Old Testament
Psalms 72:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They shall fear you as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Compare translations
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
What Psalms 72:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse expresses a deep reverence and respect for God that is meant to last as long as the sun and moon shine in the sky. It emphasizes the idea that God's authority and presence are eternal, and that people should maintain a sense of awe and fear towards Him across all generations. The imagery of the sun and moon symbolizes stability and continuity, suggesting that just as these celestial bodies are constant, so too should be the reverence for God. This fear is not about being scared, but rather about recognizing God's greatness, power, and holiness. It calls for a lasting relationship with God that transcends time, encouraging believers to instill this respect in future generations. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God in our lives and passing that reverence on to others, ensuring that it remains a central part of faith for all time.
How to apply Psalms 72:5 to your life
To apply this verse, we should cultivate a deep respect for God in our daily lives and encourage others, especially younger generations, to do the same. This can be achieved through teaching, sharing personal experiences of faith, and modeling a life that honors God. Regular worship and prayer can help maintain this reverence.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 72:5
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 72:5
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 72:5 mean?
Psalms 72:5 expresses a call for people to have a lasting reverence for God, comparing it to the enduring presence of the sun and moon. It emphasizes that this respect should continue through all generations, highlighting God's eternal authority.
What is the meaning of 'fear you' in Psalms 72:5?
'Fear you' in Psalms 72:5 refers to a deep respect and reverence for God, rather than being scared. It signifies recognizing God's greatness and holiness, encouraging a relationship built on awe and honor.
How can I apply Psalms 72:5 in my life?
To apply Psalms 72:5, focus on cultivating a deep respect for God in your daily actions and encourage others, especially younger generations, to do the same through teaching and personal example.
What themes are present in Psalms 72:5?
Psalms 72:5 includes themes of reverence for God, eternal authority, generational faith, divine respect, and the continuity of worship, all illustrated through celestial imagery.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.