The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

PSALMS 104:16KJV
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Psalms 104:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:16 mean?

Psalms 104:16 describes how the trees that belong to the LORD are healthy and thriving, especially the famous cedars of Lebanon, which God himself has planted. The verse highlights God's care and provision for creation, showing that even the mightiest trees owe their strength and abundance to Him.

The psalm is a song of praise, with the writer (traditionally understood as David) speaking to God and reflecting on the wonders of the natural world. In this verse, the focus is on the trees, especially the cedars of Lebanon, which were well-known in the ancient world for their size and strength. The verse fits into a larger section describing how God provides for all living things, emphasizing that the natural world flourishes because of God's ongoing involvement.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:16

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to show that the trees belong to the one true God, not just to nature in general.
  • full (שָׂבֵעַ, savea): This word means "satisfied" or "filled to abundance." The verse is not just saying the trees are alive, but that they are overflowing with life and vitality.
  • cedars (אֶרֶז, erez): These are the famous cedar trees of Lebanon, known for their height, strength, and usefulness in building. Mentioning them highlights the grandeur of God's creation.
  • planted (נָטַע, nata): This verb means "to plant," making it clear that God is the one who established these trees, not human hands or chance.

Why Psalms 104:16 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that nature thrives on its own; it emphasizes that God is the active source behind the flourishing of even the greatest trees.
  • By naming the cedars of Lebanon, the verse connects to other parts of the Bible where these trees symbolize strength, stability, and blessing, deepening the sense of God's power and generosity.
  • The verse fits into the psalm’s larger theme of God’s ongoing care for creation, reminding readers that the natural world is not self-sustaining but depends on God’s continual provision.

Where else these words appear

“planted” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

“Lebanon” Hebrew H3844 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“cedars” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
  • Psalms 148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

“full” Hebrew H7646 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
  • Psalms 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.