Old Testament
Psalms 136:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To him who by wisdom made the heavens — for his mercy endures forever.
Compare translations
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
What Psalms 136:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the wisdom of God in creating the heavens, emphasizing that His creation is not random but intentional and thoughtful. The phrase 'for his mercy endures forever' serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and kindness towards humanity. The heavens, which include the stars, planets, and the vast universe, reflect God's greatness and power. This verse encourages believers to recognize the beauty and complexity of creation as a testament to God's wisdom. It also reassures them of His everlasting mercy, suggesting that no matter the circumstances, God's love remains constant and unwavering. This dual focus on wisdom and mercy invites reflection on how these attributes of God can inspire trust and gratitude in our lives. By acknowledging God's role as the wise creator, we can find comfort in His mercy, knowing that He cares for us and is always present in our lives, guiding us with His wisdom.
How to apply Psalms 136:5 to your life
In our daily lives, we can reflect on the beauty of creation and recognize God's wisdom in the world around us. This awareness can inspire gratitude and trust in His mercy. When facing challenges, remember that God's love is constant, encouraging us to rely on His guidance and support.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 136:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 136:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 136:5 mean?
Psalms 136:5 emphasizes God's wisdom in creating the heavens, highlighting that His creation is intentional and reflects His greatness. The verse also reassures us of His enduring mercy, reminding us that God's love is constant and unwavering.
What is the meaning of 'by wisdom made the heavens' in Psalms 136:5?
The phrase 'by wisdom made the heavens' indicates that God's creation of the universe is a result of His thoughtful and intelligent design, showcasing His power and understanding in crafting the cosmos.
How does Psalms 136:5 relate to God's mercy?
Psalms 136:5 connects God's wisdom in creation with His mercy, suggesting that just as He thoughtfully created the heavens, His love and kindness towards us are constant and everlasting.
What themes are present in Psalms 136:5?
The themes in Psalms 136:5 include God's wisdom, the beauty of creation, enduring mercy, divine love, and the importance of gratitude and trust in God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.