He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

PSALMS 147:15KJV
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Psalms 147:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 147:15 mean?

Psalms 147:15 says that God sends out His command across the earth, and His word moves quickly to accomplish what He intends. The verse highlights how God’s instructions are not slow or limited—they reach everywhere and act without delay.

This psalm is a song of praise, likely written after the return from exile, celebrating God’s power and care for His people. Here, the psalmist is speaking to the gathered community, emphasizing that God’s authority is not just local but stretches over the whole world, and that nothing can hinder what God decides to do.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 147:15

  • "Commandment" (מִצְוָה, mitsvah, H565) here refers to God’s authoritative order or instruction. It is not just a suggestion but something that must be carried out, showing God’s control over creation.
  • "Word" (דָּבָר, davar, H1697) often means more than just speech; it can mean a purposeful message or decree. In this context, it stresses that God’s spoken will is powerful and effective.
  • "Runneth" (רוּץ, ruts, H7323) gives the sense of speed and urgency. God’s word is pictured as running swiftly, not delayed or hindered by obstacles.
  • "Swiftly" (מְהֵרָה, meherah, H4120) adds emphasis to the speed, underlining that God’s actions happen without hesitation or slowness.

Why Psalms 147:15 matters

  • This verse corrects any idea that God’s actions are slow or limited by distance; it stresses that God’s will is effective everywhere and immediately.
  • The verse fits into the wider psalm, which praises God for both His universal power and His personal care for Israel, showing that God’s greatness benefits all creation.
  • It highlights the reliability of God’s promises—what God says will happen, happens quickly and surely, which would have reassured people who had experienced delay or hardship.

Where else these words appear

“swiftly” Hebrew H4120 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
  • 1 Samuel 20:38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
  • Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

“commandment” Hebrew H565 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
  • Psalms 119:154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

“runneth” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.