King James Version
Psalm 8
Breaking from the surrounding laments, Psalm 8 is a glorious hymn of praise that marvels at the grandeur of creation and human dignity. The poet contemplates the vast night sky filled with stars, wondering at the special care bestowed upon human beings who are crowned with glory and given stewardship over living creatures on land, sea, and air. Situated early in the Psalter, this psalm grounds human purpose in reverence rather than pride. The famous opening and closing refrain captures this wonder, declaring, "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
GO DEEPER
Carry this chapter with you
One personal verse every day, three layers of meaning, word studies and a place for your own reflection. Free to start.
