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◄ Psalm 8:3►

New International Version
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

New Living Translation
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—

English Standard Version
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

Berean Standard Bible
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

King James Bible
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

New King James Version
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,

New American Standard Bible
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have set in place;

NASB 1995
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

NASB 1977
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;

Legacy Standard Bible
When I see Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have established;

Amplified Bible
When I seeand consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have established,

Christian Standard Bible
When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place,

American Standard Version
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Contemporary English Version
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place.

English Revised Version
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have set in place-

Good News Translation
When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places--

International Standard Version
When I look at the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you established—

NET Bible
When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,

New Heart English Bible
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place;

Webster's Bible Translation
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

World English Bible
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For I see Your heavens, a work of Your fingers, "" [The] moon and stars that You established.

Young's Literal Translation
For I see Thy heavens, a work of Thy fingers, Moon and stars that Thou didst establish.

Smith's Literal Translation
For I shall see thy heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and the stars which thou didst prepare.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: the moon and the stars, which you have founded.

New American Bible
When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place—

New Revised Standard Version
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For thy heavens have seen the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they have seen your Heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have prepared,

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
When I behold Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast established;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For I will regard the heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and stars, which thou hast established.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

How Majestic is Your Name!
…2From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.3When I behold Your heavens,the work of Your fingers,the moon and the stars,which You have set in place—4what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 1:16
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.

Isaiah 40:26
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.

Job 9:9
He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.

Job 38:31-33
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?

Psalm 19:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Psalm 104:2
He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,

Psalm 136:7-9
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.

Jeremiah 31:35
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:

Amos 5:8
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—

Nehemiah 9:6
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.

Hebrews 1:10
And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

Hebrews 11:3
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.

Colossians 1:16
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.

John 1:3
Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

Revelation 4:11
“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.”

Treasury of Scripture

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;

When

Psalm 19:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalm 111:2
The works of the LORDare great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Job 22:12
Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

work

Psalm 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, Thisis the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

moon

Psalm 104:19
He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Psalm 136:7-9
To him that made great lights: for his mercyendureth for ever: …

Psalm 148:3
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

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Psalm 8

1.God's glory is magnified by his works, and by his love to man

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

When I behold Your heavens
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 withGenesis 1:1, where God creates the heavens and the earth, establishing His sovereignty over all creation.

the work of Your fingers
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. InExodus 31:18, the "finger of God" is also mentioned in the context of the tablets of the covenant, emphasizing divine craftsmanship and authority.

the moon and the stars
The moon and stars are part of the celestial bodies created by God, as described inGenesis 1:16. They serve as markers of time and seasons and are often associated with God's covenant promises, such as inGenesis 15:5, 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.

which You have set in place—
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 inJob 38:33, 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.

Persons / Places / Events

1.David
Traditionally attributed as the author ofPsalm 8, 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.

2.Heavens
Refers to the sky and celestial bodies, symbolizing the vastness and majesty of God's creation.

3.Moon and Stars
Specific elements of the heavens that David mentions, highlighting their beauty and the order God has established in the universe.

4.God's Fingers
A metaphorical expression indicating God's power and precision in creation, emphasizing His personal involvement and craftsmanship.

5.Creation
The act of God bringing the universe into existence, demonstrating His omnipotence and sovereignty.

Teaching Points

God's Majesty in Creation
Reflect on the vastness and beauty of the universe as a testament to God's majesty and power.

Humanity's Place in Creation
Consider our smallness in comparison to the universe, yet recognize our unique value and purpose as part of God's creation.

The Precision of God's Work
Appreciate the order and precision in creation, which reflects God's wisdom and intentionality.

Worship Through Observation
Use the observation of nature as an opportunity to worship and praise God for His creative work.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's control and order in the universe, which extends to His care and plan for our lives.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Psalm 8:3?

2.How does Psalm 8:3 inspire awe for God's creation in your life?

3.What does Psalm 8:3 reveal about God's power and majesty?

4.How can Psalm 8:3 deepen your understanding of God's role as Creator?

5.Connect Psalm 8:3 with Genesis 1:16 on God's creation of celestial bodies.

6.How can you incorporate the wonder of God's creation into daily worship?

7.How does Psalm 8:3 reflect the relationship between God and the universe?

8.What does Psalm 8:3 suggest about God's power in creation?

9.How does Psalm 8:3 influence our understanding of human significance in the universe?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 8?

11.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?

12.How can we pursue excellence in all we do?

