The Meaning of Psalms 89:37 Explained

Psalms 89:37

KJV: It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

YLT: As the moon it is established -- to the age, And the witness in the sky is stedfast. Selah.

Darby: It shall be established for ever as the moon, and the witness in the sky is firm. Selah.

ASV: It shall be established for ever as the moon, And as the faithful witness in the sky. Selah

KJV Reverse Interlinear

It shall be established  for ever  as the moon,  and [as] a faithful  witness  in heaven.  Selah. 

What does Psalms 89:37 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalms 89:19-37 - The Covenant With David
In this section the psalmist draws put, in detail, the fundamental prophecy by Nathan already mentioned; first, in the promises given to David, Psalms 89:19-27; and second, in those relating to his descendants, Psalms 89:28-37.
David's origin was very humble. His dignity and power were all of God. But our Father never sets a man in any position and fails to supply the gifts needed for it. When He chooses, He anoints, strengthens, and protects. Victory also is granted over the man's enemies, because God's faithfulness and mercy are beside him, Psalms 89:24. The relationship between the soul and God is very intimate; on the one hand you have Psalms 89:26; and on the other Psalms 89:27.
What a precious promise is Psalms 89:28! From this point the psalmist turns to expand the promises to David's line. They may be chastened, but not permanently rejected. In Psalms 89:33 the twin attributes of mercy and faithfulness are again blended as the ground of hope of sinful and unworthy men. God's word, once spoken, is inviolable. He is bound by His oath. Sin cannot alter His promise or the obligations under which He has laid Himself. His unchangeableness is a bed-rock upon which we may build with certitude. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 89

1  The psalmist praises God for his covenant
5  For his wonderful power
15  For the care of his church
19  For his favor to the kingdom of David
38  Then complaining of contrary events
46  He expostulates, prays, and blesses God

What do the individual words in Psalms 89:37 mean?

Like the moon it shall be established forever and Even [like] the witness in the sky faithful Selah
כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה

כְּ֭יָרֵחַ  Like  the  moon 
Parse: Preposition-k, Noun, masculine singular
Root: יָרֵחַ  
Sense: moon.
יִכּ֣וֹן  it  shall  be  established 
Parse: Verb, Nifal, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: כּוּן 
Sense: to be firm, be stable, be established.
עוֹלָ֑ם  forever 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: עֹולָם  
Sense: long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world.
וְעֵ֥ד  and  Even  [like]  the  witness 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, masculine singular
Root: עֵד  
Sense: witness.
בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק  in  the  sky 
Parse: Preposition-b, Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: שַׁחַק  
Sense: dust, cloud.
נֶאֱמָ֥ן  faithful 
Parse: Verb, Nifal, Participle, masculine singular
Root: אָמַן 
Sense: to support, confirm, be faithful.
סֶֽלָה  Selah 
Parse: Interjection
Root: סֶלָה  
Sense: to lift up, exalt.