Psalms 104:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:20 mean?

Psalms 104:20 describes how God brings about darkness, turning day into night, which is when the animals of the forest become active and move about. The verse highlights the natural order and rhythms of creation, showing God’s control over time and the behavior of creatures.

The psalm is spoken by the psalmist, addressing God and reflecting on the wonders of creation. In this verse, the focus is on the transition from day to night and how it affects the animal world. The verse is part of a larger passage praising God for the way He has designed and sustains the natural world.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:20

• "makest" (שִׁית, shith): This word means "to set" or "to make," emphasizing that God is the one who actively brings about darkness, not just passively allowing it.
• "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh): This word refers to darkness in a literal sense, highlighting the physical change from daylight to night.
• "beasts" (חַיָּה, chayyah): This term usually means "living creature" or "animal," and here it points specifically to the wild animals that become active at night.
• "creep" (רָמַשׂ, ramas): This verb means "to move about" or "to creep," suggesting the quiet, sometimes hidden movement of animals in the darkness.

Why Psalms 104:20 matters

• Psalms 104:20 helps clarify that night is not just an absence of light but something God actively brings about as part of His design.
• The verse draws attention to the rhythms of nature and how all creatures, even those that seem hidden or mysterious, are included in God’s care and order.
• This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 104, which is a celebration of God’s wisdom and power in creating and sustaining the world, showing that every part of creation has its time and place.