Old Testament
Psalms 104:32
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse highlights the immense power and authority of God over creation.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
He looks on the earth, and it trembles; he touches the hills, and they smoke.
He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the immense power and authority of God over creation. When He gazes upon the earth, it causes the ground to shake, indicating His control over nature. The imagery of hills smoking suggests that even the most stable and enduring parts of the earth are affected by His presence. This reflects the idea that God is not distant or uninvolved; rather, He actively engages with His creation. The trembling earth and smoking hills symbolize the awe and reverence that should be directed towards God, as His mere touch can alter the very fabric of the world. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the respect He commands from all of creation, emphasizing that He is a powerful force that can bring about change and transformation in the world around us. Explore related gods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 104:32 to your life
Recognizing God's power can inspire us to trust Him more deeply in our lives. When we face challenges, remembering that He controls the earth and everything in it can provide comfort and assurance. We should respond with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging His presence in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 104:32 mean?
Psalms 104:32 emphasizes God's immense power over creation. It illustrates how His gaze can cause the earth to tremble and His touch can make hills smoke, highlighting His authority and active involvement in the world.
What is the significance of the earth trembling in Psalms 104:32?
The trembling of the earth in Psalms 104:32 signifies God's control over nature. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the respect that creation should have towards Him.
What does the phrase 'they smoke' refer to in Psalms 104:32?
The phrase 'they smoke' in Psalms 104:32 refers to the hills reacting to God's touch, symbolizing the profound impact of His presence on even the most stable aspects of creation.
How does Psalms 104:32 reflect God's authority?
Psalms 104:32 reflects God's authority by showing that His mere gaze can cause the earth to shake and hills to smoke, demonstrating His unparalleled power over all creation.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.