Psalms 104:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:23 mean?

Psalms 104:23 describes how people go out to do their daily work and labor, continuing until the evening. The verse simply notes the regular rhythm of human life, where work fills the day from morning until nightfall.

In this psalm, the writer is reflecting on the order and patterns God has set in creation. The verse sits within a larger song of praise that describes how God provides for all living things, including humans. By mentioning people going out to work, the psalmist connects human activity to the wider world that God sustains and organizes.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:23

• Man (אָדָם, ’adam): This word refers to humankind in general, not just a single person. It emphasizes the everyday experience shared by all people.
• Work (פֹּעַל, po‘al): This word means productive activity or occupation. It highlights the idea of purposeful effort, not just busywork.
• Labour (עֲבֹדָה, ‘avodah): This word often refers to service or toil, sometimes with the sense of hard or sustained effort. It adds a sense of persistence and endurance to the daily routine.
• Evening (עָרֶב, ‘erev): This word marks the end of the day, showing the natural boundary for daily work and rest.

Why Psalms 104:23 matters

• This verse shows that ordinary human work is part of the natural order God has established, connecting daily routines to the broader creation.
• The mention of both "work" and "labour" suggests that human effort is valued, but also acknowledges the reality of hard toil.
• By placing human activity alongside descriptions of animals and nature, the psalmist reminds readers that people are one part of the world God cares for and provides for.