For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

PSALMS 108:4KJV
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Psalms 108:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 108:4 mean?

Psalms 108:4 describes how God’s mercy is so great that it rises above the heavens, and His truth is so vast that it reaches up to the clouds. The verse uses the heights of the sky as a way to picture just how limitless God’s kindness and faithfulness are.

King David is the speaker in Psalms 108, addressing God directly in a song of praise. The setting is one of worship, where David is reflecting on God’s character and expressing awe at how far-reaching God’s mercy and truth are. The verse uses poetic language to help the reader grasp the idea that God’s love and reliability go far beyond anything people can measure or imagine.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 108:4

  • The word for “mercy” is חֶסֶד (chesed), which often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. This word points to God’s deep, covenant-keeping love that doesn’t give up.
  • The word for “great” is גָּדוֹל (gadol), meaning large or vast. Here, it emphasizes that God’s mercy is not just present, but immense—so great it stretches above the heavens.
  • The word for “heavens” is שָׁמַיִם (shamayim), which refers to the sky or the realm above the earth. Mentioning the heavens highlights the immeasurable height of God’s mercy.
  • The word for “truth” is אֱמֶת (emet), meaning faithfulness, reliability, or truth. In this context, it points to God’s dependability and trustworthiness.
  • The word for “clouds” is שַׁחַק (shachaq), which refers to the high clouds or sky. Pairing God’s truth with the clouds shows that His faithfulness reaches as high as anyone can see.

Why Psalms 108:4 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s mercy and truth are limited or only for certain people; instead, it highlights that they are boundless and available to all.
  • The poetic comparison to the heavens and clouds helps the reader understand that God’s character is beyond human measurement or understanding.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse sets the tone for praise and trust, reminding the reader why David is confident in God’s help and presence.

Where else these words appear

“clouds” Hebrew H7834 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Job 38:37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
  • Psalms 89:6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.