13.Is the psalm’s portrayal of humanity’s exalted status historically reliable, given challenges from archaeology and evolutionary biology regarding our origins and development?

14.What are the key themes of the Book of Psalms?

What Does Psalm 8:3 Mean

When I behold Your heavens

- David is outside, looking up. His first impulse is to “behold”—to pause, contemplate, and take it all in. Creation itself becomes a living sermon (Psalm 19:1), calling him to worship.

- The very act of lifting his eyes reminds us that truth begins with observation, not speculation. God invites us to see what He has made and draw the obvious conclusion (Romans 1:20).

- The word “Your” keeps ownership clear: the skies are not random; they belong to the Lord who “stretches out the heavens like a tent” (Isaiah 40:22).

- Practical takeaway: Make time to look up. A few quiet minutes under the night sky can reset the heart more effectively than hours of scrolling.

the work of Your fingers

- “Fingers” pictures delicate, intentional artistry. God is no distant clock-maker; He is an involved Craftsman, shaping galaxies with the same care He used to form Adam from dust (Genesis 2:7).

-Job 38:4-7 echoes this handiwork when the Lord asks, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” The implied answer: we were nowhere, yet He still chose to invite us into His finished masterpiece.

- For the believer, this phrase eliminates any notion of chance.Hebrews 11:3 states, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,” underscoring intelligent design, not evolutionary accident.

- Application: If God’s fingers fashioned the cosmos, those same fingers can guide a life, heal a heart, and sustain a family (Isaiah 41:13).

the moon and the stars

- David singles out two night-time witnesses. The moon governs the night, marking seasons and tides (Genesis 1:16), while the stars fill the sky with uncountable testimony (Jeremiah 33:22).

- Their predictability—phases of the moon, fixed paths of the constellations—speaks of covenant faithfulness. Just as God keeps celestial order, He keeps His promises (Genesis 8:22).

- Think of Abraham, told to “count the stars” as a picture of his future offspring (Genesis 15:5). The same lights that inspired David once fueled Abraham’s faith, and they still preach hope to us.

- Quick reflection: Every time the moon rises or a star flickers, you are seeing the ancient, ongoing confirmation that God remembers His people.

which You have set in place—

- “Set in place” stresses permanence and authority. Planets do not drift aimlessly; God fixed their courses (Job 38:31-33).

-Colossians 1:17 reminds us, “in Him all things hold together,” tying New Testament truth to David’s observation: the Messiah sustains what the Father set.

- The stability of the heavens contrasts with human frailty. Kings rise and fall, but the night sky remains anchored by the word of the Lord (Psalm 119:89-91).

- Personal comfort: If He can hold galaxies in orbit, He can certainly hold you (John 10:28-29).

summary

Psalm 8:3 invites us to stop, look up, and recognize the heavens as God’s personal canvas. Each phrase layers the truth: we behold, He creates; we marvel, He sustains. The moon, the stars, and every distant nebula proclaim a God who is powerful yet purposeful, majestic yet meticulous. Let that nightly spectacle reinforce your trust—because the One who set the universe in place is the same One who lovingly orders every detail of your life.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3)When I consider.--Literally,see, scan.

Ordained.--Or, as in margin,founded--i.e., created, formed;but the English word aptly introduces the idea oforderin thekosmos.Comp.:--

"Know the cause why music was ordained?

--SHAKESPEARE.

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.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. -When I consider thy heavens (comp.Psalm 19:1;Psalm 33:6;Psalm 104:2). 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."The work of thy fingers; and therefore "thy heavens." Often as the "hand of God" is mentioned in Scripture, it is but very rarely that we hear of his "finger" or "fingers." So far as I am aware, the only places areExodus 8:19;Exodus 31:18;Deuteronomy 9:10; andLuke 11:20.The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained (comp.Genesis 1:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

I behold
אֶרְאֶ֣ה(’er·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To see

Your heavens,
שָׁ֭מֶיךָ(me·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8064:Heaven, sky

the work
מַעֲשֵׂ֣י(ma·‘ă·śê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

of Your fingers,
אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑יךָ(’eṣ·bə·‘ō·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 676:Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe

the moon
יָרֵ֥חַ(yā·rê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3394:The moon

and the stars,
וְ֝כוֹכָבִ֗ים(wə·ḵō·w·ḵā·ḇîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3556:A star, a prince

which
אֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

You set in place—
כּוֹנָֽנְתָּה׃(kō·w·nā·nə·tāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3559:To be erect

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OT Poetry: Psalm 8:3 When I consider your heavens the work (Psalm Ps Psa.)