Psalm 19:4–6

19:4 Yet its voice6 echoes7 throughout the earth;

its8 words carry9 to the distant horizon.10

In the sky11 he has pitched a tent for the sun.12

19:5 Like a bridegroom it emerges13 from its chamber;14

like a strong man it enjoys15 running its course.16

19:6 It emerges from the distant horizon,17

and goes from one end of the sky to the other;18

nothing can escape19 its heat.

Sign up for the Verse of the Day

Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. We’ll send you a new verse every day to download or share.

6	tc The MT reads, “their measuring line” (קוּם, qum). The noun קַו (qav, “measuring line”) makes no sense in this context. The reading קוֹלָם (qolam, “their voice”) which is supported by the LXX, is preferable.
7	tn Heb “goes out,” or “proceeds forth.”
8	tn Heb “their” (see the note on the word “its” in v. 3).
9	tn The verb is supplied in the translation. The Hebrew text has no verb; יָצָא (yatsa’, “goes out”) is understood by ellipsis.
10	tn Heb “to the end of the world.”
11	tn Heb “in them” (i.e., the heavens).
12	sn He has pitched a tent for the sun. The personified sun emerges from this “tent” in order to make its daytime journey across the sky. So the “tent” must refer metaphorically to the place where the sun goes to rest during the night.
13	tn The participle expresses the repeated or regular nature of the action.
14	tn The Hebrew noun חֻפָּה (khufah, “chamber”) occurs elsewhere only in Isa 4:5 and Joel 2:16 (where it refers to the bedroom of a bride and groom). sn Like a bridegroom. The metaphor likens the sun to a bridegroom who rejoices on his wedding night.
15	tn The imperfect verbal form draws attention to the regularity of the action.
16	tn Heb “[on] a path.” sn Like a strong man. The metaphorical language reflects the brilliance of the sunrise, which attests to the sun’s vigor.
17	tn Heb “from the end of the heavens [is] its going forth.”
18	tn Heb “and its circuit [is] to their ends.”
19	tn Heb “is hidden from.”