Psalms 36:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:6 mean?

Psalms 36:6 describes God’s righteousness as being as solid and unmovable as great mountains, and God’s judgments as deep and mysterious like the vast ocean; it also says that God cares for and preserves both people and animals. The verse uses vivid images from nature to show how dependable and far-reaching God’s character and care are.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, reflecting on God’s qualities in contrast to human wickedness described earlier in the psalm. The verse highlights the greatness and reliability of God’s justice and goodness, and it emphasizes that God’s protection extends to all living things, not just people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:6

• "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) is often understood as God’s moral rightness or justice, suggesting a standard that is unwavering and trustworthy, much like the "great mountains" (הַרְרֵי־אֵל, harrei-el), which uses a word for "great" (אֵל, el) that can mean "mighty" or "powerful."
• "Judgments" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) refers to God’s decisions or decrees, and calling them a "great deep" (תְּהוֹם רַבָּה, tehom rabbah) paints them as vast, profound, and beyond full human understanding.
• "Preservest" (מוֹשִׁיעַ, moshia) means to save or keep safe, showing that God’s care is active and ongoing for both "man" (אָדָם, adam) and "beast" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah), stressing the wide reach of God’s protection.

Why Psalms 36:6 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that God’s justice is only for people; it specifically says God preserves both humans and animals, showing God’s care for all creation.
• The use of mountains and the deep sea as images emphasizes that God’s righteousness and judgments are both solid and beyond human grasp, inviting humility and trust.
• In the context of the psalm, this verse stands out as a turning point from describing human evil to focusing on God’s steadfast goodness, setting up the hope and praise that follow.