Psalms 104:3

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 104:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; Who maketh the clouds his chariot; Who walketh upon the wings of the wind;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; Who maketh the clouds his chariot; Who walketh upon the wings of the wind;
Psalms 104:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 104

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; Who maketh the clouds his chariot; Who walketh upon the wings of the wind;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters, etc.] Or “his upper rooms” f1444; one story over another being built by him in the heavens, (<300906>Amos 9:6), the chambers where he resides; his courts, as the Targum; his palace and apartments, his presence chamber particularly, the floor and beams of them are the waters bound up in the thick clouds; or the region of the air, from whence the rain descends to water the hills, as in (<19A413>Psalm 104:13). Who maketh the clouds his chariot; to ride in; in these sometimes Jehovah rides to execute judgment on his enemies, (<231901>Isaiah 19:1) and in these sometimes he appears in a way of grace and mercy to his people, (<021321>Exodus 13:21…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters - The word here rendered “layeth” - from קרה qârâh - means properly to meet; then, in Hiphil, to cause to meet, or to fit into each other, as beams or joists do in a dwelling. It is a word which would be properly applied to the construction of a house, and to the right adjustment of the different materials employed in building it. The word rendered “beams” - עליה ‛ălı̂yâh - means “an upper chamber, a loft,” such as rises, in Oriental houses, above the flat roof; in the New Testament, the ὑπερῷον huperōon, rendered “upper room,” Acts 1:13; Acts 9:37, Acts 9:39; Acts 20:8. It refers here to the chamber - the exalted abode of God - as…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Waters - In the waters above the heavens, as they are called, Gen 1:7. Psalms 104:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“104:3 This poetic portrayal envisions the clouds as beams that support heaven.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Who layeth: Psa 18:10, Psa 18:11; Amo 9:6 maketh: Isa 19:1; Mat 26:64; Rev 1:7 walketh: Psa 18:10, Psa 139:9; Sa2 22:11; Nah 1:3 Psalms 104:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification