align_with_cosmology.htm">How can Psalm 8:3–4 claim the heavens as God’s handiwork when modern cosmology suggests a universe formed through natural processes over billions of years? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_excel_in_everything_we_do.htm">How can we pursue excellence in all we do?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_psalm's_view_of_humanity_accurate.htm">Is the psalm’s portrayal of humanity’s exalted status historically reliable, given challenges from archaeology and evolutionary biology regarding our origins and development? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_themes_of_psalms.htm">What are the key themes of the Book of Psalms?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">When I consider.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">see, scan.</span><p><span class= "bld">Ordained.</span>--Or, as in margin, <span class= "ital">founded</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., created, formed; </span>but the English word aptly introduces the idea of <span class= "ital">order </span>in the <span class= "ital">kosmos. </span>Comp.:--<p>"Know the cause why music was ordained?<p>--SHAKESPEARE.<p>In our humid climate we can hardly imagine the brilliance of an Eastern night. "There," writes one of a night in Palestine, "it seems so, bearing down upon our heads with power are the steadfast splendours of that midnight sky;" but, on the other hand, the fuller revelations of astronomy do more than supply the place of this splendour, in filling us with amazement and admiration at the vast spaces the stars fill, and their mighty movements in their measured orbits.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When I consider thy heavens</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/19-1.htm">Psalm 19:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-6.htm">Psalm 33:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-2.htm">Psalm 104:2</a>). David, in his shepherd-life, had had abundant opportunity of "considering the heavens," and had evidently scanned them with the eye of a poet and an intense admirer of nature. It is probably in remembrance of the nights when he watched his father's flock, that he makes no mention of the sun, but only of "the moon and the stars." <span class="cmt_word">The work of thy fingers</span>; and therefore "thy heavens." Often as the "hand of God" is mentioned in Scripture, it is but very rarely that we hear of his "<span class="accented">finger"</span> or "<span class="accented">fingers."</span> So far as I am aware, the only places are <a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19</a>; <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/9-10.htm">Deuteronomy 9:10</a>; and <a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a>. <span class="cmt_word">The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained</span> (comp. <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Genesis 1:16</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/8-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I behold</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶרְאֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’er·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your heavens,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֭מֶיךָ</span> <span class="translit">(me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the work</span><br /><span class="heb">מַעֲשֵׂ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> </span><span class="str2">An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Your fingers,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’eṣ·bə·‘ō·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_676.htm">Strong's 676: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the moon</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵ֥חַ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3394.htm">Strong's 3394: </a> </span><span class="str2">The moon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the stars,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝כוֹכָבִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵō·w·ḵā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3556.htm">Strong's 3556: </a> </span><span class="str2">A star, a prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You set in place—</span><br /><span class="heb">כּוֹנָֽנְתָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(kō·w·nā·nə·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/8-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 8:3 When I consider your heavens the work (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/8-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 8:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 8:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/8-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 8:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 8:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>