What does Psalm 147:6 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 147:6?

The LORD

The verse begins by naming the One who acts: “The LORD.” He is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who is eternally faithful.

Psalm 145:13 reminds us, “The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises.”

Isaiah 40:28 declares that He never grows weary, so His care is never interrupted.

Because the verse starts with Him, we know the focus is not on human ability but on divine initiative.


sustains

“To sustain” is to uphold, carry, and continually provide for. The idea is steady, ongoing support, not a one-time rescue.

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.”

Colossians 1:17 affirms that “in Him all things hold together,” underscoring His moment-by-moment involvement.

Isaiah 46:4 pictures the Lord carrying His people “even to your old age.”

The word reassures believers that God’s help is durable and personal.


the humble

The beneficiaries of this sustaining care are “the humble”—those who recognize their need and bow before God’s authority.

Proverbs 3:34 notes, “He gives grace to the humble,” and James 4:6 echoes the same promise.

Psalm 138:6 adds that “though the LORD is exalted, He regards the lowly.”

Humility here is not self-loathing but honest dependence, a posture that invites God’s gracious provision.


but

This tiny hinge word signals a decisive contrast. God’s dealings are not random; they are morally defined.

Romans 11:22 speaks of “kindness and severity” side by side.

John 3:36 shows both salvation and wrath flowing from the same righteous character.

The conjunction reminds us that divine love never cancels divine justice.


casts

The Lord “casts” in active judgment, not passive indifference. He does not merely allow consequences; He enforces them.

Psalm 9:17 warns, “The wicked will return to Sheol.”

Revelation 20:15 describes the final casting of the unrepentant into the lake of fire.

His action is deliberate, underscoring accountability.


the wicked

These are people who persist in rebellion, refusing God’s rule. Scripture consistently contrasts them with the righteous.

Psalm 1:4-6 depicts the wicked as “chaff that the wind drives away.”

Romans 1:18 states that God’s wrath is revealed “against all ungodliness.”

The label is moral, not merely social; it marks a heart set against God.


to the ground

Being cast “to the ground” pictures utter defeat and humiliation. It is the opposite of being lifted up.

Daniel 2:35 portrays opposing kingdoms crushed and blown away like dust.

Malachi 4:3 foretells the wicked becoming “ashes under the soles of your feet.”

The image assures believers that evil will not stand; God will settle every score.


summary

Psalm 147:6 draws a clear, comforting line: the same Lord who loyally lifts the lowly will decisively bring down the proud and unrepentant. His sustaining grace rests on those who confess their need, while His righteous judgment topples those who resist Him. For the humble, the verse is a promise of continual support; for the wicked, it is a solemn warning that rebellion ends in ruin.

How does Psalm 147:5 challenge modern scientific views on knowledge and power?
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